Bel leaves come from the Wood Apple of Bel Fruit. This fruit tree is native to India and is also found in parts of Sri Lanka and Thailand. The leaves of the bel fruit tree is also known as monkey fruit, wood apple and elephant apple because it is the favorite fruit of elephants. The fruit grows in a hardened wooden shell; thus, the name wood apple.
The bel leaves have many medicinal properties, mainly due to the tannin that is present in the fruit. It is also a good source of beta-carotene and is good for liver problems. They also contain thiamine and riboflavin. The many health benefits of the bel fruit and the bel leaves are as follows:
- Effective for ear ache relief.
- Energy booster – it has very few calories.
- Provides relief from kidney problems.
- Cures snakebites – in Ayurvedic medicine all parts of the bel fruit is effective in treatment of snakebites.
- Prevents scurvy – is a rich source of vitamin C (vitamin C deficiencies can cause scury).
- Counteracts diabetes by reducing the severity of this illness.
- Relieves respiratory problems – responsible for curing chronic cough and sore throat which leads to respiratory ailments.
- Cleanses blood – recommended for blood purification as a tea or a drink.
- Digestive Aid – it helps to destroy worms in the intestines and the tanin in the bel leaves reduces inflammation, thus helping to alleviate ulcers. The laxative properties of the bel leaves and fruit helps prevent constipation.
The fruit of the bel tree 
is very sour to taste and makes good chutney. Some people eat the bel leaves raw and other use the leaves in salad. Beware that excessive use of the bel leaves causes abdominal flatulence. Those with gastric troubles should consume this plant in moderation.