Tamarind
Tamarind
Tamarind is also known as “Indian date” and is sweet and sour in taste. Tamarind has antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to manage weight, hyperlipidemia, jaundice and acts as a potent laxative, blood tonic and a skin cleanser[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Tamarind?
Tamarindus indica, Ambli, Imlii, Amlam, Cinca, Sinja, Puli, Amalaphalam, Sincha, Chincha, Beeta, Tintrini, Chandra
What is the source of Tamarind?
Plant Based
Benefits of Tamarind
Modern Science View
Tamarind (Imli) might be useful in managing constipation as it acts as a good laxative due to the presence of high amounts of malic, tartaric and potassium acid[3][9].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind is good for managing constipation in both adults and children due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of tamarind pulp or paste.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink at night before sleeping to manage constipation.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon of tamarind pulp or paste.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink at night before sleeping to manage constipation.
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind (Imli) is useful for nasal blockage and cold due to its Ushna (hot) potency and Kapha balancing properties. It helps to remove sputum from the respiratory tract and gives relief in case of nasal blockage and cold.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey and mix.
Take it after lunch and dinner to get relief from cold.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey and mix.
Take it after lunch and dinner to get relief from cold.
Modern Science View
Tamarind is believed to be beneficial in managing worm infections. The tannins in Tamarind are known to have anthelmintic property. Tamarind causes paralysis of the worm leading to its death[3][11].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind helps to control worm infestation in the intestines due to its Krimighna (anti-worms) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon tamarind pulp or paste.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink it at night before going to bed.
Tips:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon tamarind pulp or paste.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink it at night before going to bed.
Modern Science View
Due to its medicinal value, Tamarind can be beneficial in managing stomach disorders like indigestion[12].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind promotes digestion and helps to manage stomach disorders like indigestion and flatulence due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind pulp or paste.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink it at night before sleeping.
Tip:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind pulp or paste.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water and drink it at night before sleeping.
Modern Science View
Tamarind (Imli) might be useful in managing jaundice and other hepatic problems. Tamarind contains ascorbic acid and β-carotene that possess excellent anti-oxidant and hepatoprotective properties. It protects the liver cells against drug induced toxicity and also helps to regenerate the liver cells, decrease the level of liver enzymes and improves liver function and[3][10].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind might be useful in improving liver function and digest the digest food easily due to its Deepan (appetizer) nature. It also helps in the regeneration of liver cells due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of warm water and drink it after lunch and dinner.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of warm water and drink it after lunch and dinner.
How effective is Tamarind?
Insufficient evidence
Common cold symptoms, Constipation, Fever, Indigestionasdf, Liver disease, Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, Worm infections
Precautions when using Tamarind
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Tamarind may increase the risk of bleeding. So it is advised to consult your doctor while taking Tamarind along with blood thinners[5].
Modern Science View
Tamarind may act as a laxative. So it is advisable to consult your doctor while taking Tamarind along with laxatives[5].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Tamarind may lower the blood sugar level. So it is advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Tamarind along with anti-diabetic drugs[3].
Recommended Dosage of Tamarind
- Tamarind Paste - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day or as per your taste.
- Tamarind Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Tamarind Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
- Tamarind Candy - As per your taste.
How to use Tamarind
1. Tamarind paste With Water
a. Take ½ teaspoon tamarind paste.
b. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water.
c. Have it at night before sleeping to manage constipation.
2. Tamarind Chutney
a. Soak ½ cup of Tamarind in 2 cups of water overnight.
b. Mash and strain the soaked Tamarind to bring out its pulp.
c. Now boil the obtained Tamarind pulp on a low flame.
d. Add 1 teaspoon of dried Ginger powder.
e. Add ½ cup of Jaggery to it.
f. Add ½ teaspoon of Salt and black pepper to it.
g. Continue to boil it on a low flame for 15 mins with continuous stirring.
2. Tamarind Water Mouthwash
a. Soak 1-2 raw Tamarind in 1 glass of water overnight.
b. Mash and strain the soaked Tamarind to separate the seeds.
c. Use this obtained Tamarind liquid as a mouthwash.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of mouth ulcers.
a. Take ½ teaspoon tamarind paste.
b. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water.
c. Have it at night before sleeping to manage constipation.
2. Tamarind Chutney
a. Soak ½ cup of Tamarind in 2 cups of water overnight.
b. Mash and strain the soaked Tamarind to bring out its pulp.
c. Now boil the obtained Tamarind pulp on a low flame.
d. Add 1 teaspoon of dried Ginger powder.
e. Add ½ cup of Jaggery to it.
f. Add ½ teaspoon of Salt and black pepper to it.
g. Continue to boil it on a low flame for 15 mins with continuous stirring.
2. Tamarind Water Mouthwash
a. Soak 1-2 raw Tamarind in 1 glass of water overnight.
b. Mash and strain the soaked Tamarind to separate the seeds.
c. Use this obtained Tamarind liquid as a mouthwash.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day to get rid of mouth ulcers.
