Baheda (Terminalia bellirica)

Description

Baheda, botanically known as Terminalia bellirica, is a medicinal deciduous tree from the Combretaceae family, native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. Also called Bahera, Behada, or Beleric, it has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for its wide range of health benefits. The dried, deseeded fruits are the main part used, recognized for supporting respiratory health, digestion, and relief from constipation, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and recurrent fever. The fruits are drupe-like, grey in color, ovoid in shape, and covered with fine pale hairs, enclosing a hard seed inside. Baheda is also one of the three key fruits in the renowned Ayurvedic formulation Triphala. Known for its rejuvenating, astringent, and mild laxative properties, Baheda holds an important place in traditional herbal medicine.