Plant Compendium: Bodhi Tree

Ficus religiosa – Bodhi tree

The Bodhi tree is revered throughout the world, particularly among Buddhist communities, as a tree with great spiritual significance. There is limited published information, however, about its use as a homeopathic remedy – with only a brief description in the Lotus Material Medica based on the work of a Dr Ghose in India who used it predominantly for the treatment of hemorrhages.

In our experience at the clinic, this remedy comes frequently indicated for those who require support and balancing of Virgo. If we go back to the mythology of the tree, it is the place where the Buddha received enlightenment. It brings peace, harmony, and an ability to master the mind through a meditative state. This is useful for people with excessive critical and intellectual focus who have difficulty living their imagination, inspiration and intuition.

The tree is majestic and nurturing. It spreads its long branches and roots out in a quintessentially Ficus fashion, providing the earth below with a protective canopy. It opens the way for a wise and expansive view that brings solace to many. It can also be helpful in the treatment of skin growths such as warts and excrescences.

The Ficus religiosa remedy we use at the Tirta Usada clinic is made in-house from extracts of the Bodhi tree that grows on our property. This tree was given to us by a Buddhist teacher who told us it was from a cutting of a Bodhi that grew in Bodhgaya.