Benefits of Tamarind
Modern Science View
Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) might be beneficial in improving the dry eye signs and symptoms. Tamarind seed polysaccharide has mucoadhesive and pseudoplastic properties which helps protect and wet the corneal surface. Studies suggest that it is well tolerated with no reported side effects like blurred vision, ocular redness, ocular burning and ocular itching and can improve the tear film stability over a period of time[3][6].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind seed helps reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes and brings a soothing effect if you use tamarind seed extract based eye drops due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan (healing) properties.
How effective is Tamarind?
Insufficient evidence
Dry eyes
FAQs about Tamarind benefits
Precautions when using Tamarind
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Tamarind leaves paste or seed powder with milk or rose water if your skin is hypersensitive.
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind has Ushna virya (hot) potency so use the fruit pulp with honey on the skin.
Recommended Dosage of Tamarind
- Tamarind Powder - 2-5 gm or as per your requirement.
How to use Tamarind
1. Tamarind Seeds with Rose water
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Tamarind seed powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a smooth paste.
c. Apply on the skin and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 4-5 times a week to get rid of eczema and itching[4].
2. Tamarind Leaves Kwath (Decoction)
a. Take Tamarind (Imli) 8-10 leaves.
b. Boil them in ½ cup of water till the quantity of water reduces to half.
c. Use this Tamarind decoction to wash your wounds for better hygeine[4].
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Tamarind seed powder.
b. Add rose water to it and make a smooth paste.
c. Apply on the skin and let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 4-5 times a week to get rid of eczema and itching[4].
2. Tamarind Leaves Kwath (Decoction)
a. Take Tamarind (Imli) 8-10 leaves.
b. Boil them in ½ cup of water till the quantity of water reduces to half.
c. Use this Tamarind decoction to wash your wounds for better hygeine[4].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Tamarind is a rich source of calcium, iron, vitamin B, C, potassium, phosphorous, volatile oils and carbohydrates[4].
Modern Science View
Tamarind contains citric and tartaric acid which contributes to its acidic nature.
Modern Science View
Tamarind may increase the absorption of Aspirin and Ibuprofen. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Tamarind along with Aspirin or Ibuprofen[3].
Modern Science View
Tamarind leaf extract is known to control the lipid levels due to the presence of its active constituents. Saponins in Tamarind prevent the absorption of lipids from the intestine, thereby reducing the serum cholesterol level. Flavonoids in Tamarind helps in faster clearance of the LDL cholesterol by activating the LDL receptors in liver. Apart from this, epicatechin decreases the level of triglycerides and facilitates the removal of free cholesterol through faeces. Flavonoid, polyphenol and tannins themselves act as antioxidants and also increases the level of other antioxidant enzymes that further prevent lipid peroxidation[13].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind helps to control high cholesterol level by improving liver function, preventing the absorption of lipids from the intestine and removal of toxins from the body due to its Ama reducing property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey and mix.
3. Take it after lunch and dinner.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add 1 teaspoon honey and mix.
3. Take it after lunch and dinner.
Modern Science View
Flavonoid, polyphenol and tannins in Tamarind has antioxidant property and prevents lipid peroxidation. It also increases the level of other antioxidant enzymes thereby preventing the formation of atherogenic plaque[13].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind helps reduce the chances of joint pain, swelling and inflammation in arthritis due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Modern Science View
Tamarind is used for managing arthritis by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for bone and cartilage damage. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Tamarind reduces the inflammation and damage associated with arthritis[14].
Modern Science View
Tamarind contains polyphenolic compounds like epicatechin and procyanidin polymers that are responsible for managing diabetes by improving blood glucose as well as insulin levels. Tamarind also prevents complications associated with diabetes due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[15].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind helps maintain blood sugar levels because it improves metabolism and prevents excessive absorption of carbohydrates in the body due to its Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) reduce property which is a major factor for high sugar level in blood.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2 teaspoon Tamarind powder.
2. Add to 1 glass of lukewarm water.
3. Have it after lunch and dinner.
Modern Science View
Tamarind (Imli), being a valuable and rich source of Vitamin C has excellent antioxidant properties. anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic and UV protection properties. Tamarind also helps in the collagen synthesis thereby improving skin texture and controls fine lines and wrinkles and give a radiant young look[7][8].
Modern Science View
Tamarind can be applied on cuts, wounds and abscess. Due to its antimicrobial activity it prevents infection and aids in healing of these wounds[9].
Ayurvedic View
Tamarind helps in quick healing of cuts, wounds, and abscess when applied on the affected area due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Tamarind seed powder.
2. Add rose water to it and make a paste.
3. Apply on the skin and let it sit for 5-6 hours.
Tips:
1. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Tamarind seed powder.
2. Add rose water to it and make a paste.
3. Apply on the skin and let it sit for 5-6 hours.
References
- Zohrameena S, Mujahid M, Bagga P,et al.Medicinal uses & pharmacological activity of Tamarindus indica.World J Pharm Sci.2017; 5(2):121-133.
- Menezes APP, Trevisan SCC, Barbalho SM.Tamarindus indica L. A plant with multiple medicinal purposes.J Pharmacogn Phytochem.2016;5(3):50-54.
- WebMD.Tamarind: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Balkrishnan A.Reetha.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.