Discover the Power of the Tamarind Tree

In the Caribbean and Central American countries, soft drinks based on the flesh of the tamarind tree are very common. These drinks have a sweet and sour flavor. Besides its pleasant taste, this plant has several medicinal properties.

Healing Properties

The flesh covering tamarind seeds is rich in sugar (60 to 65 percent) and organic acids (citric, malic, and tartaric). It also contains pectin. The medicinal uses of the tamarind tree FLESH are as follows:

1. Because of its sugars and pectin content, it is a mild laxative. To enhance its actions, it is usually associated with tinnevelly senna. It produces soft defecation with no colic.
2. Mild choleretic and cholagogue: Tamarind is recommended for gall bladder and liver disorders because it relieves liver congestion and promotes gall bladder emptying.
3. Refreshing and invigorating: It is recommended for febrile afflictions and during sports training.
4. Its LEAVES have anthelmintic and vermifuge properties (destroying intestinal parasites) and astringent.

Tamarind Tree Scientific Facts

1. Scientific Name – Tamarindus indica L.
2. French – Tamarin.
3. Spanish – Tamarindo.
4. Environment—Native to tropical Africa, it is extensively cultivated and spread throughout India and Central America.
5. Description—This is an evergreen tree of the Leguminosae family that grows up to 25 m high. Its fruit are hanging pods 15 to 20 cm long, whose interior has yellow flesh covering the seeds.
6. Parts of the plant used medicinally – The flesh of the fruit and the leaves.

How to Use Tamarind

1. Flesh – Take from 20 to 40 grams, dissolved in water, up to three times daily.
2. Infusion with 30 grams of leaves per liter of water. Drink three cups daily.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 536. Print. [tamarind tree]
2. WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-tamarind
3. Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tamarind
4. PharmEasy Blog: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-tamarind/