Laxative tamarind

Tamarind preparations are recognized universally as refrigerants in fevers and as laxatives and carminatives (Morton, 1987). The laxative properties of the pulp and the diuretic properties of the leaf sap have been confirmed by modern medicinal science (Bueso, 1980). In South-east Asia,... 

Tamarind leaves and flowers, dried or boiled, are used as poultices for swollen joints, sprains and boils. The latter are usually applied after grinding leaves and flowers into powder whereby they are used in lotions or infusions. Lotions and extracts made from them are used in treating conjunctivitis, as antiseptics, as vermifuges, treatments for dysentery, jaundice, erysipelas and haemorrhoids, and various other ailments. Frait shells are burned and reduced to an alkaline ash which enters into medicinal formulas (S). The leaves, mixed with salt and water, are used to treat throat infections, coughs, fever, intestinal worms, urinary troubles and liver ailments. Leaves and pulp act as a cholagogue, laxative and are often used in treating liver congestion , constipation and haemorrhoids (3). 

Fruit acids (such as malic acid in plums, tartaric acid in tamarind, or malic, tartaric, citric acid, in figs) have analogously a laxative effect. 

Tamarind has mild laxative properties, which are reportedly destroyed on cooking (jiangsu). 

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