Tamarind - Best Herb for Constipation

Tamarindus indica Caesalpiniaceae Also called Indian date

Native to Madagascar, the tamarind tree is cultivated in numerous other tropical regions, such as India and the Caribbean, It can reach a height cif 20-25m, with branches that hang so low that they iften touch the ground. The fragrant, gold-yeliow flowers are streaked with red. Following them are long seedpods, that start grey greetl, ripening to a rich rust. They sweet, brownish yellow pilip ill which sit five to ten shiny, reddish brown seeds.

Parts used

Constituents

Tamarind pulp is rich in pectin, simple sugars and organic acids, including tartaric and citric acid.Its slightly aromatic scent is due to terpene compounds. Contrary to a popular belief, there is no vitamin C.

Medicinal uses

Tamarind pulp is a potent laxative and is recommended as a treatment for constipation in both adults and children. It can also help to remedy other digestive ailments, such as sluggishness, flatulence, nausea and' morning sickness' during pregnancy, while its soothing powers are known to ease sore throats, ulcers and rheumatic pain.

In India, tamarind is used to fight infections, particularly those of the intestines, as well as colds and catarrh. This use is backed up by the recent discovery in Mexico that tamarind has antibacterial powers. Also, Italian researchers have shown that tamarind gum can inhibit the spread of the rubella virus.

Tamarind has been used to treat asthma and jaundice, and is known to reduce fevers and have a general cooling effect on the body.

CAUTIONS

Tamarind may interact adversely with aspirin and other non.steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Only take the recommended therapeutic dose of the plant. and avoid long-term use.

Cultivation

Tamarind can be grown from seeds. planted in spring. but needs a temperature of at least 18°C. so will only grow under glass in temperate regions. It will tolerate poor soil and drought, but requires plenty of light.

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE

TO TREAT constipation
FRESH SEEDLESS PULP Eat 10-50g a day, adjusting the dose as necessa ry.
CAPSULES (200m g) Take 1-2 capsules with a large glass of water, after the evening meal. POWDER Add 1-2g to a cup of boiling water, then leave for 10 minutes. Drink this after the evening meal.