Anjeer / Common Fig (Ficus Carica)

The common fig, or Ficus carica, is also known as Anjeer in Hindi and thrives best in hot, arid climates like those found in Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Brazil, and California. This can be consumed in a variety of ways, including as fresh or dried fruit in your daily diet. This plant is a type of tree that is 15 to 30 feet long and quite dense in nature; the only edible part is the fruit. It originated in the southwestern region of Asia and has since migrated to Europe and other parts of the world. Its edible fruits are fleshy and hollow.

General Information

This tree is significant in Indian mythology because it is worshipped there on holy occasions. It has traditionally used a variety of dietary and pharmacological medications. Anjeer is a fruit made of plants that grows on the Ficus tree. It has an odd flavor that is both sweet and stringy, and it can treat diabetes mellitus and regulate hormonal secretion thanks to its anti-inflammatory and inhibitory properties. Anjeer has increased the quantity of dietary fibers and is beneficial for its laxative effects, which aid in relieving constipation and encourage evacuation. Its medicinal qualities, which include flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols, among others, are used to treat a wide range of ailments. Almost all of this tree's parts, including the leaves, seeds, fruits, bark, and roots, are used to treat a wide range of illnesses.

Special Note About This Plant

Anjeer, also known as the Ficus tree, is used to treat a variety of skin conditions due to the presence of antioxidants. It also aids in the improvement of digestion thanks to its high fiber content and is used in severe constipation-like diseases. If the fruit paste is applied to the face with a small amount of honey, it can also treat hyperpigmentation and improve skin conditions.  These are just a few of the numerous advantages the Ficus tree may provide for those in need. This serves a variety of functions and can also be grown for decorative purposes.

Systemic Classification

• Botanical Name - Ficus Carica
• Family - Moraceae
• Genus - Ficus

Other Alternative Names

• Sanskrit - Phalgu, rajudumbar, Anjeer
• Hindi - Anjeer

Habitat

Since ancient times, people have grown this tree in deep, fresh soil. It also grows wild in rocky locations that are 1700–1800 meters above sea level. It often grows in porous, freely draining soil, but it can also flourish in soil that is nutritionally deficient. In cooler climates, the fig wasp can be used to pollinate this tree.

This type of huge, dense, shade tree grows to a height of 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet), and it has smooth, white bark.

• Leaves - Fragrant, deeply lobed (three or five lobes), and 12–25 cm (412–10 inches) long, wide, and long.
• Fruits - The fruit is tear-shaped, 1 to 2 inches long, and green when unripe; when mature, it becomes reddish or brown. It has soft flesh with many crunchy seeds and a pleasant flavor.

This plant, which is thought to be the first to be domesticated by humans, comes in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the climate and region where it is grown. This herb is widely distributed in the districts of Anantapur, Bellary, and Puna in India. Bellary is located in the country's south. It is less common in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Mysore.

Classical Categorization

• In the twenty-seventh chapter of the sutra sthana, Acharya Charak classified it as a phalgu herb, noting that it is utilized for tarpana (nutrition), brihamn (strengthening), guru (heavy to digest), and sheetalam (cold potency).
• In the 46th chapter of the sutra sthana, Acharya Sushrut also classified sutra sthana with the same characteristics, but he added one or two, such as its Madhur (sweet) and vishtimbh in nature.

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects On Doshas

• Due to its Madhur and Sheeta guna, it aids in balancing the Vata pitta dosha.
• This aids in eliminating the inflammatory symptoms.
• This helps keep the doshas flowing naturally while moisturizing the body.
• This herb also supports the health of the spleen in addition to being particularly helpful in hepatoprotection.
• This herb affects the pitta dosha and is used to cleanse the blood.
• This herb's Snigdha Guna causes it to have a Kapha nihsarak character.
• This herb aids in diuresis, has aphrodisiac properties, and also has laxative properties.

Practical Uses

• The inflammatory symptoms can be treated with the hot fruit paste.
• Acting on constipation helps to relieve dryness and maintains the flow of doshas that are located in the abdomen.
• Its fruits are utilized to relieve the roughness of the shwas vaha srotas, and this herb can aid in relieving chest burning.
• This is also used to treat fever and physical weakness.
• Additionally, it is utilized for calculus, renal colic, and indications of urine incontinence.
• By applying a paste made from its fruits to the affected area, numerous skin conditions such as burning across the skin and measles-like conditions can also be healed.

Dosage

• 1-2 fruits can lessen the impact of a variety of diseases.

Part used

• Fruits are used