Ber : Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Badara, commonly known as Ber, is an extremely effective remedy against a bunch of diseases. A vitamin-rich fruit, Ber, is delicious and can be incorporated into your daily diet to ensure great health. Ber contains a variety of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, B1, and B2.

Ber can also be consumed in the form of Ber seed powder or Ber tea to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. The antipyretic property of Ber leaves can be very useful against fever. You can also make a mask out of Ber fruit powder and honey for protection against skin infection and injuries. Ber can be utilized in several forms such as Ber tea, Ber powder, Ber paste, Ber fruit mask, etc. Utilizing these products can help you immensely.  

It is, however, recommended that consumption of Ber should be avoided during the cold weather. Excessive consumption of Ber can also lead to stomach pain or abdominal discomfort.

The scientific term for “Ber” is Zizyphus mauritiana. Meanwhile, in Ayurveda, Ber is referred to as Badara. Different names across varying regions know ber. These include Barkoli, Beir, Azifum, Borice jhad, Kol beir, among others.

Historical uses of Ber

The consumption of Ber can be traced back to ancient times. Thanks to its numerous health benefits, Ber was consumed for a lot of reasons. Ber is a very nutrient-rich fruit and can be consumed to combat various ailments such as stomach pain, skin infection, etc.

Known as Badara in Ayurveda, it is often advised that Ber should be incorporated into our daily diets to boost health. Ber comes equipped with anti-pyretic property, antioxidant property, among others. 

Benefits of Ber in Ayurvedic treatment

A lot of Ayurvedic studies point towards the benefits of Ber. If you have a sleeping disorder, Ber's consumption can help you get rid of it. The vata balancing property of Ber will completely relax you and help you get some good sleep. The Deepan, Ushna, and Saarak properties of Ber can aid in weight loss. These properties can also boost immunity in humans. The Balya property of Ber helps in keeping your bones and teeth healthy. If you want glowing skin, why look for any other remedy? Thanks to Ber's Snigdha and Ropana properties, attaining glowing skin is an extremely easy process now.

Treating diseases/ health problems using Ber

• For diabetes

•  For bones and teeth

• For Hyperacidity

• For Constipation

• For Asthma

• For Piles

• For wound healing

• For hair loss

• For wrinkles

Forms of Ber in Ayurveda with recommended dosages

Ber is a nutrient-rich fruit that can be consumed in varying forms to offer protection against a wide range of ailments. Besides eating the fruit, you can also consume it in the form of Ber tea, Ber seed powder, among others. Mask made out of this fruit can sooth your skin and made you glow. Here are the different forms in which you can consume Ber.

• Ber Fruit: You can eat Ber fruit for breakfast. These are small fruits, and you can consume 4-5 fruits every day. 
• Ber Tea: Ber tea offers great relief in a lot of scenarios. Add 2 cups of water to a large pot. Add some cinnamon and crushed ginger to the same. Make a deep cut into the fruit and add the same into the water. Let it simmer for 4 hours on a low flame. Strain the liquid before you drink this concoction. 
• Ber Seed powder: Take a glass of lukewarm milk and add 2-3 teaspoons of Ber seed powder to the same. Make sure to mix this concoction really well. Many doctors and physicians recommend ber seed powder for the huge array of health benefits that it has to offer.
• Ber fruit mask: You can make a mask out of Ber fruit powder and honey. Apply it evenly to derive the best results.

Types of Ayurvedic care with Ber

• Ber powder: Numerous studies point towards the advantages of Ber powder. For instance, in the case of Piles, Ber can be used to provide relief from the burning sensation. Ber powder can also help against hair loss. You can also make a fruit mask out of the Ber fruit powder to achieve beautiful glowing skin.

Tips:

1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder. You can also decide on the amount of powder as per your requirements.
2. Pour the powder into 2-4 cups of water.
3. Boil this concoction until the volume reduces to half.
4. Filter this concoction and mix it with 2-5 liters of water in a small tub.
5. Take a sitz bath for at least 15-20 minutes.
6. Repeat this process daily to control burning and swelling from piles.

• Ber Paste for hair: When applied on hair, Ber paste can work wonders. Here’s how you should apply this paste to boost hair growth and remove excess dryness.

Tips:

1. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Ber fruit or leaves powder and mix it with coconut oil.
2. Take the paste and carefully apply it to the hair and scalp to cover completely.
3. Leave it for 1-2 hours. Wash it off with plain water.

• Ber pastes for skin: Ber is oily in nature and can protect your skin against wrinkles. Here are some tips for the same.

