Elaeocarpus ganitrus - Rudraksha

Rudraksha, Elaeocarpus ganitrus

Rudraksha or Elaeocarpus ganitrus, is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree whose seed is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism and Buddhism. The seeds are known as rudraksha, or rudraksh, Sanskrit: rudrākṣa ("Rudra's Tear Drops"). Rudraksha may be produced by several species of Elaeocarpus.

Description

Elaeocarpus ganitrus grows in the area from the Gangetic plain in the foothills of the Himalayas to South-East Asia, Nepal, Indonesia, New Guinea to Australia, Guam, and Hawaii. Rudraksha seeds are covered by an outer husk of blue colour when fully ripe, and for this reason are also known as blueberry beads. The blue colour is not derived from pigment but is structural.[4] It is an evergreen tree that grows quickly. The rudraksha tree starts bearing fruit in three to four years. As the tree matures, the roots buttress rising up narrowly near the trunk and radiating out along the surface of the ground.

Uses

• E. ganitrus is the principal species used in the making of organic jewellery or mala.
• It is being used in vata and pitta disturabances or abnormalities.
• It is used in decreasing the heat in the body.
• It also helps in maintaining the blood density.

Common name

• English - Woodenbegar
• Kannada - ರುದ್ರಾಕ್ಷ
• Hindi - रुद्राक्षि

External Links

• Elaeocarpus ganitrus-Wikipedia