The medicinal fruit has been identified as Terminalia chebula, commonly known as myrobalan or arura in Sanskrit, and is used in the ayurvedic system as an astringent, anti-inflammatory and to heal wounds and scalds.

The hand of the Medicine Buddha that holds the myrobalan fruit is extended over the right knee with the palm upward in a gesture of supreme generosity. In his left hand he holds the begging bowl. Whether the worshipper's sickness is caused by a physical ailment or by a lack of contentment, the Buddha offers two paths by which to overcome it.