Home ayurveda Lesser Known Ayruvedic Health Benefits of Kokum (Kokam)

Lesser Known Ayruvedic Health Benefits of Kokum (Kokam)

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Kokum / Kokam (Garcinia Indica) is an almost forgotten Natural Antacid, which is more necessary today than ever. Acidity, Heart Burn, Bloating, Headaches and Poor sleep are very common problems amongst the urban population nowadays. To deal with these problems we tend to take a whole load of antacids, laxatives, and even antibiotics. These instant relief medicines are doing more harm to our bodies than good. By washing away our naturally rich, diverse Gut Ecosystem of Good Bacteria these medicines are not only leading us to diabetes and heart diseases but also making us deficient in vitamin D, B12 etc. Traditionally in India, Kokam has been a Grandma’s go-to fruit to cure acidity, bloating and flatulence. Kokum, a natural antacid, helps to protect the diverse gut ecosystem of Good Bacteria while keeping acidity at bay! Kokam has been used for many years to treat Acidity, Diarrhea, Skin infections and Wounds throughout South Asia. Once you get to know about this humble fruit/herb and experience the miraculous Ayruvedic Health Benefits of Kokum (Kokam), it will become your go-to medicine too for when you have Overeaten, Under-slept or have Acidity!

Medicinal Ayurvedic Benefits Of Kokum:

  1. Natural Antacid
  2. Anti-Viral, Anti-Bacterial
  3. Fights Free Radicals
  4. Good For Heart Health
  5. Immune System Enhancer
  6. Powerful Antioxidant
  7. Gives Relief From Skin Rashes, Infections, and Wounds
  8. Cures Diarrhea
  9. It Is Anti-Inflammatory
  10. Vasorelaxant (Reduces tension of the blood vessel walls)

An Introduction To Kokum

The Kokum tree produces these kokum fruits which are bright red in color and about the size of a small plum. It is mostly found in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Gujarat on the west coast of India and to some extent in the forests of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal. The common names for Kokum are Amsul, Goa butter tree, Kokum butter tree, Mangosteen oil tree.

The skin of the fruit which is normally sold as ‘kokum’ is sun-dried in large quantities to be used when the fresh kokum is not available.

Kokum has a decent demand in the local markets in some parts of India. Sadly, Kokum is now in the list of NUS- Neglected and Underutilized species of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO). We can save this amazing medicinal plant from vanishing away from agricultural cultivation if we incorporate it in our daily diet and benefit from its various health benefits.

Kokum Benefits Explained:

  • It Has A Cooling Effect On Our Body

Kokum juice is especially popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke. Its rind powder and decoction are also used to prevent dehydration and loss of nutrients. The kokum fruits are steeped in sugar syrup to make Amrutkokum which is drunk to relieve sunstroke.

Drinking Kokum juice helps in balancing Pitta Dosha. Kokum juice is very useful during the summer season as Pitta gets aggravated during hot days of the summer season. People with pitta dosha should always incorporate kokum fruit or its juice in their diet to keep their Pitta in balance.

  • Good For Digestive Health

Regular intake of Kokum improves digestion and appetite. Extracts from the Kokum fruit are traditionally used to relieve gastric problems like acidity, flatulence, constipation, and indigestion. It also provides relief from piles and anal fissures. Also, helps to improve the working of the liver. Kokum also has the ability to tackle dysentery and mucus diarrhea.

Kokum juice gives instant relief from acidity. It is a natural antacid with no side effects on the body. Kokum also keeps in check our naturally rich, the diverse gut ecosystem of Good Bacteria. These good bacteria help in proper absorption of various nutrients in our body.

  • It is Anti-viral and Anti-bacterial

Kokum has antiviral properties. It helps in bringing down fever and allergic reactions. It also has the ability to fight infections and burning sensations that occur in the body.

The hydroxycitric acid present in the fruit fights cholesterol and curbs lipogenesis, thus aiding weight loss. One of the ingredients of kokum, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), has been patented for use as a hypocholesterolemic agent. HCA is a potential anti-obesity agent. It suppresses fatty acid synthesis, lipogenesis, food intake and induces weight loss.

Kokum’s major active ingredient is garcinol, a substance that has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which also helps to enhance the immune system.

Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone purified from kokum fruit rind, displays antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties. Apart from HCA and garcinol, kokum contains other compounds with potent antioxidant properties. These include citric acid, malic acid, polyphenols, carbohydrates1,3, anthocyanin pigments and ascorbic acid. They also promote cell regeneration and repair.

  • Gives Relief From Skin Rashes, Infections, and Wounds

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine uses kokum fruit in infusions to treat skin ailments like allergic rashes, burns, chaffed skin, and scalds. Kokum paste and oil are used to heal wounds and skin problems faster.

Kokum seeds contain a high percentage of oil that freezes to form Kokum butter. Kokum butter is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry nowadays as it works wonders on dry, chapped, sensitive, irritated or burnt skin.

  • Vasorelaxant (Reduces tension of the blood vessel walls)

Drinking kokum juice has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It acts as a vasorelaxant which reduces the tension of the blood vessel walls.

Ok, so now that we know how good this little fruit is, lets get to know how you are actually going to consume it. In case you are wondering, Kokum tastes amazing, and is delicious in any form you choose to have it! ? Now let’s get to it.

How To Use / Consume Kokum:

There is one more thing. Even if you are not suffering from any of the symptoms I talked about, I suggest you have Kokum juice just for its delicious exotic sweet and sour taste. If you have not tasted it yet, you are really missing something! ?

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