Jamun- an underutilized fruit
You can see jamun flooding in summer markets, so refreshing, and succulent to see. Commonly known as Java plum or Indian blackberry, Naavar Pazhamit goes by the botanical name Syzygiumcumini, Eugenia jambolana, and Myrtus cumini belonging to the Myrtaceae family.
Several ancient ayurvedic texts even mention India as Jambudweep or a “land of Jambu” as there are a vast number of jamun trees growing in our nation.
It goes by kashaya (astringent ), amla (sour), and Madhura (sweet ) in taste, Laghu(Light ), Ruksha (Dry ) in quality, Sheeta (cold ) in potency, katu (Pungent ) in resultant pacifies kapha and pitta dosha but increases vata doshas as per Ayurvedic classical references. Due to these actions on doshas, this fruit is helpful in controlling many health conditions and is available in the market in various formulations.
It has a special reference in Ramayana as the fruit of gods as Lord Rama survived on this succulent fruit during his 14 years of exile.
Being an excellent powerhouse of of vitamin C, vitamin A, Calcium, Fibre, Glucose, Protein, Carbohydrates, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, and a few Phytochemicals, this fruit is Diuretic, Anti- scorbutic, and Carminative and is a rich source of Polyphenolic compounds.
As per Charaka they are grouped under Mootrasangrahaneeya drugs (drugs that cause urine retention ) , Purishavirajaneeya (drugs that cause the normal retention of bowel colors), Chardhinigrahaneeyavarga ( Drugs that prevent nausea or vomiting )
As per Susrutha and Vagbhata, they are grouped under Nyagrodhadhivarga
Ayurveda strongly recommends this berry for treating various conditions related to heart, arthritis, asthma, and digestive issues like stomach pain, bowel spasms, flatulence, and dysentery. The diuretic effects of jamun flush toxins out of the kidneys, while the high fiber content aids in digestion and prevents nausea and vomiting.
· Being low in calories, it matches a perfect snack for diabetes patients and those who are on a weight loss diet
· With its fiber-rich qualities, it aids various digestive-related disorders like constipation, IBS, diarrhea, etc
· Loaded with vitamin C – it helps to fasten the healing process of unhealed ulcers, strengthens teeth and bones, and acts as a perfect immune booster.
· Being rich in iron, it can help to tackle menstrual disorders, purify the blood and to tackle anemia, fatigue, especially in teenagers
· Packed with bioactive phytochemicals including polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids it is quite effective in treating cancer, heart and liver ailments.
· The sodium and potassium in jamun mainly balance the electrolyte content in the body whereas calcium and magnesium are essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Range of health benefits of Jamun
· Magic fruit for diabetes
An anti-diabetic ingredient present in seeds of jamun ,called jamboline and jamboline plays a pivotal role in reducing the rate of sugar release in the bloodstream. It converts starch into energy and reduces the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination and thrusting.
Mode of usage of Jamun(Indian Blackberry)
Jamun seeds are used in a dosage of 1 to 2 grams thrice daily with warm water
· Happy and healthy heart
Individuals with heart diseases are often in a state of oxidative stress. Reduction in oxidative stress further reduces the risk of heart disease. Jamun is laden with high amounts of potassium which is extremely beneficial in keeping heart-related ailments at bay. Regular consumption of Jamun prevents the hardening of arteries which leads to atherosclerosis, and reduces the various symptoms of high blood pressure thereby controlling hypertension and preventing strokes and cardiac arrests.
· Weight to go with jamun ….
Being low in calories, it improves your digestion and helps minimize water retention, and fills your stomach so you do not crave more food
· Bye bye …bad breathe
Dried and powdered leaves of Jamun is commonly used as a tooth powder for strengthening teeth and gums. The astringent and anti-bacterial property of fruit and leaves makes it highly effective against throat problems and in eliminating bad breath. The decoction of the bark can be used as a mouthwash or gargled regularly to prevent mouth ulceration and gingivitis.
· Say hello to Radiant and glowing Skin:
Can you believe This marvelous fruit can get rid of those sneaky pimples, aging wrinkles, acne, and blemishes?
Yes
Drinking Jamun juice regularly gives you healthy, glowing skin because of its detoxifying and blood purificatory properties. The high index of Vitamin -C blesses you with a blemish-free radiant skin.
Applying a mask from the dried powder of fruit considerably reduces pimples, dark spots, and pigmentation.
Applying fresh jamun juice on your face act as a toner, it reduces the pores and controls sebum secretion.
