Tamarind
The tamarind (Tamarin-dus indica) is native to tropical Africa. Thanks to human cultivation, it's now found also in South and Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. Tamarind pods have hard brown shells, inside of which are black seeds and a delicious and extraordinarily medicinal pulp. In the young fruit, the pulp is sour and acidic, and typically used in savory dishes. As the fruit ripens, the pulp grows sweeter. Mature tamarinds are often used for desserts and drinks, or simply enjoyed as a snack.
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Special Precautions of Tamarind
- Bear in mind, though, that tamarind flushes your body of toxins. Thus, it can have a mild laxative effect, so health practitioners advise you to start with modest quantities and adjust gradually.
- Aspirin interacts with TAMARIND
- Ibuprofen interacts with TAMARIND
The benefits of Tamarind are
- Tamarind contains ingredients that might have laxative effects and some activity against certain fungi and bacteria.
- Researchers are studying tamarind as a possible treatment for dry eyes because it contains a chemical that is similar to mucin found in the eye. Mucin helps protect and wet the surface of the cornea.
- Tamarind has been recognized for its ability to reduce fever, relieve sore throats, alleviate flu symptoms, and much more. Experts say that gargling a glass of tamarind water (easy to mix up by stirring tamarind paste into water) can eliminate a sore throat almost immediately. Furthermore, it has been shown to help cure: These medicinal effects are due in part to tamarind's plentiful nutrients and phytochemicals, which include:
- Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Tannins, Saponins, Sesquiterpenes, Alkaloids, Phlobatamins, Calcium
- Tamarind can be particularly useful in warding off flu and colds.
- The bark of the tamarind is significantly effective for reducing fevers.
- The pulp, on the other hand, can ease stomach pain and prevent digestive disorders, such as constipation.
- Liver support : The tamarind fruit is able to fight against almost all liver problems. Besides being able to detoxify your body, it can also eliminate the fat in your liver. Improving your digestion, protecting the liver, lowering the cholesterol, curing any problems with the bile and improving your overall health are also some of its health benefits.
- Jaundice
- Inflamed mucous membranes
- Excessive bile
- Minor burns
- Acid reflux
- Tamarind can even reduce cholesterol, and as a result, improve heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- helps for flatulence problems.
- Nourishes skin and hair : Tamarind is a great tonic for both the skin and the hair. For the skin, it can help reduce inflammation and irritation and is a common folk remedy for conditions like hemorrhoids, which are largely caused by swelling and inflammation. Topically, it can also be used for conditions like cellulite and help smooth the skin and reduce dimpled appearances. It can also be used as a remedy against hair loss or hair thinning due to age or hormonal imbalances.
- Regulates blood sugar levels : Certain active compounds in tamarind have been shown to act in much the same way that insulin does in the body, lowering insulin resistance and thus overall blood sugar levels.
How to Take Tamarind for Medicinal Purposes
Tamarind is readily available in the United States in fruit-paste form. Health practitioners say this paste can be consumed in a number of ways. For instance, you can nibble it throughout the day, or add the pulp to water to make a juice or tea.
If you're taking tamarind to cure a cold—and especially if you're trying to clear your nasal passages the method most often recommended by health experts is to prepare a glass of hot tamarind rasam.
Rasam is a spicy soup with Indian origins, now enjoyed worldwide. Recipes for rasam abound. Today, there are endless variations on this immunity-boosting delight. The best recipes require you to grind your own special tamarind paste from scratch. The effort involved is well worth it, though, if you're able to come across fresh tamarind.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.
