Health benefits of five sacred trees planted during Pitru Paksha 2026

Pitru Paksha runs for 15 lunar days from September 26 to October 10, serving as a time for families to honor ancestors through Tarpan while also planting five specific sacred trees that offer major health benefits.

Bael and Tulsi Trees

The Bael tree holds deep cultural respect, and its leaves are high in vitamins A, B, and C along with antioxidants like tannins and flavonoids that reduce inflammation and help support asthma and diarrhea. Tulsi, another key plant during this period, contains manganese, iron, and vitamins A and K, offering properties that fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi while helping lower stress and anxiety.

Peepal, Ashoka, and Banyan Trees

The Peepal tree represents longevity and healing, with its juice acting as a health tonic containing copper and manganese to help relieve coughs, asthma, and migraines, while its bark treats bone fractures and diabetes. The Ashoka tree provides healing properties used in Ayurveda to reduce pain, control blood sugar levels, remove kidney stones, and provide calming effects. Finally, the Banyan tree is India's national tree, rich in vitamins A, C, and E to support vision, oral health, and digestion.

Context

Planting trees during religious or ancestral observances is a long-standing cultural practice across many traditions in India that often blends ecological preservation with practical household medicine. Many of the species highlighted in traditional rites naturally provide shade, medicinal extracts, or environmental benefits suited to local climates. This intersection of heritage and wellness reflects how traditional practices frequently served practical health purposes in daily life.