Tamarind tree is a native of Africa but is now grown in most tropical countries. Tamarind is grown all over India, especially in south India. Tamarind is a large, symmetrical spreading tree. In olden times, tamarind was an important supplement of diet for sailors as its acid & sugar contend helped then to offset their starchy diet. Tamarind pulp contains tartaric and other acids; sugars like invert- a broken up starch & pectin. The pectin present in the pulp is of good quality.

the whole tree has medicinal virtues. Its leaves are cooling and antibilious, while the bark is an astringent, a tonic and reduces fever. The fruit pulp is digestive, anti flatulent, cooling, laxative and antiseptic. Its seeds are also astringent.

2. Fever: -

The pulp of tamarind fruit is useful in treating fevers. A sherbat or syrup made by boiling 30 GMS of the pulp in half a liter of milk with the addition of a few dates, cloves, sugar, cardamom and a little camphor is effective in fevers. It is taken in 15 GMS doses.

3. Common cold: -

tamarind pepper rasam- a clear soup is considered an effective home remedy for colds in south-India. It is prepared by boiling a very dilute tamarind water after seasoning a teaspoon of crushed black pepper in hot ghee. The steaming hot rasam has a flushing effect. As one takes it, the nose and eyes, begin to water and the nasal blockage will be cleared.

pulp of ripe tamarind fruit is beneficial is the treatment of bilious vomiting, flatulence and indigestion. It is also useful in constipation. An infusion of the pulp prepared by softening it in water is particularly useful for loss of appetite and lack of inclination for food intake.

powdered seeds of tamarind taken in doses of 6 deci grams with an equal quantity of cumin and sugar twice or thrice a day, are also useful.

the tender leaves of tamarind tree are very useful in treating burns. The leaves are put into a pot, covered and slowly heated over the fire. The burnt leaves are finely powdered and sieved to remove any gritty particles. This is mixed in sesameoil (gingely oil) and applied over the burnt part. The burn gets healed with in days. And it also helps to grow healthy, normal skin. The oil keeps the affected part well protected against moisture and entry of harmful germs.

gargling the mouth with tamarind water is beneficial in curing sore throat. The potion for gargling be prepared by boiling tamarind in water. Tamarind pulp is widely used in culinary preparations particularly, in southern India; people take tamarind every day in food preparation such as sambar, rasam, curries & chutneys. Tamarind & jaggary syrup is consumed to quench excess thirst in summers.