Udumbara (Ficus glomerata Roxb.): a medico-historical review.

Udumbara is well known drug for its use since ancient times. Atharvaveda considers this as a divine plant and much used in religious sacrifice. It is also called as Yajñodumbara. It grows abundantly in all parts of India. In Ayurveda bark, leaves and unripe fruits etc. are used externally and internally to cure many diseases like Pravahika (Dysentery), Pradara (Menorrhagia), Raktapitta (Haemoptysis) etc. Thus its medico-historical importance and other details have been presented in this article.