The Indian fir tree has pleasantly rich greenery & covered with pleasing light green- yellowish flowers. It is very attractive, long, erect evergreen tree of 15-20 meters height. The leaves are 15cm long & of oblong shape. The leaves are copper brown in colour when tender & as the leaf grows, the colour turns to light green & finally to shiny deep green in colour. The flowering season of this tree is around February to May. The scientific names of this tree are; moon longifolium, the false ashoka, polyalthia longifolia etc. There are two varieties of Ashoka tree; (1) Asoka or the Sarcosa Asoca & (2) False Ashoka or Indian fir.
In Sanskrit, the Indian fir tree is known as “अशोकः”. The other names of the tree in Sanskrit are - अशोकपल्लवः & हेमपुष्पः. The meaning of the word अशोकः is without sorrow or that which gives no grief. The tree has many other names in local languages as well such as; Sita Ashoka & Devdaar in Hindi; & Asopalav in Gujarati. The Indian fir tree (अशोकः) is considered as a sacred tree in the countries like India, Nepal & Sri Lanka. This tree has a strong religious association & holds invaluable importance in Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. This tree is also considered as a symbol of love. Its leaves are mostly used in decorating the entrances of the temples, houses, workplaces etc. & also used for other ornamental decoration purposes.
Significance of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) –
The Indian fir tree (अशोकः) is given prime importance in ancient Hindu culture, art & sculpture. According to the Ramayana, goddess Sita was brought to the Ashoka Vatika (a garden of the Indian fir trees) in Lanka by Ravana. There is also a mention of Lord Hanuman meeting goddess Sita for the first time in that same Ashoka Vatika (a garden of the Indian fir trees). The Indian fir tree (अशोकः) is also sacred for Buddhism as Gautam Buddha was born under this tree in Lumbini Garden. It is also considered pious in Jainism as, Lord Mahavira abandoned this world by sitting under the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) in Vaishali.
According to the Indian Astrology, this tree takes away the pain & sorrow of the individual & brings in the name, fame & prosperity. This tree also has power to solve the financial problems. Pouring water to the Indian fir tree (अशोकः), ward off the financial problems. Lighting a ghee lamp under this tree, attracts good health & wealth in life. By hanging the garland of the leaves of Indian fir tree (अशोकः) on the main door, brings in the positive atmosphere to the house. This is the reason why Hindus hang the garlands made of the Indian fir tree leaves on the main door of the house before performing any ritual or during every auspicious ceremony. It is considered as the symbol of love & attracts positivity & prosperity in the house.
Scientific benefits of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) –
The seeds, bark, roots & the flowers of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) have many medicinal properties. The seeds, flowers & bark of this tree are widely used in making many capsules in India for treating different kinds of health disorders. It contains haematoxylin, tannin, iron, catechol, silica, potassium, magnesium, calcium, glycoside & many more & thus helpful in curing many diseases. Following are some of the health benefits widely used in Medicinal & Ayurvedic sciences;
1. The leaves, flowers & bark of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) has antibacterial properties which are used in treating bacterial infection.
2. The application of dried stem, bark & flowers of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) are used in healing any joint pain.
3. It is also beneficial in curing a fungal infection, skin burns & skin allergies.
4. It is also effective in treating itching in case of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.
5. It cures diarrhoea & reduces the risk of forming the stone in the kidney.
6. The dried flowers of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) are used in making capsules to cure diabetes.
7. It is also helpful in removing worms & comforts from stomach bloating, irritations or burning.
8. It is useful in reducing excessive bleeding & urinary infection.
9. It can be used to cure the piles & bleeding piles too.
10. It is effective in improving digestion & boosts metabolism.
11. It has ability to kill all infectious agents & helps to boost immunity.
12. It is useful in removing toxins of the body & thus purifies the blood.
13. The Indian fir tree (अशोकः) is an astringent & analgesic agent. Astringent property is used to treat womb problems along with other medicine. It is highly effective in stimulating the uterus, endometrial & ovarian tissues.
14. It also helps in managing excessive bleeding during menstruation, controls abdominal pain during menstruation & treats menstrual imbalance.
15. Its flowers have anti-cancer properties, thus effective in treating all types of cancer.
16. The paste of the roots of the Indian fir tree (अशोकः) can also be used as a face wash. It rejuvenates the skin & improves the complexion.
17. The bark of the tree is also useful in treating scorpion bite.
18. Its roots are rich in calcium thus; it is useful in treating calcium deficiency & helps building strong bones.