· Increased Hemoglobin Production
The abundance presence of Iron and vitamin C makes it a natural remedy for anemia and also provides relief from body weakness and fatigue.
Additional Benefits Of Jamun:
· Aids In Digestion
The excellent carminative digestive and anti-flatulent properties of this incredible fruit reduce the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, constipation, bloating, and abdominal distension.
For this, a handful of fruits can be eaten and dry ginger should also be taken with water after consuming the Jamun fruit to avoid digestive issues
· Chronic Colitis
Jamun fruits reduce the inflammation of the colon linings and their astringent action reduces the frequency of bloody stools.
· Shields Against non-healing ulcers
The strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties of jamun extracts is used for treating and healing wounds.
· Rectal Bleeding (Bleeding Diarrhea)
The astringent action of Jamun fruit reduces bleeding in the stools and reduces the frequency of loose stools.
In Ayurveda, it is advised to drink its juice in a dosage of 20 ml along with rose petal jam forcing effects
· Cancer
Jamun reduces the incidence of the tumor as well as its size. It also plays a protective role by inhibiting the action of free radicals and by combating oxidative stress.
The medicinal parts used in Jamun is
· Seeds (whole with seed coat and kernel)
· Kernel
· Fruit Pulp
· Leaves
· Stem Bark
Some highlights on uses of different parts of Jamun
Medicinal Properties of Jamun Fruit
It acts as a liver and digestive stimulant and is anti-inflammatory.It is indicated in various conditions like Poor Appetite, Indigestion, Chronic colitis, Rectal Bleeding (Bleeding Diarrhea), Cancer, Liver Disorders, Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat), Urethrorrhea (abnormal discharge from urethra), Splenopathy (diseases of spleen), Metrorrhagia, Anemia
· Fights Respiratory Issues
Loaded with powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, the fruit extract plays an essential role in treating the common cold, cough, and flu symptoms and eases breathing, and helps the body to get rid of mucus.
· Enhances Libido
Due to its strong aphrodisiac properties, it stimulates the production of testosterone which can increase libido, enhancing the quality of sperm. It can help in conditions like erectile dysfunction too
· Peptic Ulcers
Taking jamun regularly can help to restore the mucosal lining of the stomach which is one of the major reasons of peptic ulcer
Medicinal Properties of Jamun seeds and kernels
Jamun seeds acts as an Astringent, Anti-diabetes and is indicated in Glycosuria (Glucosuria), Peptic Ulcers, Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol Level), Turbidity in urine, Urethrorrhea (abnormal discharge from the urethra), Splenopathy (diseases of the spleen).
Jamun Seed Kernel is Indicated in conditions like Chronic Diarrhea, Metrorrhagia &Menorrhagia, Acne Vulgaris, Pimples, Boils, Footulcers, Burning Feet Syndrome, Nocturnal Emission
Jamun Churna for PCOD:
PCOD is one of the major reasons for female infertility. Taking this fruit on a daily basis can check on your weight gain and diabetic level which is one of the attributing factors of PCOD causing infertility.
Jamun seed kernel benefits
· Diarrhoea
1 spoon of dried jamun seed kernel along with mango seed kernel and hareetaki is the best cure for diarrhea
· Metrorrhagia & Menorrhagia
Jamun seed kernels along with Lotus Seed Kernels and sugar are beneficial for reducing the heavy bleeding in women. 1 spoon of the above-mentioned mixture with half a glass of warm water or honey twice daily after food can prove an effective cure against Metrorrhagia
· Acne Vulgaris
Scorching summer and loss of hydration can cause various disorders like pimples and boils, but jamun is an evergreen fruit that helps alleviate these issues. The seed paste prepared with warm water and applied on the acne for 30 minutes and repeated two times a day can help to cure the above
· Burning Feet Syndrome
For complaints like diabetic neuropathy, or burning pain in the foot the kernel powder paste can be used for local application
· Nocturnal Emission
Jamun kernel powder is also beneficial for nocturnal emission.
· Non-healing Foot Ulcers
Paste of Jamun kernel powder can be applied on foot ulcers to speed up the recovery and healing.
