- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (tropical)
- Sanskrit
- Amlika
Africa · Food · № 560
Tamarindus indica
Food · Africa
Tamarind
Tamarindus indica
Traditionally attributed effects: ripe fruit sour, cooling, carminative, laxative, antiscorbutic, promotes bile; for inflamed swellings, bilious vomiting, conjunctivitis (flowers), bleeding haemorrhoids, throat complaints, ulcers, paralysis (bark), gonorrhoea (ash).
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Fruit pulp as food and mild laxative; seed powder 1–2 g; fruit pulp or leaf compress externally; leaf decoction as a gargle.
Use in traditions
The name comes from the Arabic tamr hindi, 'Indian date', although the tree originally comes from tropical Africa. In India (amlika) the sour pulp is a staple of curries and chutneys and a mild laxative; in Indonesia it belongs in the jamu drink kunyit asam. In West Africa a drink made from the pulp is taken for fever and constipation. Sanskrit name: Amlika.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Ripe fruit sour, cooling, carminative, laxative, antiscorbutic, promotes bile; for inflamed swellings, bilious vomiting, conjunctivitis (flowers), bleeding haemorrhoids, throat complaints, ulcers, paralysis (bark), gonorrhoea (ash); fruit strengthens the heart and wound-healing.
Preparation and amount
Fruit pulp as food and mild laxative; seed powder 1–2 g; fruit pulp or leaf compress externally; leaf decoction as a gargle.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen
- Recipes
- Kunyit asam