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Popularly known as Awin in Yoruba, Icheku in Igbo and Tsamiyar kurm in Hausa, Yooyi in Ghana, African velvet tamarind English. You love the fruit but probably know nothing about its health benefits.
HERE IT IS:
1- Malaria
According to research, the leaf extract inhibits the growth of Plasmodium falciparum which causes malaria therefore, taking a decoction can cure malaria.
2- Ulcer and Prevents Hypertension
The leaf extract of velvet tamarind has the ability to increase gastric mucus secretion. Therefore, a decoction of the leave can be a remedy for gastric ulcer. The leaves are also highly diuretic-promotes the production of urine. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood hence, reducing the risk of hypertension.
3- Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Properties
The fruit pulp contains abundant vitamin C which fights against microbial infections. The stem bark has the ability to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes that arises due to bronchitis.
4- Improves Oral hygiene and cures Toothache
The stem used as chewing stick (indigenous toothbrush) contains saponin which adds cleaning effect to the teeth and at the same time removes plaques and carries on the teeth of users. The stem bark decoction is also used to treat.
5- Reliefs Menstrual Cramp and stops Diarrhoea
The stem bark extract has significant analgesic property hence, can be used to reduce menstrual pain. You can take it along with papaya leaf, salt, and water to work effectively. It can also stop diarrhoea.
6- Jaundice and Diabetes Management
A decoction of velvet tamarind leaves is used in preparing a medicinal solution for curing jaundice. It also lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity. Hence, it can be used to treat diabetes.
7- Hemorrhoids (pile)
Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas and while not life-threatening, these veins can be very painful. A study performed on ethanolic leaves extract of velvet tamarind showed it to be beneficial for pile treatment.
8- Velvet Tamarind increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the body
Oxidative damage which involves free radicals – highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases. The abundance of antioxidants in the leaves helps protect the human body from damage caused by these free radicals when taken.
9- Improves lactation and checks private part infections
A review of several studies has concluded that chewing the fruit pulp increase secretion of milk as well as check infections.
10- Treats Scurvy and Wounds
The fruit pulp has high ascorbic acid content which is an anti-scurvy vitamin hence used as food supplement. Tender leaves of velvet tamarind, when squeezed and applied on wounds, stimulates the growth of healthy skin and protects the wounds against germs and moisture.
