Showing posts with label Sacred Trees in India. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sacred Trees in India. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Sacred Trees in India

By Liliana Usvat
Blog 228-365


India is widely recognised for the amalgamation of various religions and cultures. India is known as a land of spirituality and people across the world visit the country for spiritual solace. It is a country where you find the essence of religion and spirituality in every state including the age old architectures and temples. On a factual note, people in India especially Hindus are known to pay their respects to the nature, including animals and trees. 
 
For example, if you visit the temples of India, you would not be surprised to find the presence of peepal tree, which holds a significant place in the Hindu religion. Worshiping trees is not a strange practice in India. Few trees are said to be sacred, filled with spiritual powers and sometimes associated to the supreme deities. 
 
Trees such as peepal, coconut, bhang and sandalwood are worshiped in many states of India and have high regards in Hindu religion. The sacred trees are famously referred as 'kalpa-vriksha'. Apart from being worshiped, it also has certain medicinal benefits

Bael tree

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bael tree, also referred to as 'bilupatre' is associated with 'Lord Shiva', the God of Destroyer. Offering the leaf of this tree to the almighty is said to be very beneficial. The trifoliate leaves symbolise the functions of the almighty that is creation, preservation and destruction.
 
It can tolerate severe drought so is good for reforestation of arid areas.
 
Curative Properties

In the ancient medical treatise in Sanskrit mention all parts of this tree stem, bark, root, leaves and fruit. At all stages of maturity have been used as medicine. The fruit's medicinal value is very high when it just begins to ripen. The fruit is cooling and a laxative. It stops secretion or bleeding. The unripe fruit is good for digestion. It is useful in curing scurvy.

Ear Problems A home remedy for curing ear problems. A stiff piece of the root is dipped in neem oil and lighted. The oil that drips from the burning end. An effective medicine for ear problems. The antiseptic properties of neem combined with the astringent extract of bael root curing infection, chronic inflammation and discharge.

Respiratory Disorders The leaves gives relief from recurrent colds and respiratory inffections. A teaspoon oil should be massaged into the scalp before a head bath. Its regular use builds up resistance to colds and coughs. Theoil is prepared, juice extracted from bael leaves mixed with an equal quantity of gingelly or sesame oil and heated thoroughly. A few seeds of black pepper and half a teaspoon of black cummin are added to the heated oil. Removed from the fire and stored for use when necessary.

 
Constipation Ripe bael fruit isthe best of all laxatives. It clears and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for 2 or 3 months throws out even the old accumulated faecal matter. Taken in the form of sherbet, which is prepared from the pulp of the ripe fruit. After breaking the shell, the seeds are removed, with the contents spooned out and sieved. Milk and sugar are added to make it more palatable.

Diarrhoea and Dysentery
The unripe fruit is the most effective remedy for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. The bael fruit, when it is green is sliced and dried in the sun. The dried bael slices are powdered and preserved in airtight bottles.

Peptic Ulcer
An infusion from bael leaves are soaked overnight in water. This water is strained and taken in the morning. An effective remedy for peptic ulcer. . Bael leaves are rich in tannin which reduces inflammation and help in the healing of ulcers.
Peepal Tree 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Peepal tree are found in almost every temple of India; especially in South India. Peepal tree holds the highest rank among all holy Hindu trees. 
 
This tree is associated with Lord Vishnu, as the Puranas says that this tree is home to the trinity of Gods, the root being Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu and leaves represent Lord Shiva. Interestingly, peepal tree is also associated with Lord Shani too. In order to invoke the blessings of Shani Dev, water the
 
 Peepal tree on Thursday or Saturday. Apart from that wrapping sacred thread around the Peepal tree for seven times and enchanting Shani Mantra is said to take away the troubles of Saadhe Saatee. After wrapping the holy thread dont forget to light a lamp under the peepal tree. 
 
Curative Properties
 
Peepal leaves are of heart shaped and so does their use, the leaves of peepal trees are effective against many  heart disease.
 
Charge mobile with peepal leaves 
 
Its very Strange But True Very True.
Now, you do not require any mobile charger to charge your mobiles. Only there is need to use green leaf of peepal tree and after some time your mobile will get charged.
No soon the people came to learn this development; they tested it and found encouraging results. If your mobile has been discharged and you are inside a jungle then you need not to use any charger. You Should pluck two peepal leaves and your work would be done.
It is very good idea and easy to charge your mobile. You would have to open your mobile battery and connect it with peepal leaf. After that without shaking mobile set you should set the battery in your mobile set. After some time your mobile would be charged.  
 
 Bamboo tree 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sacred bamboo, also commonly known as nandina, is native to China, Japan, and India.
 
Bamboo tree is associated with Lord Krishna. According to the myths, the flute of Lord Krishna is said to be made of bamboo. Hence, bamboo tree is a symbol representing Lord Krishna and his flute. 
 