Tips:

1. Make a paste using ½ -1 cup of Ber fruit and coconut oil.
2. Apply a generous amount of this on the affected area.
3. Applying this paste once or twice a day can protect your skin against wrinkles.

• Ber fruit face mask: A mask made from Ber fruit can be used to sooth and cleanse your skin.

Tips:

1. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder.
2. Add honey to make a paste.
3. Apply it evenly over your face.
4. Keep the mask on for at least 4-5 mins before washing it off with tap water.
5. Apply this mask on a regular basis to cleanse your skin effectively.

FAQs about Ber

• Can Ber be eaten during pregnancy?

View of science experts

Due to the lack of scientific evidence, it is recommended that individuals should consult a doctor before consuming Ber during pregnancy.

• Can Ber help you to sleep better?

View of science experts:

Ber has sedative property due to the presence of Spinosin and Swertish. This property can help you sleep better by managing insomnia. It induces sleep by calming your brain.

View of Ayurvedic experts:

The imbalance of Vata Dosha can interfere with your sleeping habits. Therefore, the vata balancing property of Ber can be extremely beneficial in the case of a sleeping disorder. Ber will not only relax the nerves in the brain but also promote a healthy sleeping lifestyle.

• Can Ber help in weight loss?

View of Science experts:

A fiber-rich fruit, Ber can increase the fecal mass. Ber can also help in easy passage of stool. Regular consumption of Ber can boost fat removal through fecal matter. This fat removal, on the other hand, can bring down triglyceride levels in your body. Ber also boosts metabolism. Improved metabolism can help in managing weight.

 View of Ayurvedic experts:

Poor digestion can result in the formation and eventual accumulation of excessive fat and Ama. Ama refers to toxins that stay back in our body as a result of incomplete digestion. The Deepan, Ushna, and Saarak properties of Ber can help you to digest your food properly. It will also aid in the removal of excess fat or Ama.

Tips:

1. Add 2 cups of water to a large pot.
2. Take a small piece of cinnamon and add it to the water.
3. Add some crushed ginger.
4. Let the concoction simmer on a low flame for 4 hours.
5. Strain the liquid before drinking. Drinking this concoction on a daily basis can boost metabolism and help you control your weight.

• How can Ber help in strengthening your immune system?

View of science experts:

Ber has an immunomodulatory property that can strengthen your immune system. The free radicals in our bodies can result in cell damage. Ber has antioxidant properties that can not only prevent cell damage but also strengthen your immune system.

View of ayurvedic experts:

Poor digestion might result in a weakening of the body's immunity. Nutrient deficiency may lead to a lot of troubles in our bodies. The Deepan, Ushna, and Saarak properties of Ber can help in strengthening immunity. Improved digestion will not only help us to combat nutrient deficiency but also strengthen our health and immunity.

• How does Ber help in keeping bones and teeth healthy?

View of scientific experts:

Ber is very rich in calcium.A lot of scientific studies reveal that calcium-rich Ber can strengthen your bones and teeth.

View of ayurvedic experts:

Ber has Balya or strength provider property. As a result of this property, Ber can help you attain healthy bones and teeth.

• How can Ber help against diabetes?

View of science experts:

A lot of scientific research points towards the blood sugar lowering effect of Ber. Ber comes equipped with antioxidant property. This property of Ber can be extremely helpful against complications borne out of diabetes.

• What are the benefits of Ber leaves?

View of science experts:

Ber leaves have anti-pyretic or fever-reducing properties. The leaves can also help in weight management. The advantages of Ber leaves are, therefore, manifold.

• How can Ber help in healing wounds?

View of science experts:

Ber promotes wound contraction and closure. Collagen, the production of which can be aided by Ber, can repair your wounds very easily. Ber also possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

• How can Ber help you in getting glowing skin?

View of Science experts:

Ber is well-equipped with antioxidant property. This can help you to get glowing skin. The antioxidant property containing constituents can slow down the aging process. Ber contains fatty acids that can aid in skin lightening and tightening. Ber will completely rejuvenate your skin, thanks to the blood purifying and moisturizing properties of the same. You can resort to applying Ber leaf extract on your skin for smooth skin and improved skin texture.

View of ayurvedic experts:

Ber is oily in nature. This Snigdha (oily) and Ropana (healing) properties can help you to attain glowing skin. Ber is the answer to all of your skin problems as it can help get rid of wrinkles and can also heal wounds.

Tips:

1. Make a paste out of ½ - 1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder and honey.
2. Take a generous amount of this paste and apply it to your skin evenly.
3. Wait for around 4-5 minutes before washing the paste off.
4. You can apply this paste to your face on a regular basis in order to cleanse your skin effectively.