Besides, the trees are predominantly seen in the foothills of the Himalayas, from the Gangetic Plain and spread across Southeast Asia. Countries that grow Rudraksha trees include Indonesia, China, Java, Malaysia, Australia and Guam. The tree grows from 10 to 30 meters tall. The body trunk measures 1 meter width. Unlike other trees, Rudraksha trees are grey in color. It takes three or four years to bear fruit after germination. Besides, when the tree matures, the roots of the tree form a defense. It rises up and radiates across the ground surface.

Rudraksha Trees in Himalayan Region

The Rudraksha trees that grow in the Himalayan region holds the highest power, strength and healing properties. Himalayas (Kailash), being a holy mountain is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva, surrounded by the rivers. The trees and beads that grow in this region hold supreme power. The Rudraksha bead has a hard surface and deep projections. The beads from Nepal and Indian trees show grooved and deep projections on the surface which indicates deep valleys and hills.

Rudraksha Tree – Leaves, Flowers and Fruits

Apart from the spiritual healing, all parts of the Rudraksha trees have the medicinal properties. The tree appears like a mango tree and usually large. The tree sheds its leaves and re-grows the fresh ones naturally. The leaves of the tree contain anti-bacterial properties. In ancient days, the leaves were used to treat wounds. The white flowers of Rudraksha trees grow in big bunch. It looks beautiful and majestic to witness the blossoms during the months of November and December. The tree bears the fruits during the months of January and February.
The fruits appear like berries in green color. Ripened fruits gradually turn blue. A blue colored husk covers the Rudraksha seeds, which yielded the name blueberry beads. As stated earlier, size of the fruit and seeds depends on the region where the tree grows. Fully ripened fruits fall naturally. The seed i.e. the bead is found after removing the outer skin and fleshy part.
In Ayurveda, the ancient medical system uses all parts of the Rudraksha tree for healing and balancing the body and mind.

• Rudraksha tree leaves treat a number of conditions like headache, migraine, epilepsy and mental disorders.
• The outer layer of the fruit was used to treat cold, flu and fever.
• The leaves / fruit skin is used to purify blood.

According to Ayurvedic texts, Rudraksha strengthens your body, enhances your immunity, evokes natural healing power, and promotes overall health.

Different Types of Rudraksha Beads from the Tree

Rudraksha tree yields the seeds in different forms. It is auspiciously termed ‘Mukhi’ which means ‘face.’ Rudraksha trees in Nepal yields the large sized beads and in Indonesia yields small sized beads. The common color of the bead is brown. However, it is also available in other colors which include black, yellow, white and red.
You can get 1 Mukhi to 27 Mukhi Rudraksha beads. Lately, 27 Mukhi bead is found in Nepal. 1 Mukhi bead is the rarest and most auspicious bead. 4 Mukhi, 5 Mukhi, and 6 Mukhi Rudraksha beads are very common in all the places. There are other kinds of Rudraksha bead as mentioned below:

• Gauri Shankar is a special and rare type of bead where two Rudraksha beads are co-joined naturally.
• Ganesha is another special type of bead which appears with a trunk like projection from the body.
• One Mukhi bead is called Sawar.
• Trijuti – three beads are co-joined naturally

Can You Grow Rudraksha Tree at Home?

Anyone can plant and nurture the Rudraksha trees at home. It doesn’t need any specific climatic conditions to grow. However, you must ensure to prepare the soil before planting or seeding. You can grow Rudraksha tree by planting a sapling or soiling a special bead. It takes about a year to sprout.
Rudraksha saplings also make an ideal gift to the temples, to near and dear ones. Gifting such items means bestowing them with spiritual gains.