Terminalia is a type of tropical tree in the Combretaceae family that encompass about 100 species. It is a deciduous riparian tree native to India, but likewise discovered in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and some other Asian countries. Its unique title derives from the Latin word “terminus,” meaning “end,” denoting the fact that the trees in Terminalia have leaves at the end of their shoots. Terminalia arjuna is an associate of Terminalia that’s frequently known as the Arjun tree or just Arjuna. It also has several other common titles in India, where it originates.
Terminalia is a timeless tree that can increase to a height of 85 feet. It has a broad spreading crown and a supported trunk with a flat bark. The subtle, yellow flowers blossom in the spring, and the fruits grow to a length of more than one inch in the fall. The leaves serve as a food source for moths that make commercially vital silk. Also, the tree is planted to provide shade, particularly in coffee plantations.
Terminalia has been of great use in the Ayurveda procedure of traditional medicine since the 7th century. All segments of the plant are used, generally as a milk decoction. Physicians of Ayurveda usually use Terminalia for bleeding and cardiovascular diseases (Chauhan, 2019).
In this article, we will discover some of the popular health benefits of Terminalia Arjuna.
Improves Heart Disease
Arjuna is regarded as an eminent heart stimulant and cardio-safeguarding herb. Arjuna is helpful in handling heart diseases as it acts as a cardiotonic and delivers great strength to the heart muscles. Certain elements such as tannins and glycosides present in Arjuna bark have an antioxidant quality that safeguards the heart muscles and blood vessels against injury caused by oxygen free radicals, which are chemically active molecules that cause harm to the body’s cells. Arjuna also supports in the dilation of the blood vessels and dissolves the plaque (fatty deposits) to enhance blood flow. Thus, it is successful in reducing cardiac complications such as high blood pressure, due to its hyper-tensive properties.
The heart related benefits of Arjuna does not just end there.
It also helps with the recovery of people who have experienced a heart attack or angina at some stage in their life.
Moreover, this herb is found to be beneficial in refining the signs of congestive heart failure. It is an ailment where the heart is unable to force enough blood to meet the body’s oxygen necessity, which has the indications such as shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent cough or sneezing, irregular heartbeat (Chauhan, 2019).
Provides Protection to the Gut
Arjuna aids the delicate gut system by reinforcing and maintaining the integrity of gastric mucosa (the lining of the stomach). This is of vital importance as it protects against acid attacks which can lead to indigestion and clarifies why various traditional societies use Arjuna bark as an antacid and digestive tonic.
This multitalented herb also has powerful antibacterial qualities, making it predominantly effective against helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), a famous bacteria that can live in the digestive tract and cause ulcers, gastritis and other stomach infections.
Promotes Fractural Healing
Fracture healing is a complex process. However, with the help of Arjuna, the healing process’s complexity can be reduced. It has been found that when the mixture of the Arjuna bark is put over fractures, it helps to encourage primary healing.
Terminalia Arjuna Helps Prevent Diarrhea
Arjuna is perceived to be useful in managing diarrhea. Some elements found in Arjuna has antimicrobial and astringent qualities. It also has an antibacterial quality that controls the intestinal infection triggered by microorganisms. It regulates the gut movement and avoids extreme loss of water and electrolytes from the body.
Beneficial for Liver and Kidney Health
The strong antioxidants present in Arjuna also function to promote liver and kidney function, by aiding these body structures to remove toxins from the body whilst improving bile production in the liver. It strengthens and protects the liver and kidneys by boosting antioxidative activities and is especially specified in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
By Natasha Hindurangala
Bibliography
Chauhan, V. (2019). Health Benefits of Terminalia Arjuna. Retrieved 4 November 2020, from https://ayucliniko.com/articles/health-benefits-of-terminalia-arjuna/
Image Reference
Cover Photo : Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay
