Kokum (Garcinia indica)

Kokum is a fruit-bearing tree that is also known as the “Indian Butter Tree.^(HR/1)

” All parts of the Kokum tree, including the fruits, peels, and seeds, provide several health benefits. In curries, the dried peel of the fruit is utilised as a flavouring component. Kokum aids weight loss by lowering fatty acid synthesis and raising the secretion of a hormone that suppresses appetite (serotonin). Because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, kokum may be effective in the treatment of stomach ulcers when taken orally. Kokum juice aids in the removal of heat, the reduction of acidity, and the relief of sunstroke.Due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant characteristics, kokum juice also aids in blood sugar management by enhancing insulin secretion. Kokum oil is beneficial to the skin because of its antioxidant properties, which assist to eliminate wrinkles and delay the ageing process. It can be used to treat burns and allergies on the skin.

Kokum is also known as :- Garcinia indica, Birondd, Birondi, Kokummara, Dhupadamara, Kokan, Murgalmera, Murgal, Ratamba, Amsole, Amasul, Punampuli, Brindonia tallow tree, Mangosteen oil tree, Wild mangosteen.

Kokum is obtained from :- Plant

Uses and benefits of Kokum:-

As per several scientific studies, uses and benefits of Kokum (Garcinia indica) are mentioned as per below^(HR/2)

• Indigestion : Kokum can aid with indigestion. Indigestion, according to Ayurveda, is the result of an inadequate digestion process. Indigestion is caused by exacerbated Kapha, which leads to Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Kokum improves Agni (digestive fire) and makes food easier to digest. Because of its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics, this is the case. Take 1/2-1 cup of Kokum juice as a starting point. b. Mix in the same amount of water and consume it once a day on an empty stomach. c. Repeat until you no longer have indigestion.
• Inflammatory bowel disease : Irritable bowel illness symptoms can be managed with kokum (IBD). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni, according to Ayurveda (digestive fire). Kokum aids in the improvement of Pachak Agni (digestive fire) and the reduction of IBD symptoms. Take 1/2-1 cup of Kokum juice as a starting point. b. Mix in the same amount of water and consume it once a day on an empty stomach. c. Repeat on a daily basis to manage IBD symptoms.
• Diarrhea : In Ayurveda, diarrhoea is called as Atisar. It is caused by poor nutrition, contaminated water, pollutants, mental tension, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All of these variables contribute to the aggravation of Vata. This worsened Vata draws fluid into the gut from numerous body tissues and mixes it with the excrement. This causes loose, watery bowel movements or diarrhoea. Kokum aids in the control of diarrhoea. This is due to its astringent and absorbent Kashaya and Grahi characteristics. It thickens loose stool and reduces the frequency of bowel movements or diarrhoea. Tips: a. Pour 1/2-1 cup of Kokum juice into a glass. b. Mix in the same amount of water and consume it once a day on an empty stomach. b. Keep doing it till you don’t get any alleviation from the symptoms of diarrhea.
• Wound healing : Kokum promotes rapid wound healing, reduces swelling, and restores the skin’s natural texture. Kokum butter promotes rapid healing and inflammation reduction. Its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing capabilities contribute to this. Tips: a. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of melted Kokum butter, or as needed. b. Mix with the almond oil and apply once or twice a day to the affected region. c. Repeat for rapid wound healing.
• Crack heels : Heels with cracks are a common concern. In Ayurveda, it is called as Padadari and is caused by Vata vitiation. It dehydrates the skin, causing it to become dry and spotty. Kokum butter aids in the treatment of cracked heels and alleviates the pain associated with them. This is owing to its Ropan (healing) and Vata balancing qualities. Tips: a. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of melted Kokum butter, or as needed. b. Combine with beeswax and apply once or twice a day to the affected area for rapid crack heel healing.
• Urticaria : Urticaria is an allergic reaction that is also called in Ayurveda as Sheetpitta. This occurs when Vata and Kapha are out of balance, as well as when Pitta is compromised. Urticaria is relieved by using kokum. This is owing to its ability to balance Vata and Kapha. Tips: a. Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of melted Kokum butter, or as needed. b. Mix with some almond oil and apply it to the affected area once or twice a day to relieve urticaria symptoms.

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Precautions to be taken while using Kokum:-

As per several scientific studies, below precautions should to be taken while taking Kokum (Garcinia indica)^(HR/3)

Special precautions to be taken while taking Kokum:-

As per several scientific studies, below special precautions should to be taken while taking Kokum (Garcinia indica)^(HR/4)

• Breastfeeding : There is insufficient scientific data to support the usage of Kokum while breastfeeding. As a result, it’s best to avoid Kokum during breastfeeding or use it only under medical supervision.
• Pregnancy : There is insufficient scientific data to support the usage of Kokum during pregnancy. As a result, it’s best to avoid Kokum during pregnancy or use it only under medical supervision.

