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Growing and using the beneficial properties of tamarind
Botanical characteristics of tamarind
Tamarind is an evergreen and tall tree that belongs to the legume family. The tamarind has a thick and powerful trunk, which can be about 25 meters high. The tree is very branched and has many leaves, which are arranged in bunches of 10–40 pieces. The plant blooms very beautifully: pink flowers appear on the branches of the tree, sometimes they are also yellow with red stripes. Tamarind flowers, each consisting of 5 petals, are collected in inflorescences-brushes. Tamarind fruits are long beans, indehiscent, slightly curved, brown in color. Inside the fruit there is a sweet smell and reddish-brown pulp, which contains several smooth hard seeds. Fruit ripening occurs from May to June.
Wild tamarind can be seen in Sudan, America, the Caribbean and Asia. In other tropical countries, this tree has been successfully cultivated for several thousand years.
Growing Tamarind
Tamarind is a moisture-loving and light-loving plant, so it is planted in a sunny place and regularly watered the soil. When watering, it is necessary to look so that there is no stagnation of water in the pan. That is why you need to make good soil drainage. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil no more than 1 time in 2-3 months.
Tamarind is propagated by seeds. To do this, you must first prepare a light and shallow substrate. Seeds germinate within 7 days. Such plants will be able to bloom only after at least 6 years after planting the seeds. Fertile slightly acidic soil is most suitable for this plant, however, tamarind will also develop normally on a saline substrate.
Before the formation of 3 skeletal branches in young plants, it is necessary to make a crown formation. In the future, sanitary pruning of the tree crown is carried out.
Useful properties of tamarind
Tamarind is used to make a tea that is excellent for asthma, diarrhea, and fever from infections. A decoction of tamarind has a laxative effect. The plant increases appetite and can lower blood pressure. Thanks to the beneficial substances contained in tamarind, it is used for diseases of the stomach or for problems associated with the digestion of food in the body.
Tamarind contains organic acids, vitamin A and other substances that are used for various diseases. In addition, tamarind has astringent and antihelminthic properties.
The use of tamarind
For medicinal purposes, the pulp, bark and leaves of tamarind are used. Most often, this plant is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive problems. The seeds of the plant are roasted and used for worms. Tamarind tea helps with conjunctivitis and other inflammatory eye infections. In addition, tea from this plant is used as a rinse for acute respiratory infections and influenza. Oddly enough, but tamarind is a strong female aphrodisiac.
Mousse is prepared from tamarind, which is used as a good laxative. Tamarind water is used for sore throats.
Tamarind mousse. Take the pulp of tamarind beans and pour boiling water over it, then rub it and evaporate it to the consistency of thick juice. Next, add a little sugar, mix – and the mousse is ready. This mousse is used to normalize the process of digestion. Also, this composition is a laxative.
Contraindications to the use of tamarind
Tamarind is contraindicated in people who have a stomach ulcer, intestinal or digestive gland disease. Tamarind should not be used in excessive doses, as this will lead to diarrhea.