Pimpal / पिंपळ / Sacred Fig / Peepal / Ficus religiosa

Other Names

Status & Habitat

Status: Common. Cultivable
Habitat: Tree
Occurrence: Deep, alluvial sandy loam with good drainage; shallow soils including rock crevices
Season of Availability: Summer season
Geography: Indian subcontinent
Method of Propagation: Seed and vegetative propagation
Part used for Propagation: Seeds and stem cutting. Air layering

Raw: Yes
Ripe: Yes
Both Raw & Ripe: Yes
Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw rest of the plant.
As Food: Leaves are eaten raw after washing; fruits are eaten raw and ripe; bark and leaf powder may be consumed with water.
As Medicine: Stem bark decoction is applied to wounds; leaf paste is applied to mouth ulcers; sap is applied to eczema.
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Not required
Boiling Before Cooking: Not required
Pickling: Yes
Brining: N/A
Fermenting: N/A
Drying for later Consumption: N/A
Overall Method: Leaves are eaten raw after washing; fruits are eaten raw and ripe; bark and leaf powder may be consumed with water.

Nutritional Benefit: Rich in calcium.
Medicinal Benefit: Uterine Ailments, Excessive menstrual bleeding, Leucorrhea, Aphrodisiac, Constipation

Tribal Wisdom: Stem bark decoction is applied to wounds; leaf paste is applied to mouth ulcers; sap is applied to eczema.

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Peepal sabji:
Wash the leaves and boil till soft. Add buttermilk to the leaves, according to taste. Add a little water and cook till the water is absorbed. Add salt. Serve with rice.