Tree focus of the week: Tamarind

Tamarind is a hardwood tree scientifically known as Tamarindus indica.

It's a native tree in Africa specifically Sudan but also grows in India and many other tropical regions around the globe. The tree produces bean-like pods filled with seeds surrounded by a fibrous pulp. The pulp of the young fruit is green and sour. As it ripens, the juicy pulp becomes paste-like and more sweet-sour.

The tree tolerates a great diversity of soil types, from deep alluvial soil to rocky land. It withstands salt spray and can be planted close to the seashore.

Tamarind seeds remain viable for months and will germinate in a week after planting, and it can be propagated through seed sowing, stem cutting and many other propagation methods like shield-budding, side-veneer grafting, or air-layering.

Tamarind is one of those trees that has been utilized in several ways for instance, its leaves are eaten by cattle and goats as fodder grass as a supplement it is a better alternative for livestock farmers on their grazing land. The flowers on the other hand are rated as a good source of nectar for honeybees in South India of which it can be used for beekeeping in areas where there is limited access to Miombo woodland tree species. The honey is golden-yellow and slightly acid in flavour.

Health benefits of Tamarind

Tamarind is best known for its sweet-sour taste, but few are aware about its health benefits, it is commonly used in many ayurvedic remedies.

The medicinal uses of tamarind is helpful in curing or getting rid of many health diseases.

1. Loo lagna or Heat Stroke

Cooked tamarind pulp can be rubbed on hands and feet of the person who is suffering from heatstroke. If applied in hair it can get rid of loo or Heatstroke.

2. Bruises or Sprain

Boil tamarind leaves in water then rub that water on the affected area so that the blood can circulate and there is some relief in pain.

3. Neck Swelling

Heat 10 gram tamarind in 1 litre of water till boiled and left half, add some rose water (gulab jal) in this and give it to the patient to gargle. This will help in curing neck swelling and pain.

4. Cough

Heat tamarind seeds in an iron pan, remove the upper leaf of seed and make powder of this and take 3 grams with honey by licking it 3 to 4 times a day. It will help reduce coughing and even cure it.

5. Heartburn

Mix cooked tamarind juice with big crystallized sugar lumps and drink, it will help reduce heartburn sensation.

6. Skin Problems

Drink 30 grams of tamarind with a glass of water, it will help in curing pimples, acne etc.

7. Vomiting

Immerse cooked tamarind in water and drink it to stop vomiting.

8. Sperm Inducing Method

Heat tamarind seeds in milk, then remove the white layer of the seed and grind the seed into a fine powder and roast it in ghee, then mix it with crystallized sugar lumps and store. Take this every morning and evening 5 – 5 grams with milk. It will help induce sperms and sexual prowess.

9. Premature Ejaculation

Dip 500 grams tamarind in water for at least 4 days. Then remove the tamarind layer and dry them under the shade and sun. Grind them into a powder after drying them, then mix it with 500 grams crystallized sugar lumps and store. Take this mixture every day in the morning with milk about 1 teaspoon till 50 days. It will help in curing premature ejaculation.

10. Haemorrhoids or Piles

Make juice of tamarind leaves and by drinking this juice it will help in curing blood stools.

11. Managing Diabetes

Alpha-amylase is a compound found in tamarind. It is observed that it helps prevent the absorption of carbohydrates that in turn turns to sugars. An elevated amount of sugar in the blood also leads to diabetic issues. The pancreas is unable to control the levels of insulin in the body, which leads to various other diseases other than diabetes.

12. A Healthy Heart

The consumption of tamarind helps reduce heart-related issues. It has been observed that tamarind rids the arteries of LDL cholesterol. It has high fibre content, which might be responsible for this. The potassium in tamarinds also acts as a vasodilator that controls your blood pressure by reducing the stress on the arteries and other vessels. Tamarinds, being full of vitamin C, helps fight free radicals that might end up developing symptoms associated with chronic heart diseases.

13. Weight Loss

Weight loss is an issue that most people deal with. Tamarind with all its benefits is also helpful in losing those extra pounds. There is an enzyme in the body that stores fat and the hydroxycitric acid or HCA present in tamarind stops it from doing so. It also helps suppress appetite as it increases the serotonin neurotransmitter.

14. Aids Development of Muscle and Nerves

The B complex present in tamarind in the form of thiamine is known to improve nerve function and helps develop stronger muscles. This leads to a healthy and strong body and function.

15. Digestion Benefits

Tamarind contains tartaric acid, malic acid, and potassium, which are all components that help promote a health digestive system. It has multiple benefits for the stomach as it helps in treating diarrhoea and constipation. These are benefits found in the leaves and the pulp separately.

16. Ulcer Prevention

Only a healthy digestive system will help absorb nutrients to their full potential. Ulcers can be prevented by the regular use of tamarinds. Tamarind seed extract contains compounds that inhibit the occurrence of ulcers.

17. May Help Prevent Cancer

Cancer is caused due to the growth of cells that thrive on free radicals. As a powerhouse of antioxidants tamarinds will promote antioxidants in the body, causing cancerous cells to be eliminated.

18. Anti-aging

Even though there aren’t any definitive studies on the key to anti-aging, tamarind as a part of skin care, helps reverse sun damage and can also be ground to be used as an exfoliator. The fruit contains Alpha hydroxyl, which is what helps prevent spots and acne.

19. Antihistaminic

Tamarind also helps fight colds and flu. These are usually caused by allergies or viral infections. However, tamarind has antihistaminic properties that help prevent asthma attacks and other types of colds and flu.

20. Tamarind Can Help Individuals Sleep Better at Night

Tamarind has been known to help an individual sleep with its high content of magnesium, which is a mineral that is directly linked to improving the quality, duration, and tranquillity of sleep. Tamarind also helps regulate the metabolism, to help reduce sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia.

21. Is Good during Pregnancy

The nine months of pregnancy are not easy for would-be moms. They undergo all kinds of physical, behavioural, and psychological changes. And, on top of all that, are the number of diet and nutrition suggestions from family and friends.

The ’jack of all trades’, tamarind, has been used to cure several pregnancy-related issues like morning sickness, upset tummy, nausea, and constipation. This fruit is full of fibre, which, apart from inhibiting overeating, promotes foetal development. Tamarind also has tummy cooling effects, which come in handy when you have a strong urge to throw up. You can suck on a tamarind piece that is seasoned with salt and pepper to prevent nausea.

22. Blood Purification

This pulpy and rich fruit is full of essential minerals, dietary fibre, and vitamin C, all of which help in the purification of blood. As mentioned earlier, the antioxidants present in tamarinds actively scavenge the free radicals, thus oxidizing and purifying your blood.

Hence, including tamarind in daily meals is extremely beneficial.

How to Eat Tamarind

There are many different ways to consume this nutritious fruit.

• It can be consumed raw.
• It can be added to desserts once it is fully ripe.
• It can be dried and ground into a spice.
• It is often used in jams and sauces.
• It can be dried and processed into candies.
• It is a typical ingredient in soups and dishes throughout Asia and South America, owing to the health benefits this little seed pod contains.

Tamarind: Sour for ailments, sweet for health.

This is where we will be ending our discussion for today.

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