Photo: J.M.Garg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Bibhitaki बिभीतकी
Terminalia bellirica · Combretaceae
Also known as: Baheda, Bahera, Bibhitaka
Part used: Fruit
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is the second of the three fruits in Triphala. Ayurveda uses it chiefly for the respiratory tract — cough, congestion and hoarseness — and as a Kapha-clearing drug. Its name is read as "the one that keeps you free from disease", and it is the drying member of the Triphala trio.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Terminalia bellirica
- Part used: Fruit
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Fruit powder 2–4 g, usually within Triphala; also taken alone with honey for cough.
Bibhitaki in other languages
Introduction
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) is the second of Triphala's three fruits, prized for the eyes, hair, voice and lungs. Astringent and rejuvenating, it clears Kapha and supports the respiratory tract.
Classification
Of the Combretaceae family, Bibhitaki is grouped among the Rasayana and Chakshushya (eye-beneficial) dravyas. Its astringent taste, light-dry qualities and heating potency clear Kapha while nourishing the tissues.
Uses & benefits
One of the three fruits of Triphala. Bibhitaki is chiefly a Kapha drug, used for cough, hoarseness and congestion of the chest and throat, and classically described as Chakshushya — good for the eyes. It is also given in worm infestation and as a mild laxative within Triphala.
Bibhitaki for cough and congestion
Its principal use. Drying and Kapha-clearing, it thins thick phlegm and is the respiratory member of the Triphala group.
Bibhitaki for hoarseness
The fruit sucked or taken as a decoction is a classical remedy for a rough or lost voice — a use singers in India still rely on.
Bibhitaki for the eyes
Described as Chakshushya, used for tired and inflamed eyes both internally and as a wash.
Bibhitaki for hair
Used in hair oils and washes, traditionally to strengthen hair and reduce greying alongside Amalaki and Bhringraj.
Bibhitaki in Triphala
The drying, Kapha-reducing member. Triphala's balance depends on it as much as on Amalaki's cooling and Haritaki's movement.
Bibhitaki for digestion
Astringent and mildly laxative, used for irregular bowel habit within compounds rather than alone.
Bibhitaki for diarrhoea
Its astringency checks a loose stool, which sits alongside its mild laxative effect at different doses — a common pattern among the Terminalia fruits.
Bibhitaki for worms
Named among the Krimighna drugs in the classical texts.
Bibhitaki for asthma
Used in Shwasa where the picture is one of thick congestion rather than dry constriction.
Bibhitaki as a Rasayana
Taken as part of Triphala over long periods, contributing to its classification as a rejuvenative rather than merely a laxative.
Dosage — how much to take
Fruit powder 2–4 g, usually within Triphala; also taken alone with honey for cough. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Bibhitaki?
The citations held for Bibhitaki in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Haritakyadi Varga); Sharangdhara Samhita (Triphala).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Bibhitaki?
Described as Rasayana and Chakshushya. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Bibhitaki?
One of the three fruits of Triphala. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Triphala.
What is Bibhitaki traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
One of the three fruits of Triphala. Bibhitaki is chiefly a Kapha drug, used for cough, hoarseness and congestion of the chest and throat, and classically described as Chakshushya — good for the eyes. It is also given in worm infestation and as a mild laxative within Triphala.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Bibhitaki?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Bibhitaki classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Bibhitaki carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Bibhitaki is used medicinally?
The part used is Fruit.
How much Bibhitaki is taken, and how?
Fruit powder 2–4 g, usually within Triphala; also taken alone with honey for cough. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Bibhitaki be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Bibhitaki grow?
Bibhitaki is a large deciduous tree of the plains and lower hills across India and Southeast Asia.
Which classical formulations include Bibhitaki?
Triphala.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Haritakyadi Varga
Described as Rasayana and Chakshushya. - Sharangdhara Samhita — Triphala
One of the three fruits of Triphala.
Modern research
-
A randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled, dose-response clinical study of an aqueous extract of Terminalia bellerica in lowering uric acid and creatinine in chronic kidney disease subjects with hyperuricemia
(see source). BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2020)
A dose-response RCT reporting Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki) extract lowered uric acid and creatinine in CKD subjects with hyperuricemia.
View study doi:10.1186/s12906-020-03071-7 -
A randomized, double-blind, placebo- and positive-controlled clinical pilot study to evaluate standardized aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica in subjects with hyperuricemia
(see source). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2016)
A 24-week RCT (n=110) reporting standardized Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki, with T. chebula) extract reduced serum uric acid in subjects with hyperuricemia.
View study doi:10.2147/CPAA.S100521
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Bibhitaki is a large deciduous tree of the plains and lower hills across India and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bibhitaki used for?
Bibhitaki is used chiefly for the respiratory tract — cough, thick congestion, hoarseness and asthma — and as one of the three fruits in Triphala. It is also used for the eyes, hair and irregular bowel habit.
What is the dose of Bibhitaki?
Fruit powder 3–6 g per day with honey or warm water. As part of Triphala, typically 3–5 g at night. For hoarseness the fruit is traditionally sucked slowly rather than swallowed as a powder.
What are the three fruits in Triphala?
Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), classically in equal parts. Amalaki cools, Bibhitaki dries and clears Kapha, Haritaki moves the bowel — the balance is the point.
Is Bibhitaki the same as Baheda?
Yes. Baheda is the Hindi name and Bibhitaki the Sanskrit, both for Terminalia bellirica. In English it is called belleric myrobalan or bastard myrobalan.
Does Bibhitaki have side effects?
Well tolerated at classical doses within a compound. It is drying, so prolonged heavy use may aggravate Vata and cause dryness or constipation. Consult a physician in pregnancy. The seed kernel is not used and should not be eaten.
Can Bibhitaki be taken daily?
It is normally taken daily as part of Triphala rather than alone, and that combination is designed for long-term use. Taken singly it is better used in courses for a specific respiratory complaint.
Is Bibhitaki good for the lungs?
It is the respiratory member of the Triphala group, used for cough with thick phlegm, congestion and hoarseness. It suits a wet, congested picture rather than a dry, irritable cough, where a demulcent herb would be a better choice.
Part of: Triphala