How to take Kokum:-

As per several scientific studies, Kokum (Garcinia indica) can be taken into the methods mentioned as per below^(HR/5)

• Kokum Syrup : Take one to two teaspoon Kokum syrup. Mix with the very same quantity of water. Have it one or two times a day after taking food.
• Kokum Juice : Take half to one cup of Kokum juice. Add the exact same quantity of water and also consume it on a vacant tummy once a day. You can also add jaggery for a sweet flavor.
• Kokum Butter : Take one fourth to one half teaspoon of dissolved Kokum butter or based on your requirement. Add Almond oil and put on the affected area once or twice a day. Repeat to manage the signs of urticaria and for fast healing of wound.
• Kokum fruit paste : Take one to two Kokum fruit or based on your requirement. Make a paste and also add some increased water to it. Apply to the skin daily for controlling itching because of skin allergy.

How much Kokum should be taken:-

As per several scientific studies, Kokum (Garcinia indica) should be taken into the amounts mentioned as per below^(HR/6)

• Kokum Syrup : One to two teaspoon once or twice a day.

Side effects of Kokum:-

As per several scientific studies, below side effects need to be taken into consideration while taking Kokum (Garcinia indica)^(HR/7)

• There is not enough scientific data available about side effects of this herb yet.

Questions asked frequently Related to the Kokum:-

Question. What is black Kokum?

Answer. The halved and dried rind of kokum, which is dark purple or black in colour, is sold in the market. The rind is sticky, and the edges are curled. It gives the meal a sweet and sour flavour as well as a pinkish-purple colour.

Question. Where does Kokum butter come from?

Answer. Kokum butter is made from the Kokum tree’s fruit, which is squeezed and refined. Because of its thickening properties, it is utilised in creams and lotions. Other cosmetics that contain kokum butter include soaps, body butters, and lip balms.

Question. What does Kokum taste like?

Answer. Because dried kokum has a sour flavour, it is sometimes substituted for tamarind in cuisines. It has a sweet and zesty flavour.

Question. What is the best time to drink Kokum juice?

Answer. Although there is no set period for drinking Kokum juice, it is most typically used during the hot summer months as a cool and pleasant beverage to prevent dehydration and sunstroke.

Kokum juice, made from the Kokum fruit, is helpful for digestion and can be consumed at any time of year. Its Ushna (hot), Deepana (appetiser), and Pachan (digestion) qualities help to increase the digestive fire (Agni) and aid digestion.

Question. How to prepare Kokum water at home?

Answer. You may make Kokum water/juice at home by doing the following: -Rinse 2-3 Kokum fruits well. Remove the seeds from the fruits and chop them up. -Make use of the pulp as well as the outer coating. -Grind the pulp with a little water. -Strain the mixture and separate it. -To make Kokum water, add some additional water to the Kokum pulp. -You can also make a sherbet out of it by combining it with sugar syrup and cold water.

Question. Is Kokum good for cough?

Answer. There isn’t enough scientific data to back up Kokum’s role in cough.

Because of its Kapha balancing properties, the mature fruit of Kokum aids with cough control. Due to its Ushna (hot) nature, it also aids in the expulsion of excess mucus from the lungs.

Question. Is Kokum good for weight loss?

Answer. Kokum includes a citric acid product that may have an anti-obesity impact. Kokum helps people lose weight in a variety of ways. It may decrease fatty acid production or enhance the secretion of the hormone serotonin, resulting in appetite suppression. Kokum has been shown to slow glucose metabolism. Kokum may aid weight loss as a result of these properties.

Kokum can help you lose weight. Kokum increases satiety and decreases cravings. This is owing to its Guru (heavy) character, which takes time to digest. Owing to its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics, it also helps to increase metabolism and reduce Ama (toxic leftovers in the body due to incorrect digestion), which is one of the causes of obesity.

Question. Is Kokum good for Pitta nature?

Answer. Kokum is beneficial to people who have a Pitta nature. Pitta nature, according to Ayurveda, refers to someone who is hypersensitive to heat. It aids in the reduction of both heat and inflammation. This is owing to the fact that it is Ushna (hot). Drinking Kokum juice or water infused with Kokum helps to ease heat, acidity, and sunstroke. Although Kokum is Ushna (hot) in nature, its juice is made with cooling spices and sugar candies. It is an excellent antidote for the Pitta dosha, as it reduces heat and irritation. During the summer, drinking kokum infused water helps to reduce heat, acidity, and sunstroke.

Question. Is Kokum good for diabetic patients?

