Peepal (Sacred Fig) (Ficus religiosa): One of the world's most sacred trees — revered in Buddhism and Hinduism, rich in medicinal value.
🔍 Quick Facts
| Common name | Peepal (Sacred Fig) |
| Other names | Peepal, Pipal (Hindi); Arasa maram (Tamil); Raavi (Telugu); Ashvattha (Sanskrit) |
| Scientific name | Ficus religiosa |
| Plant family | Moraceae (fig family) |
| Size | 15–25 m tree |
| Native region | Indian Subcontinent |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Ease of growing | Moderate |
| Parts used | Bark, Leaves, Fruit, Roots |
About Peepal
The peepal is the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and in the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says "among trees I am the Ashvattha". Its heart-shaped leaves end in a long "drip tip" that sheds rainwater. A popular belief holds that the peepal releases oxygen at night; in reality, like other trees, it photosynthesises in daylight and respires at night.
Botanically known as Ficus religiosa, it belongs to the Moraceae family. It is native to Indian Subcontinent and grows best in a tropical climate. The parts most often used are the bark, leaves, fruit and roots.
Traditional & Ayurvedic Uses
Peepal is best known for:
- Asthma
- Constipation
- Wound healing
- Memory
- Skin diseases
Most of these uses come from Ayurveda and folk medicine. Where we know of good clinical evidence, or of a specific safety concern, we say so in the overview, precautions and FAQs on this page.
How Peepal Is Used
- Bark decoction is used in Ayurveda as an astringent for skin and gum problems.
- Leaves are used in folk remedies for constipation and minor wounds.
- Leaves are central to Hindu and Buddhist rituals.
How to Grow Peepal
| ☀️ Sunlight | Full sun. |
| 💧 Watering | Hardy once established. |
| 🪴 Soil | Adapts to most soils. |
| 🌱 Propagation | Seeds (often dispersed by birds) or cuttings. |
| 📅 When to plant (India) | Plant with the monsoon. |
| 🏡 In pots / at home | Bonsai only. Seedlings often sprout in wall cracks and should be removed early — the roots damage masonry. |
Precautions & Safety
- Latex can irritate skin.
- Roots are destructive to buildings — never plant close to a house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Further Reading on Peepal
Written by the WhyOnPlanet editorial team · Last updated October 2026