Babul Tree

March 2023

Botanical name: Acacia nilotica

Common names: Babool or Babul, Kikar, Egyptian thorn, Thorn mimosa or prickly acacia, Gum arabic tree.

Vernacular names: Babura, Kikar, Babula in Hindi; Kari Jail, Kari gobli, Sharmeeruka, Pulai Jali in Kannada.

Babul, scientifically known as Acacia nilotica, is a tree that has been widely used for centuries in traditional medicine and various industrial applications. It is an evergreen tree with a distinctive thorny appearance and is native to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The Babul tree has many benefits and uses that make it an essential part of the environment and local cultures.

The Babul tree has a long and rich history in India, where it has been revered for its many uses and medicinal properties for centuries. The Babul tree was mentioned in ancient Indian texts, including the Vedas and the Charaka Samhita, as a medicinal plant with various therapeutic properties. It was used to treat a range of health conditions, including fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory ailments. The Babul tree was also considered sacred by many ancient Indian cultures, including the Jains, who believed that it was a symbol of the cycle of life and death. In Hindu mythology, the tree was associated with Lord Vishnu and was believed to have healing powers. The Babul tree continues to be an important medicinal plant in traditional Indian medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Unani. Its bark, leaves, and seeds are used to treat a range of health conditions, including diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory ailments.

Growth Habit of Babul tree:

The Babul tree is an evergreen tree that typically grows to a height of 5-20 meters (16-66 feet). It has a distinctive thorny appearance, with multiple branches and a crown that spreads outwards. The bark of the Babul tree is rough, dark brown, or grey and has vertical fissures. The leaves of the tree are compound, with small leaflets that are dark green and oval-shaped. The tree produces fragrant yellow flowers, which bloom between February and April and are followed by brown, flattened seed pods that are up to 12 cm long. The Babul tree has a deep root system, which enables it to survive in dry and arid regions. It is commonly found in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and has a wide range of traditional uses, including in medicine, tanning, and woodworking. The Babul tree is a valuable part of the environment, providing shelter and food for many species of animals and insects and helping to prevent soil erosion in dry regions.

Babul Tree

Uses of Babul tree:

The Babul tree has a wide range of uses and has been used for centuries for its medicinal and industrial properties. Here are some of the most common uses of the Babul tree:

1. Medicine:

Babul has many medicinal properties, and various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments. For example, the bark and gum of the tree are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other digestive disorders. The leaves and flowers are used as an astringent and to treat respiratory problems such as coughs and sore throats.

2. Tanning:

The bark of the Babul tree is high in tannins, which are used in the leather industry to tan animal hides and produce leather products such as shoes, belts, and bags.

3. Woodworking:

Babul wood is hard and durable and is used in furniture making, flooring, and construction. It is also used to make tools, such as handles for agricultural implements.

4. Environmental benefits:

The Babul tree is a valuable part of the environment, providing shelter and food for many species of animals and insects and helping to prevent soil erosion in dry regions.

5. Other uses:

Various parts of the tree, such as the bark, gum, and seeds, are also used in the production of dyes, perfumes, and adhesives.

Medicinal uses of the Babul tree:

The Babul tree has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various medicinal properties. Here are some of the most common medicinal uses of Babul:

1. Oral Health:

Babul bark has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it effective in treating oral health issues such as gum disease, gingivitis, and toothache. The bark can be chewed or made into a paste and applied to the affected area.

2. Digestive Disorders:

The Babul tree has been used to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ulcers. The gum of the tree is rich in soluble fiber and has a mild laxative effect. The bark is also used to reduce inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.

3. Respiratory Disorders:

The leaves and flowers of the Babul tree are used to treat respiratory disorders such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. The leaves and flowers are boiled in water to make tea, which is then consumed to provide relief from respiratory symptoms.

4. Wound Healing:

Babul bark has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which make it effective in treating wounds and preventing infection. The bark can be ground into a powder and applied topically to wounds to promote healing.

5. Diabetes:

The Babul tree has been used to treat diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. The bark and leaves of the tree are boiled in water to make tea, which is then consumed to help regulate blood sugar levels.

6. Anti-tumor properties:

Some studies have shown that extracts from the Babul tree have anti-tumor properties, which means that they may help to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. This effect may be due to the high levels of tannins and flavonoids found in the tree's bark, leaves, and seeds.

Overall, the Babul tree has many medicinal uses and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. However, it is important to note that the efficacy and safety of Babul as a medicinal herb have not been scientifically proven, and it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatments without consulting a healthcare professional.