Aththi Pattai (Fig Tree Bark) – Complete Traditional Profile
What is Aththi Pattai?
- Aththi Pattai is the bark of the Aththi tree (Ficus racemosa), also known as Country Fig or Udumbara.
- Highly respected in Tamil Siddha medicine, Ayurveda, and rural spiritual practices.
- Often found near temples, ponds, and sacred groves in Tamil Nadu.
- Considered sacred and powerful, used in both healing and rituals.
- The bark is valued for its cooling, rejuvenating, and purifying effects. Click For More Product.
Themes of Aththi Pattai (Traditional & Spiritual Significance)
- Promotes healing and long life (Ayul Vaazhvu).
- Balances Pitha thegai, helping manage heat-related imbalances in the body.
- Used in ritual cleansing, to remove drishti, fear, or negative vibrations.
- Symbol of fertility and protection, used in rituals for women and children.
- Considered a grounding tree, bringing calmness and spiritual balance.
- Encourages moisture balance in the body, especially in dry or inflamed conditions. Click For purchase.
Internal Medicinal Benefits of Aththi Pattai
- Reduces Body Heat (Udal Soothu)
Cools the system naturally; ideal for those with hot body types or in summer months. - Blood Purifier
Helps cleanse the blood, reducing skin conditions like rashes, acne, and boils. - Supports Digestive Health
Relieves constipation, bloating, acidity, and promotes healthy bowel movement. - Postpartum Care
Traditionally included in pathiya marundhu to cool the body, cleanse the uterus, and promote internal healing after childbirth. - Regulates Menstruation
Used to help women with irregular, painful, or delayed periods—particularly in Pitta-related imbalances. - Reduces Inflammation and Ulcers
Soothes gastric and mouth ulcers; acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. - Tones Reproductive Organs
Strengthens the uterus and helps balance hormones in traditional use. - Boosts Immunity
Long-term use in small doses believed to strengthen the immune system and improve vitality.
External Medicinal Uses of Aththi Pattai
- Anti-Boil and Anti-Ulcer Application
Applied as a paste to treat boils, inflamed skin, and small wounds. - Relieves Burning Feet / Cracks
Powder mixed with water and used for foot soaks or applied to cracked heels. - Herbal Bath Additive
Used in bath powders (kuliyal podi) to cool the body, reduce itching, and balance skin pH. - Fumigation for Energy & Air Cleansing
Burned with neem and sambrani to purify the air and energetically cleanse the environment. Click For purchase.
Who Can Use Aththi Pattai?
- Safe for healthy adults during hot seasons or detox periods.
- Traditionally used by postpartum women to cool and cleanse the body.
- Pregnant women should avoid, as it may stimulate the uterus.
- Not recommended for young children unless advised by a Siddha practitioner.
- People with cold body types (vatha thegai) should combine with warming herbs like sukku.
How to Use – Dosage & Preparation
- Kashayam: 5g bark boiled in 200ml water (reduce to 1/3), taken 30–50 ml once or twice a day.
- Powder: ½ tsp with warm water or honey, taken in the morning.
- Paste: Mix with rosewater and apply to skin for boils or swellings.
- Foot soak: Add to warm water and soak feet for 15–20 minutes.
- Spiritual fumigation: Burn with neem and frankincense to cleanse space.
Precautions
- Avoid long-term internal use without proper guidance.
- Never consume during pregnancy due to uterine stimulation.
- Always use bark from clean, untreated trees.
- People with cold constitution should take with caution.
- Not a substitute for modern medicine in acute or chronic illnesses. Click For purchase.
Conclusion
Aththi Pattai is a multi-dimensional herbal bark honored in Tamil Siddha and folk traditions. Known for its cooling, cleansing, and fertility-enhancing properties, it plays a vital role in postpartum care, women’s wellness, blood purification, and spiritual rituals. Whether used in kashayam, baths, or drishti theertham, this bark embodies the timeless wisdom of Tamil maruthuvam. When used appropriately, it offers holistic benefits for body, mind, and spirit.
