Kokum: Uses & Benefits- Anahata Organic

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  Posted by Anahata Organic Online Store December 30, 2022 - Filed in Health - #Dry Kokum  - 163 views
  

  Garcinia indica, sometimes referred to as kokum, is a native of India and is known by various names there. Its names include Goa butter tree, kokum butter tree, Bheranda in Marathi, Punarpuli in Tulu, Murgal- masala in Tamil, and Vrikshamla in Sanskrit. Although it can be found in the Eastern and North-Eastern states as well, it primarily grows on the Western shores of India. 1

  It may be widely utilised in cooking, fish harvesting (known as Colombo curing), creating beverages, making cosmetics, etc., but most importantly, it is employed in Ayurveda because of its many potential uses.

  Characteristics of kokum

  Since ancient times, kokum has been employed because of potential qualities like:

  Perhaps an antacid.

  • It might contribute to improved heart health.
  • It might aid in protecting the liver from illnesses.
  • It might be a painkiller (relieves pain)
  • It could exert anti-inflammatory effects (may relieve swelling)
  • It could aid with allergic skin rashes because of its potential anti-dermatitis characteristics.
  • It might have anti-perspirant (sweating reduction) properties.
  • Possibly an astringent
  • Possibly a demulcent

  Uses of Kokum

  Kokum may benefit the digestive system in the following ways:

  Kokum may be used as a liver tonic since it may aid in liver protection.

  2 Food digestion may benefit with kokum. It may function as a natural antacid, and its formulations with salt and yoghurt may ease burning and ulcers in the stomach. 3 It might be useful in treating bloody and mucous stools brought on by stomach infections (dysentery), watery stools brought on by diarrhoea, and fissures brought on by hard stools (piles). 3 Overall, kokum may be beneficial for problems with the intestines and the digestive system, as well as for appetite. 2 However, additional research is needed.

  Possible applications of kokum for excessive body fat

  Kokum may be useful for controlling weight since it may decrease hunger and boost energy expenditure.

  It might also aid in the conversion of fatty acids into glycogen, which is stored in the liver, and in reducing the synthesis of fatty acids. All of these systems might help with weight management, and kokum juices might be useful for this. 2 It might contribute to improved blood flow throughout the body and prevent fat from building up in the blood vessels. 3 To verify these assertions, more investigation is needed.

  Skin benefits of kokum include:

  It's possible that kokum butter has moisturising qualities. As a result, it is frequently used to make soap, lip balms, and body lotions in the cosmetics sector. 2 It has historically been applied on dry skin. Additionally, it may be useful for treating lip fissures, ulcers, cracked feet, and burns. 1,2 To support these claims, more study is needed.

  Kokum may be used to treat cancer.

  One of the three primary components of kokum, known as garcinol, was shown to have anti-cancer properties. It may inhibit the action of an enzyme that is known to cause cancer and/or promote the death of cancer cells.

  According to a study, it may have a possible chemopreventive (lower the formation of cancer) effect because it demonstrated a capability to suppress the proliferation of human leukaemia (blood cancer) cells. It might contain antioxidant properties and be able to combat the body's free radicals, which are known to be one of the factors contributing to cancer. It may also aid in preventing the proliferation of cells that could become cancerous as well as the development of tumours in the body that could become cancerous. Although there is some data that suggests using kokum may be beneficial for cancer patients, more research is still needed in this area.

  Kokum may be used to treat infections

  Kokum might be efficient against germs, making it potentially useful as an antibiotic in some circumstances. One of the active ingredients in kokum, Garcinol, may be utilised as an alternative to traditional antibiotics when they have undesirable side effects.

  Its effects against bacteria like Staphylococcus, which causes many well-known infections, may be comparable to those of conventional antibiotics. Its antibacterial action against Helicobacter pylori, the primary causal agent, may also be responsible for its potential usage against stomach ulcers.

  Highly acclaimed as a sattvic spice in Ayurveda, Dry Kokum is a tropical fruit rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties. Sourced from farmers of Maharashtra and Konkan, it can be used to flavour beverages, candies, pickles and curries. Also used to make a refreshing Kokum sherbert, it helps one recover from sunstroke and dehydration.