What are the functions and benefits of tamarind skin?

Apr 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

The fruit peel of Tamarindus indica contains flavonoids that can clear heat-toxins from the body and alleviate symptoms of excessive heat-toxin accumulation, such as sore throat and oral ulcers. It is commonly used as an adjunct for regulating conditions during the early stages of heatiness (excess internal heat) or infection. Its acidic components stimulate gastric juice secretion, aiding in food digestion and improving digestive issues such as food stagnation, abdominal distension, and belching, particularly effective in cases of indigestion caused by excessive consumption of oily or meat-based foods.

Generally, the pericarp of the tamarind has effects including clearing heat and detoxifying the body, promoting digestion and resolving food stagnation, promoting diuresis and relieving constipation, alleviating inflammation, and antibacterial and anti-swelling actions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Clearing Heat and Detoxification: The tamarind pericarp contains flavonoid compounds that can eliminate heat toxins in the body and alleviate symptoms of excessive internal heat such as sore throat and mouth ulcers. It is commonly used as an adjunct in regulating conditions during the early stages of excessive internal heat or infection.

2. Promoting Digestion and Resolving Food Stagnation: Its acidic components stimulate gastric juice secretion, aiding in food digestion and improving digestive problems such as food retention, abdominal distension, and belching, especially effective for indigestion caused by greasy foods or meat.

3. Promoting Diuresis and Relieving Constipation: Organic acids and cellulose in the tamarind pericarp promote intestinal motility and simultaneously increase urine excretion, assisting in alleviating symptoms such as constipation, edema, and short, dark urine.

4. Alleviating Inflammation: The polyphenols contained in tamarind pericarp have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammatory responses such as joint redness and swelling and skin eczema, providing certain adjunctive benefits for rheumatic pain or swelling from external injuries.

5. Antibacterial and Anti-swelling: Extracts from tamarind pericarp inhibit bacterial growth; when applied externally, they can relieve superficial infections such as insect bites and abscesses, and when taken internally, they assist in restoring balance to a disrupted intestinal microbiota.

However, the intake of tamarind pericarp should be moderate, as excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions. Before using any herbal or natural supplements, it is best to consult a physician or a nutrition expert for advice.

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