Jamun (Java Plum) – Syzygium Cumini
Jamun (also called Jambul, Java Plum in English and botanically accepted as Syzygium Cumini) is native to India and indigenous part of Indian folk remedies. In Ayurveda, its fruits, seeds, bark, and leaves are used as medicine for treating bleeding disorders and other diseases. Nowadays, its seeds become famous as anti-diabetic medicine.
Jamun fruit has astringent flavor, sweet and slightly sour taste. The fruits are used to prepare Jamun Vinegar, which is beneficial in abdominal diseases such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dysentery and irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes, it is also used for indigestion. Jamun seed powder (Churna) is used in the management of diarrhea, dysentery, and diabetes. Jamun leaves are prescribed for nausea, vomiting, bleeding disorders, and metrorrhagia.
Botanical Description
Jamun (botanically known as Syzygium Cumini) is known for its seasonal perishable Jamun berry, which is also named as Java Plum (in English) and Jambul. It belongs to the Myrtles family Myrtaceae. Jamun tree is evergreen plant grows up to 30 meters in height and has a girth of around 3.6 meters. The Jamun tree grows in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the India and found in Indian Subcontinent. Jamun tree is widely distributed forest tree found in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Australia.
Jamun fruit is oval in shape. In immature stage, Jamun fruit is green in color. Its color changes to crimson black with ripening. The seed in the fruit bears about 25% of its weight and fruit pulp and peel have 75% of its total weight. Ripe Jamun fruits are odorless and juicy.
SYNONYMS & VERNACULAR NAMES
Botanical Name | Syzygium Cumini |
Botanical Synonym | Eugenia Cumini & Eugenia Jambolana |
English Name | Java Plum (Sometimes Malabar Plum), Indian blackberry |
Hindi Name | Jamun, Jambul |
Other Names | Jamblang, Jambolan, Duhat, Jambolan Plum, Kavika, Jamelonguier, Mesegerak |
Ayurvedic Name | Jambu, Mahaphala |
Botanical Classification (Plant Taxonomy)
Kingdom | Plantae |
Sub-Kingdom | Viridiplantae |
Infra Kingdom | Streptophyta (land plants) |
Super Division | Embryophyta |
Division | Tracheophyta (tracheophytes – vascular plants) |
Sub Division | Spermatophytina (spermatophytes – seed plants) |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Super Order | Rosanae |
Order | Myrtales |
Family | Myrtaceae (myrtles) |
Genus | Syzygium |
Species | Syzygium Cumini (S. Cumini) – Java Plum |
Jamun plant was first cultivated in Indian sub-continent and it is grown in many other regions of south Asia such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Burma, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. In southern Asia, Jamun tree is worshiped by Buddhists and it commonly grown near Hindu temples because it is considered sacred to Lord Krishna.
Medicinal Parts
All parts of Jamun Tree are used in medicines.
- Seeds (whole with seed coat and kernel)
- Kernel
- Fruit Pulp
- Leaves
- Stem Bark
Phytochemistry (Chemical Composition)
Jamun plant is a good source of following phytochemicals:
- ANTHOCYANINS
- GLUCOSIDE
- ELLAGIC ACID
- ISOQUERCETIN
- KAEMFEROL
- MYRECETIN
Jamun seeds contain:-
- JAMBOSINE
- GLYCOSIDE JAMBOLIN or ANTIMELLIN
Jamun pulp, as well as its peel, is a significant source of phytochemicals. The beautiful purple color of Jamun is attributed to the presence of a phytochemical in it called ‘ANTHOCYANINS’ whereas, its astringent taste is due to the high content of tannins. Besides ANTHOCYANINS, other phytochemicals present in Jamun pulp and peel include:
- TERPENES
- CAROTENOIDS
- PHENOLIC ACID
- FLAVONOLS
- FLAVANONOL
Jamun seeds also contain significant amount of phytochemicals such as:
- JAMBOSINE
- GALLIC ACID
- ELLAGIC ACID
- CORILAGIN
- QUERCETIN
- Β- SITOSTEROL
These phytochemicals provide various therapeutic benefits and thus, Jamun is renowned for its medicinal values. Phytochemicals in Jamun seeds are used in various disease curing applications.