Medicinal properties of jamun leaves
It indicates properties like Astringent, Antiemetic, Antihemorrhagic, Anti-diabetes and Antihyperglycemic and it is indicated in clinical conditions like Nausea &Vomiting, Epistaxis (Nosebleed), Bleeding disorders, Mouth Ulcers, Dysentery, Leucorrhea, Stomachache, Diabetes mellitus type-2 and Pyorrhea (teeth and gum problems)
Benefits of leaves of jamun
· Antimicrobial Properties
The phytochemicals like flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols and tannins present in Jamun leaves confer antimicrobial effects which have a natural ability to modify the body’s reaction to the virus and allergies.
The decoction is prepared using Jamun Leaf powder is used for gargling to treat mouth ulcers.
A paste is made using water, Jamun Leaf powder, and khadira can be applied to mouth ulcers for quick relief.
· Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Jamun leaf extract has been proven to be a part of the DASH diet (DIETARY APPROACHES AGAINST HYPERTENSION) due to the presence of flavonoids and triterpene which possess significant vasodilatory effect that widens the blood vessels and ensures smooth blood flow throughout the body
Being rich in potassium it further helps in the treatment of hypertension.
Medicinal properties of jamun tree bark
Jamun Bark acts as Digestive, Astringent, Carminative (prevents flatulence, Anthelmintic (expels parasites out of the body), Antibacterial, Anti-dysentery and Mild Antihemorrhagic
It is indicated in clinical conditions like Diarrhea, Urinary tract infection, Pyorrhea, Diarrhea during pregnancy, Leucorrhea, Nausea& Vomiting (Jamun bark ash is used), urticaria and Frequent Urination & Polyuria
· Pyorrhea (Periodontitis)
Jamun tree bark due to its anti-inflammatory properties can be used in management of pyorrhea as a mouth gargle. It also strengthens tooth enamel and prevents its erosion.
· Nausea & Vomiting
Daily intake of jamun bark ash (1-2 gms with 1 spoon of honey ) is used for nausea and vomiting.
· Diarrhea during Pregnancy
The decoction of Jamun Bark along with Mango Tree Bark is beneficial in the management of diarrhea occurring during pregnancy.
· Frequent Urination & Polyuria
Jamun bark powder along with LodhraChurna is used in polyuria and frequent urination.
· Leucorrhea
The anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial effects of jamun tree bark can help reduce the inflammation, discharge, foul smell, and infection from leucorrhoea, showcasing its medicinal uses.
· Drinking the juice of a ripe jamun fruit can help cure urine retention and splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).
· The juice is useful for treating fungal infections on the scalp.
· Roots of the Jamun helps treat epilepsy
Best Time to Eat Jamun & Drink Jamun Juice
Intake of Jamun on an empty stomach may aggravate vata dosha so it is best to take it during pitta kala (afternoon from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM)
Ayurvedic medicines using Jamun
· Ushreerasava
· Jambavasava
· Musali khadiradikashayam
· Pushyanugachoornam
· Pancha pallava yoga
Safety profile
· Jamun extract has a very high ability to lower blood sugar levels. Taking it along with anti-diabetic drugs may lower the blood sugar level and so may lead to hypoglycemia.
· As jamun has a mild sour taste, it must not be consumed on empty stomach or after drinking milk or tea as it might cause acidity.
· Black pepper and black salt can be added to the juice to prevent the side effects
· Are jamun and blackberry the same?
Jamun is an Indian blackberry, Jamun is a different species from blackberry, specifically known as syzygium cumini.
· How many jamuns can I eat in a day?
It is ideal to have 100-150 gms of jamun every day, especially in its seasons
· What is kala jamun called in English?
It is known as Indian blackberry in English
· Can You Eat Jamun During Pregnancy?
Yes you can but in moderation
· Does Having Jamun Enhance Hair Health?
Yes. Jamun has anti-bacterial and its antioxidant properties help in scalp health and its vitamin c helps in collagen production which plays a main role in hair health
· Is Jamun Good For The Eyes?
With its presence of vitamin A and iron, it proves beneficial for collagen formation in the cornea
· Is jamun good for the liver?
With the presence of alkaloids and anti-oxidant properties, it helps to prevent liver damage
· What Other Forms Of Jamun Is Available In The Market?
It is available in the form of juice, tablets, syrup, juices, and vinegar
· What are the chemical constituents of Jamun?
Jamun mainly contains polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic, anti-inflammatory, anthocyanins, gallic acids, tannins, phenols, alkaloids, ellagic acid, glycoside, isoquercitrin, kaempferol, myricetin, tannins, flavonols, flavone, and vitamins
· What are the other names of Jamun?
Jambolan, black plum, java plum, Malabar plum, Portuguese plum, Jamaica Indian blackberry