Tangy & therapeutic tamarind

The most commonly used ingredient in our daily diet, tamarind, is a good source of carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and fibre. Tamarind leaves, flowers and seeds have medicinal properties too. The pulp also contains pectin and tartaric acid, which lend it the sweet-sour flavour. Another variety of sweet tamarind is used extensively in Thai cuisine.

Tamarind pulp has cooling, antioxidant, laxative, anti-flatulent and anti-bacterial properties. It also helps bring down cholesterol levels. Here are a few home remedies with tamarind:

* A mixture of equal quantities of tamarind and jaggery, with roasted cumin powder, can be made into pellets. When consumed twice a day before food, followed by warm water, it can cure loss of appetite, indigestion, and constipation.

* For a cold and nasal blockage, a piping hot soup, with tamarind water, salt, and pepper powder, is a good decongestant.

* Since tamarind has thirst quenching qualities, tamarind juice, with a dash of salt, jaggery or dates, toasted cardamom powder makes for a good summer drink. Even mint juice or powder can be added, to enhance the flavour.

* A poultice made with tender leaves can be applied on painful and inflamed joints for quick relief.

* To treat burns and scalds, make a paste of powdered tamarind leaves with sesame oil and apply on the affected area.

* For a sore throat, gargle with a mild solution of tamarind, laced with a pinch of salt.

* A mixture of tamarind powder with an equal quantity of toasted cumin powder, along with candied sugar powder, taken two-three times a day can provide relief from dysentery. However, excessive use may cause hyperacidity.