Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Southern Asia, Eastern Africa, and Madagascar. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for decoctions, culinary uses, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tamarind
Scientific Name	Tamarindus indica
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Tamarindus
Species	indica
Native Range	Southern Asia, Eastern Africa, Madagascar
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Culinary Use, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica
Common Name: Tamarind
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Tamarind Tree, Java Tamarind, Indian Date
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Tamarindus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial tree.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface glossy dark green and lower surface duller lighter green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along midrib.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetric flowers with five fused petals forming a tube, three sepals, two stamens with filaments fused to the corolla, and a superior ovary with two carpels.
Stems: Elongated, cylindrical stems with a woody texture, exhibiting an erect growth habit and a dichotomous branching pattern, covered with persistent, smooth, glabrous bark.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Culinary Use
Infusion
Syrup

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a soothing astringent, for surface-level applications.
Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a moderate diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a calming bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.

Active Compounds

Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.
Saponin: Naturally occurring metabolites distributed across many plant families.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moderately moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.