Discover the powerful traditional Ayurvedic benefits of the banana tree.
Learn how banana flowers, stem, leaves, , and sap have been used for digestion, cooling, women’s health, skin care, and more.
Explore natural remedies, cultural beliefs, and home uses of this miracle plant.
For generations, Ayurveda has praised the banana tree as a plant with exceptional healing value. While most people eat only the fruit, few know that almost every part of the banana tree—its flowers, stem, leaves, root, and even the sap—has been used in traditional remedies.
In ancient households, dishes made from banana flowers, banana stem, tubers, and peels were common because they were believed to protect the body from various ailments.
Today, many people rely on fast foods and overlook these natural “food medicines.”
This article highlights the traditional uses of the banana tree so you can understand its cultural significance and share this knowledge with others.
Ayurvedic View: Properties of the Banana Tree
Different species of banana trees exist, but the commonly grown varieties are used in daily life. In Ayurveda, banana plant sap is considered cooling and soothing. It is traditionally believed to support urinary health, digestion, and reproductive strength.
Note: These are traditional beliefs, not scientifically proven medical claims.
Is It Good to Grow a Banana Tree at Home?
According to elders and traditional beliefs:
1 tree – auspicious
2 trees – moderate
3 trees – believed to cause imbalance
4 trees – believed to invite negativity
Hence, people traditionally prefer growing only one banana tree at home.
Traditional Uses of Different Parts of the Banana Tree
Below are traditional Ayurvedic folk remedies. They are not medical advice. Consult a doctor for health problems.
1. Banana Wafers
Traditionally believed to strengthen the body and support respiratory comfort.
2. Eating on Banana Leaves
Ayurveda recommends meals served on banana leaves for better digestion and freshness.
Traditionally believed to:
Calm the mind
Support respiratory wellness
Improve digestive fire
Enhance overall vitality
3. For Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Traditional remedy:
A fully ripe banana mixed with cow ghee (50 g) or buffalo ghee is consumed three times a day.
Believed to help balance menstrual flow.
4. Traditional Support for Female Reproductive Health
A mixture of amaranth juice, banana, honey, and jaggery is traditionally consumed twice a day.
Believed to support uterine health and fertility.
Amaranth Juice
This means the fresh juice extracted from amaranth leaves.
The leaves are washed, crushed or blended, and the liquid is strained to get the juice.
Amaranth Decoction
A decoction means a herbal boiled extract.
So amaranth decoction is made by boiling amaranth leaves in water until the water absorbs the nutrients and becomes slightly concentrated.
It is stronger than juice because it is prepared by boiling, not just crushing.
Note:
This is a traditional belief, not a medically proven cure for infertility. Women with fertility issues should consult a qualified doctor.
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5. For Minor Burns
Applying mashed ripe banana on minor burns is believed to reduce heat and provide cooling relief.
6. To Reduce Urinary Discomfort
Eating a small, soft ripe banana is traditionally believed to soothe the urinary system and cleanse the intestines.
7. For White Spots on Skin
Banana sap mixed with turmeric is applied externally in traditional practice.
8. To Reduce Body Heat
Juice extracted from the banana root, mixed with water, is believed to balance excess body heat.
9. For General Stomach Discomfort
Ash made from burning dry banana stem is mixed with water (1–2 g) and consumed traditionally to ease digestive issues.
10. For Difficulty Urinating
Banana root paste is traditionally tied around the lower abdomen to support natural urination.
11. For Asthma (Traditional Belief Only)
A mixture of banana and cow urine is mentioned in folk remedies for reducing bloating and supporting breathing.
(Modern medicine does not support this. Please consult a doctor.)
12. For Vaginal Discharge
Banana pulp powder (3–5 g) is traditionally consumed twice daily with good food.
Believed to help manage excessive discharge.
13. For Chronic Cough
A well in the center of a plantain is filled with pepper powder and consumed twice daily.
14. For Large Ulcers or Swellings
A mixture of soft banana, hot rice, and buffalo dung is applied externally in folk medicine.
(Not recommended medically today.)
15. For Poisoning Symptoms (Traditional Belief)
Banana leaf ash mixed with honey is consumed twice daily.
16. To Ease Childbirth (Traditional Belief)
Women tie a banana leaf around the waist to promote smoother labour.
17. To Restart Menstruation
Drinking banana leaf extract mixed with water is believed to help restore menstrual flow.
18. Dog Bite / Rabies (Traditional Belief)
Banana juice (30 g) mixed with agarwood powder (20 g) is consumed twice daily.
(Not scientifically supported. Rabies is fatal — seek immediate medical treatment.)
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