ABSTRACT
For years, the pulp of the tamarind has been used, with good reason, as an antiscorbutic, laxative, and carminative. It is also used as a digestive and to treat bile disorders. Used in a gargle for sore throat, as a liniment for rheumatism when mixed with salt, applied on inflammations, administered to alleviate sunstroke and alcoholic intoxication, to aid the restoration of sensation in cases of paralysis, and as part of a vermifuge ointment. In Eritrea, the pulp is sold for dysentery and malaria; in Indonesia for hair ailments; in Madagascar for worms and stomach disorder; in Tanganyika for snakebite; in Sri Lanka for jaundice, eye diseases, and ulcers; in Cambodia for conjunctivitis; and in Brazil as a diaphoretic, emollient, laxative, and for hemorrhoids. The leaves and flowers are used as poultices for swollen joints, sprains and boils, and lotions or extracts of leaves and flowers for conjunctivitis, dysentery, jaundice, erysipelas, and hemorrhoids, and as antiseptic and vermifuge. Bahamians take the leaf tea for chills and fevers. In Curacao they take the leaf decoction for colds, coughs, diabetes, and sore throats. Jamaicans take it for fever, measles, and pain. The bark is an effective astringent, tonic, and antipyretic, used for asthma, caterpillar rashes, colic, eye inflammations, gingivitis, indigestion, and open sores. The astringent seed is used as a dysentery and chronic diarrhea remedy, and as a paste for drawing boils. Root infusion used for chest complaints and is an ingredient in leprosy prescriptions. Cubans take the root decoction for jaundice and hemorrhage. Many Latinos use the pulp as a gentle laxative, while Cubans use the powder of toasted seed to arrest diarrhea.