Answer. Antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects are found in kokum. Kokum restores the amount of specific enzymes that are lowered in type 2 diabetes. Kokum’s constituents are also engaged in glucose metabolism. As a result, Kokum may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Kokum might help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Diabetes is known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda, and it is caused by an increase in Vata and poor digestion. Impaired digestion causes an accumulation of Ama (toxic waste left in the body as a result of faulty digestion) in the pancreatic cells, impairing insulin activity. Kokum’s Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) characteristics aid in the correction of faulty digestion and the improvement of metabolism. This lowers Ama and enhances insulin action, allowing for normal blood sugar levels to be maintained.

Question. Is Kokum good for acidity?

Answer. Because of the presence of some active chemicals, Kokum may be effective in the management of acidity.

Kokum is beneficial to the digestive system. Because of its Ushna (hot) nature, consuming Kokum juice balances the digestive fire and aids in food digestion. This aids in the management of acidity caused by indigestion.

Question. Does Kokum cause constipation?

Answer. Kokum, on the other hand, does not produce constipation. In reality, Kokum has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of digestive issues, including constipation.

Question. Is Kokum bad for the liver?

Answer. Kokum is not harmful to the liver. Kokum is high in antioxidants and helps to keep lipids from oxidising. Kokum possesses hepatoprotective or liver-protective qualities as a result of these features.

Question. Does Kokum protect against gastric ulcers?

Answer. Yes, Kokum has been shown to protect against stomach ulcers. It contains a substance called garcinol, which has antioxidant properties. It protects the gastric (stomach) cells from free radical damage and has gastroprotective properties, preventing the formation of gastric ulcers.

Question. Does Kokum help ease anxiety and depression?

Answer. Yes, Kokum may aid in the treatment of anxiety and sadness. The serotonin (also known as the happy chemical) in the body, which is primarily responsible for signal transmission in the brain, is improved by consuming kokum fruit. An increase in serotonin levels improves brain function and alleviates depression and anxiety symptoms.

Vata is in charge of all bodily movements and nervous system actions. Anxiety and depression are nerve ailments that are caused by a Vata dosha imbalance. Because of its Vata balancing properties, kokum soothes the nerves and calms the mind, bringing relief from anxiety and despair.

Question. Is Kokum good for the heart?

Answer. Yes, Kokum is excellent for the heart because it has cardioprotective properties. Due to its antioxidant properties, it contains particular elements (known as flavonoids) that protect heart cells from damage caused by free radicals, resulting in improved heart health.

Yes, Kokum’s Hrdya (heart tonic) property helps to maintain the heart strong by strengthening the cardiac muscles and improving its function. This keeps the heart healthy and lowers the chance of heart disease.

Question. What are the benefits of Kokum juice?

Answer. Kokum juice is naturally cool and refreshing, and it aids in the prevention of dehydration and sunstroke. It also helps to promote digestion and is used as a natural cure for a variety of stomach and liver problems.

Kokum juice is made from the Kokum fruit and is beneficial for digestion. It can be drank at any time of year. Its Ushna (hot), Deepana (appetiser), and Pachan (digestion) qualities help to increase the digestive fire (Agni) and aid digestion.

Question. Is Kokum good for the skin?

Answer. Kokum oil is beneficial to the skin. Kokum is high in antioxidants, which helps to prevent skin cell degradation. It also improves skin suppleness, which reduces wrinkles and delays the ageing process. Kokum has been used in traditional medicine to treat rashes caused by skin allergies, as well as burns and chaffed skin.

Question. Is Kokum butter good for hair?

Answer. There isn’t enough scientific proof to back up the claims that Kokum butter is good for hair.

Kokum butter can be used to treat hair problems. It is used to treat hair disorders, particularly hair loss. Kokum butter promotes hair development while also removing impurities and excess oil from the scalp. This is due to its astringent (Kashya) quality.

Question. How can Kokum oil be used?

Answer. Kokum oil, commonly known as Kokum butter, is extracted from its seeds. Apart from its usage in cooking to make juices and sherbet, it has both cosmetic and medical uses. Certain components in kokum butter have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Kokum butter is used to make face creams, skin lotions, and lipsticks because of its hydrating, calming, astringent, and demulcent (soothes irritation) characteristics. It’s also utilised in ointments and suppositories as a basis.

In the rainy or winter season, kokum oil can be used as a local application on dry hands and legs. Vata dosha aggravation is the most common cause of skin dryness. Due to its Vata balancing, Snigdha (oily), and Ropan (healing) characteristics, Komum oil aids in the management of dryness.

SUMMARY

” All parts of the Kokum tree, including the fruits, peels, and seeds, provide several health benefits. In curries, the dried peel of the fruit is utilised as a flavouring component.