Koovalam (Aegle Mermelos) Ayurvedic Medicinal Herbs of India

March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Koovalam (Aegle mermelos) is a sacred tree to Indian Hindus. It is related to citrus and has many names in India. Koovalam (kuvalam) or vilmam are Malayalam names, while Bel or bael in Hindi, Kuvalum in Tamil, and Kumbala in Kannada. They are also known as golden apple, stone apple and such names in English.

It is used while offering prayers to Lord Shiva. It is also planted in the premises of temples.

It grows in almost all climatic conditions in wilderness. The tree is slow growing and reaches a maximum height of 8-9 meters. The pale green leaves are aromatic. The fruits can be oval or spherical and has the size of a large orange. Koovalam fruits are edible. People eat it either raw or make a good jam.

The bark of the tree is toxic. It can kill freshwater fish.

Koovalam fruit has astringent properties and regulate digestive functioning. It is also used in curing diarrhea and dysentery.

Koovalam is also known as Kovalam, Bael Fruit Tree, Bilva, Vilva, Siriphal, Baed and Bel.

Aegle marmelos belongs to the family rutaceae.