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    Pimpal / पिंपळ / Sacred Fig / Peepal / Ficus religiosa

    Local Name: Pimpal / पिंपळ

    Common Name: Sacred Fig / Peepal

    Botanical Name: Ficus religiosa

    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

    Edible Parts

    • Edible Parts: Bark

    • Can be Eaten Raw: Leaves and fruits, yes.

    Method of Consumption

    • 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 & Medicinal Benefits

    • Nutritional Benefit: Rich in calcium.

    • Medicinal Benefit: Uterine Ailments, Excessive menstrual bleeding, Leucorrhea, Aphrodisiac, Constipation

    Tribal Wisdom

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

    Recipes

    • Tribal Recipe: 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.