Grewia optiva, commonly known as Beul or Bhimal, is a versatile, multipurpose tree native to the subtropical regions of the Western Himalayas, including parts of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is a deciduous, small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall, and its importance lies in its various uses in agroforestry, traditional medicine, and as a source of fodder, fiber, and fuel. Its botanical name, Grewia optiva, is often used interchangeably with its synonym, Grewia oppositifolia.
Names in Different Countries and Terminology
Grewia optiva is known by various vernacular names, reflecting its widespread use and cultural significance across different regions.
India: It is most commonly known as Bhimal, Beul, Bihul, or Dhaman in Hindi and other local languages. The Sanskrit name is Dhanvanah or Todana.
Nepal: In Nepal, it is referred to as Bheemal, Bhevul, or Syaal Phusre.
Pakistan: It is also found in the northern territories of Pakistan.
Other: The genus name, Grewia, was given in honor of the English plant physiologist, Nehemiah Grew. The term dhanvanah in Sanskrit refers to a medicinal plant and is also associated with a bow, likely due to the wood's elasticity.
Availability
Grewia optiva is naturally found in the sub-Himalayan regions at altitudes ranging from 500 to 2500 meters. It grows in a variety of soils, though it prefers moist, sandy loam. The tree is often seen in and around villages, at the margins of fields, and along roadsides, and is a significant component of traditional agroforestry systems. It is also cultivated for its various uses, especially as a fodder crop. The seeds and other plant parts are available for purchase from local suppliers and exporters, particularly in regions where it is cultivated.
External Look
Grewia optiva is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a spreading crown.
Bark: The bark is dark brown, thick, and has a roughish texture, often peeling off in small woody scales. The branches are smooth and pale silvery-brown.
Leaves: The leaves are ovate (egg-shaped) with a pointed tip, and their margins are finely serrated. They are rough and hairy on the upper side and have a pale, velvety feel on the underside. They are typically 5-13 cm long.
Flowers: The flowers are small, yellow or pale yellow, and appear in clusters of one to eight on a single stalk.
Fruit: The fruit is a drupe (a fleshy fruit with a stony pit), which is small and lobed, typically with one to four lobes. It is olive-green when immature and turns black upon ripening. The ripe fruits are edible.
Healing Properties and Advantages Grewia optiva possesses a wide range of healing properties and offers numerous advantages due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds.
Healing Properties
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains phytochemicals like phenols and flavonoids that exhibit strong antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress. Its anti-inflammatory effects can be used to alleviate swelling and pain.
Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant, particularly the bark, have been shown to have antibacterial and antimalarial activities.
Digestive Health: The fibrous fruits are beneficial for digestive issues like constipation. Traditional use also includes the bark extract for indigestion and gastric problems.
Wound Healing: The bark paste is used as a plaster for fractures and for general wound healing. The mucilage found in the leaves, stems, and roots has soothing and healing properties.
Other Traditional Uses: It is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, dysentery, diarrhea, cough, eczema, and typhoid. The fruit is also used to promote fertility in females and in special diets for pregnant women and anemic children.
Advantages
Multipurpose: Grewia optiva is a versatile tree that provides fodder for livestock, fiber for ropes and clothing, and wood for fuel and timber. This makes it highly valuable in rural economies.
High Nutritional Value: The leaves are rich in nutrients and protein, making them an excellent fodder source, especially during the winter lean season.
Soil Conservation: Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it ideal for planting in hilly and sloped regions.
Drought and Frost Tolerant: The tree is hardy and can survive in harsh conditions, including frost and drought, which makes it a resilient species for agroforestry.
Uses and Using Way
The various parts of Grewia optiva are utilized in different ways, from traditional remedies to everyday products.
For Medicinal Purposes:
Bark: A crushed bark extract is consumed to treat indigestion and gastric problems. It is also used as a lubricant during difficult childbirth. A paste made from the bark is applied as a plaster for fractures in both humans and cattle.
Leaves: The leaves are applied topically to soothe eruptions and treat skin conditions.
Fruits: The ripe fruits are eaten to treat fever and are considered an excellent addition to a diet to boost immunity and digestion.
For Animal Fodder: The leaves are a highly prized fodder for livestock, particularly during the winter months when other green fodder is scarce.
For Fiber: The bark yields a strong bast fiber that is traditionally used to make ropes, cordage, and even clothing.
For Hair Care: The mucilaginous sap from the bark is used as a natural shampoo.
For Wood: The timber is hard and elastic, making it suitable for tool handles, oar shafts, and other items requiring strength and elasticity. The branches are also used as fuelwood.
Conclusion
Grewia optiva, or Bhimal, is an exceptional tree with a myriad of uses that extend far beyond a single application. Its significance in traditional medicine is supported by its rich phytochemical composition, which provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits. Beyond its healing properties, its role in agroforestry as a source of nutritious fodder, strong fiber, and resilient timber makes it a crucial resource for communities in the Himalayan region. As a multipurpose plant that thrives in challenging conditions, Grewia optiva stands as a testament to nature's bounty and offers valuable potential for sustainable agriculture and well-being.
