BILIMBI (Averrhoa bilimbi Linn)

The Bilimbi tree belongs to the plant family, Oxalidaceae.  It is a tree about four to eight meters high.  The branches have a rusty-red color.  The pinnately compound leaves have slightly hairy leaflets, which may vary from 11-35 in number.  The flowers found on the trunk and branches are in clusters and are reddish or purple in color.  The fruit is oblong, fleshy, yellow when ripe, very juicy and sour.  It grows in tropical countries.

Medicinal Use

·         Prevents and cures scurvy, strengthens stomach and lowers body heat.

·         Itches and skin diseases

·         Pimples and rheumatism.

·         Inflammation of the rectum.

·         Cough and fungal disease of mouth and throat.

·         Beriberi and biliousness.

·         Fever, haemorrhage of stomach and bowels

How to Use

· The fruits are eaten to prevent and cure scurvy, strengthen stomach and lower the body heat.

·  The leaves made into a paste are applied to itchy skin and skin diseases.

·   The same paste is also used for pimples, rheumatism and applied topically.

·  The infusion of the fresh leaves is used for inflammation of the rectum.

·  The flowers are given in infusion for cough and fungal disease of the mouth and throat.

·  The pure juice of the fruit is recommended in case of beriberi which is characterized by weakness and nerve damage, and in biliousness which is the excessive secretion of bite.

·   The fruit made into a syrup is good for fever and haemorrhage or profuse bleeding of the stomach and bowels.

Parts Used

The leaves, flowers, and fruit.

Dose

Leaves are flowers, 40 to 50 grams for 1 liter of water.  For infusion, 4 to 5 cups a day.  Fruit juice, 30 ml. at a time, 8 times a day.