A wild large tree reaching up to 30 meters in height, native to tropical Asia and Australia, is known as Gular in Sanskrit. It is counted in sacred trees intertwined with many stories in the Hindu mythology. It is given prominance as a means of acquiring prosperity and destroying foes. It symbolizes good luck and is also known as blue lotus in Buddhism

A wild large tree reaching up to 30 meters in height, native to tropical Asia and Australia, is known as Gular in Sanskrit. It is counted in sacred trees intertwined with many stories in the Hindu mythology. It is given prominance as a means of acquiring prosperity and destroying foes. It symbolizes good luck and is also known as blue lotus in Buddhism. In Ramayana, Lord Rama built a mythological Panchvati garden with banyan, peepal, gular, pakad and ashok tree. Gular is sacred to Hindus and its wood is included in various homas, pujas and rituals. The Gular tree is compared to Vishnu and is also one of the 1000 names of Vishnu.
The rich green foliage provides a good shade. The bark is reddish grey and often cracked. The fruit resemble the figs and are green when raw, turning orange, dull reddish or dark crimson on ripening. The seeds are tiny, innumerable and grain like. 
The tree has several therapeutic uses mentioned in the traditional system. Different parts of tree are used as an anti-inflammatory and blood-purifyer. The tree also bears anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-pyretic properties. It is supposed to heal fractured bones and wounds, improves skin tone and complexion and relieves burning sensation. 
Its bark, leaves and fruits are used externally and internally to treat various diseases. Root is reported to be useful in dysentery.  Its latex is administered in piles and diarrhoea. Leaves are useful in dysentry and diarrhoea. The fruits are edible and nutrient rich. They grow in clusters and so, the tree is known as cluster fig tree. The fruit is an excellent source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and it is high in calcium to strengthen bones. It is also a good source of potassium to balance fluid levels in the body. Ripe fruit is fiber rich and increases the bulk of feaces. Unripe fruit is used for culinary purposes. 
7 HEALTH BENEFITS
1. Wound healing 
Decoction of dry bark along with barks of pippal and vatvriksha is administered orally as well as used for cleaning the wound due to its antiseptic property.
2. Gum Health
Decoction of dry bark of udumbar and honey or its infusion is used as mouthwash for gargles in spongy gums and pyorrhoea. 
3. Sore throat
Decoction of dry bark is used for gargles in soreness of throat. 
4. Diabetes
The decoction of  its bark and gokhuru seeds is helpful in reducing the frequency of urination.
5. Leucoderma
Local application of udumbar bark and bakuchi seeds powder is beneficial in restoring the natural colour of skin in the patients of leucoderma.
6. Acne and freckles
Paste of bark powder, mulethi and lodhra is used as a face mask to get relief from pigmented spots of acne and freckles.
7. Burning micturition
The bark is used as decoction to relieve the symptoms. 
8. Bleeding piles
The infusion of bark is very beneficial in controlling the bleeding  and inflammation of piles.
Classical formulations
Panchvalkaladi kwath, Chandanasava, Vrana shodhana kshaya,  Nyagrodhadi lepa, Chandanadi taila.
Dosage of gular bark powder is 8 to10 gm and of decoction is 100 to 200 ml per day. 

Assistant Professor,
Department of Dravyaguna
Dayanad Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar-8 Mob.:9166034100