Sandalwood Tree 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sandalwood Tree, is not just known for its aroma and beauty benefits, but is also associated with the supreme powers. This tree is associated with Goddess Paravati because it is believed that she created Lord Ganesha out of sandalwood paste and her sweat. Hence it is considered to be very sacred. Sandalwood paste is widely used to worship Gods and Goddesses. 
 
On steam distillation of this heartwood Sandalwood oil is obtained that is widely used in perfumery, cosmetic and drug industries.
 
Sandalwood tree is adapted to a wide variety of soils with pH ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 with area temperature ranging from 5 to 50 degree Celsius. It is not region specific and can adapt to different environmental condition. The plantation-growth trees with irrigation and fertilization perform exceedingly well compared to natural forest condition. It grows on clay to sandy loam soil. 
 
The trees grow on poor soils, particularly on stony or gravelly soil, don't attain such large dimensions, but produce more highly scented wood, giving a better ield of oil. Naturally it has been found to grow in Deccan plateau at an altitude of 600 to 1050 m, with annual rainfall of 600 to 1000 mm, which is considered ideal for this species. The formation of heartwood seems to be best at between 600 to 900 m altitude.
Bhang Tree
 
Bhang Tree If you visit any place associated with Lord Shiva, you ought to find the sadhus having bhang. However, bhang tree is known to be really auspicious as it brings wealth and prosperity. You can find abundance of bhang leaves being offered to Lord Shiva during Mahashivratri festival. They are also used for making 'prasad'. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cannabis, ( Marijuana , Hemp , Bhang, Ganja ) was first brought down from the Himalayas by Lord Shiva to India -- from where it spread throughout the world.
 
Cannabis is also associated with Lord Krishna . In 4300 BC, he used to dance with the Gopikas ( the milkmaids ) in the Hemp fields of Brindavan.  
 
Cannabis is mentioned in our Atharva Veda of 5000 BC. Vedas will NOT propagate anything which harms man, the planet , the flora  or the  fauna or even the insects. 
 
Cannabis flowers are drunk with milk and yoghurt by almost everybody during the Indian festival of Holi.  
 
 
Coconut Tree
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In India, chopping down coconut tree is considered to be a bad omen. Coconut tree also called as "Kalpa Vriksha" is a well known scared tree, and is used for all auspicious moment of any pooja. This tree also represents Lord Shiva.
 
 The coconut tree grows well in saline soils but in areas having good sunshine and rainfall like the tropical sea coastlines, which offer high humidity which is very necessary for the growth of the coconut tree. The coconut tree lives from about 80 to 200 years.
 
"He who plants a coconut tree, plants food and drink, vessels and clothing, a home for himself and a heritage for his children" - South Seas saying

"If you could count the stars, then you could count all the ways the coconut tree serves us" - Philippine proverb

Health Benefits Of Coconut

Coconut is called a functional food as the health benefits far outweigh the nutrition it provides.
  • Preventing Obesity
Coconut consumption gives a feeling of fullness for a longer time thus preventing overeating. It also speeds up metabolism.
  • Benefits The Heart
Coconut contains medium chain fatty acids or MCFA mainly and some short chain fatty acids, which lower the risk of arterial clogging or atherosclerosis.
  • High Dietary Fiber
The 60 % non digestible dietary fiber helps in maintaining blood sugar levels and regulates bowel movements as well.
  • Low Glycemic Index
Coconut has a low glycemic index which means a slower release of glucose into the blood. This helps in keeping the blood sugar levels low. Additionally, this benefits by making a lesser demand of insulin from the pancreas.
  • A Rapid Energy Boost
Coconut is an excellent source of quick energy food. This results in less storage of body fat. It relieves chronic fatigue and improves thyroid function.
  • Removes Intestinal Worms
To remove worms, grind some coconut and eat this at breakfast time. After 3 hours, take 1 tbsp castor oil. Repeat till relief.
  • For Acidity
Coconut oil reduces acid production in the stomach and gives relief.
  • For Digestive Disorders
Eat the tender meat of coconut for relief from indigestion, ulcers, colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, and piles. Coconut water gives relief in dyspepsia, vomiting & bloating.
  • For Dry cough
Take 1 tbsp poppy seeds, milk & honey. Mix with coconut milk. Take this at bedtime to relieve smoker's cough too.
  • For Cholera
Mix 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice in a glass of tender coconut water. It reduces the acidity in the blood and restores the electrolyte balance.
  • For Urinary Problems
A natural diuretic, coconut improves the urine output and alkalises it too. It also relieves kidney and liver disorders.
  • For Skin Problems
Coconut oil from the meat of a ripe coconut is effective in relieving pain and healing burns and scalds.


links

http://mangalore4u.blogspot.ca/2010/01/charge-mobile-with-peepal-leaves.html

http://lotusleaf-gardentropics.blogspot.ca/2011_06_01_archive.html