Jamun, also known as Jambu in Sanskrit, is a very famous Indian tree. This large evergreen tree is mostly found in countryside and along the water channels in forests. The Jamun fruit is eaten raw and its coloured pulp leaves a dark purple tinge on the tongue for several hours.From ancient times, Jamun has been referred to in varied ayurvedic texts. The bark, leaves, fruit and seeds of the Jamun tree are known to possess many medicinal properties. The bark is acrid and bitter in taste but is known for its digestive, astringent and blood purifying qualities. It expels intestinal worms and is used in diarrhoea and dysentery where the patient passes blood mixed stool. The ash of the leaves is used in tooth powders to strengthen teeth and gums. Its pleasant fragrance and astringent action also helps to cure infected gums and bad breath.
The Jamun fruit has more varied uses than any other part of the tree. Apart from containing oxalic and tannic acids and certain alkloids, it is also rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. The ripe fruit is liver stimulant , carminative, digestive and cool in effect.
Almost all parts of the Jamun tree can be put to medicinal properties. Here are a few tips:
To treat epistaxis, taking 10 to 20 ml of fresh juice made from Jamun leaves helps to stop nasal bleeding. The same juice is also very beneficial to patients who complain of nausea and vomiting due to gastritis and indigestion.
Due to its astringent properties, the powder of the Jamun bark is used in ulcerative colitis. Taking one gram of this powder twice a day controls stool frequency and also helps to reduce bleeding from intestinal ulcers.
Ash of Jamun leaves mixed with an equal amount of ash of hard almond shell makes an excellent manjan. Its regular use strengthens teeth by checking bleeding and gum infection. To curb bad breath, a little peppermint can be mixed in this tooth powder.
Taking a few drops of pure vinegar, prepared from the Jamun fruit, in a cup of lukewarm water, helps to cure indigestion and it also removes any spasm in the gastrointestinal tract.
Jamun seeds are used to control diabetes from time immemorial. After powdering the seeds they can be used independently or along with any other anti-diabetic medicine. Beside lowering the blood and urine sugar level, they also check the increased frequency of urination.
Caution-- Jamun fruit should not be eaten unripe.Even the overeating ripe Jamuns can cause hyperacidity and gastric
problems. If such problem occurs, taking a pinch of jeera powder with warm water immediately gives relief.