Presence of Essential Oils
Studies have shown that Jamun leaf, fruit, stem, and seeds contain essential oils. Of all the plant parts, Jamun leaves constitute 82% of total essential oils. Important components present in essential oils obtained from Jamun include:
- LAURIC ACID
- MYRISTIC ACID
- OLEIC ACID
- LINOLEIC ACID
- MALVALIC ACID
- STERIC ACID
- VERNOLIC ACID
- TRANS-OCIMENE
- β- MYRCENE
Pharmacological Actions
In general, all parts of Jamun tree (Syzygium Cumini) have astringent, anti-diarrheal, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Medicinal Properties of Jamun Fruit
- Mild astringent
- Digestive stimulant
- Liver stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory
Medicinal Properties of Jamun Seeds & Kernel
- Astringent
- Anti-diabetes
- Antihyperglycemic
- Mild digestive
Medicinal Properties of Jamun Leaves
- Astringent
- Antiemetic
- Antihemorrhagic
- Anti-diabetes
- Antihyperglycemic
Medicinal Properties of Jamun Bark
- Digestive
- Astringent
- Carminative (prevents flatulence)
- Anthelmintic (expels parasites out of the body)
- Antibacterial
- Anti-dysentery
- Mild Antihemorrhagic
Ayurvedic Characteristics of Jamun
Jamun has following ayurvedic characteristics:
RASA (Taste) | KASAYA (Astringent), AMAL (Sour), MADHURA (Sweet) |
ANU RASA (After Taste) | KASAYA (Astringent) |
GUNA (Main Quality) | LAGHU (Light), RUKSHA (Dry) |
VIRYA (Potency) | SHEETA (Cold) |
VIPAKA (Resultant) | KATU (Pungent) |
DOSHA KARMA (Effect on Humors) | Pacifies KAPHA DOSHA & PITTA DOSHA, but increases VATA DOSHA |
Main Action | Astringent & Digestive Stimulant |
Side Effect | ANAHA (Abdominal distension along with intestinal gas and constipation) |
Prevention | Kali Mirch (black pepper) and Kala Namak or Sendha Namak should be added in juice to prevent its side effect. |
Interactions | Milk & Tea should not be taken before and after eating Jamun. |
Therapeutic Indications of Jamun
The indications of Jamun tree and its parts are as per follows:
Jamun Fruits’ Indications
- Poor Appetite
- Indigestion
- Chronic colitis
- Rectal Bleeding (Bleeding Diarrhea)
- Cancer
- Liver Disorders
- Pharyngitis (inflammation of throat)
- Urethrorrhea (abnormal discharge from urethra)
- Splenopathy (diseases of spleen)
- Dysentery
- Metrorrhagia
- Menorrhagia
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
Jamun Seeds’ Indications
- Diabetes mellitus type-2
- Glycosuria (Glucosuria)
- Peptic Ulcers
- Hypercholesterolemia (High Cholesterol Level)
- Hyperlipidemia
- Turbidity in urine
- Urethrorrhea (abnormal discharge from urethra)
- Splenopathy (diseases of spleen)
Jamun Seed Kernels’ Indications
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Bleeding diarrhea
- Metrorrhagia & Menorrhagia
- Acne Vulgaris, Pimples, Boils
- Foot ulcers
- Burning Feet Syndrome
- Nocturnal Emission
- Nux Vomica Toxicity
Jamun Leaves’ Indications
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
- Bleeding disorders
- Mouth Ulcers
- Bleeding Piles
- Dysentery
- Leucorrhea
- Stomachache
- Diabetes mellitus type-2
- Pyorrhea (teeth and gum problems)
Jamun Bark Indications
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery (less effective than Jamun leaves)
- Urinary tract infection
- Pyorrhea (included in some toothpaste for astringent action to decrease pus formation and accumulation and stop the progress of infection)
- Diarrhea during pregnancy
- Leucorrhea
- Nausea & Vomiting (Jamun bark ash is used)
- Urticaria
- Frequent Urination & Polyuria
Jamun Benefits & Medicinal Uses
Jamun fruit pulp, seed with seed coat and kernel, alone kernel, bark and leaves all parts are used in many health conditions. We discuss its benefits and medicinal uses according to different parts of the Jamun Plant. Here are some common benefits.
Nutrients in Jamun
The composition of Jamun fruit mainly depends on the region where it is cultivated and on the climate of that particular region. Climate plays a very important role on the composition of minerals rather than that of the vitamins. The major minerals present in Jamun pulp as well as seeds include:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Sodium and potassium are two important electrolytes that are required for regulating blood pressure whereas, magnesium and calcium are vital for strong bones and teeth. Besides this, Jamun pulp and seeds also contain other minerals such as zinc, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, chromium and chlorine. It also contains a variety of vitamins such as vitamin A, thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), folic acid (vitamin B9) and vitamin C.
In addition to this, Jamun also contains an appreciable quantity of protein. Amino acids present in Jamun include:
- ALANINE
- TYROSINE
- CYSTEINE
- GLUTAMINE
- ASPARAGINE
Jamun pulp also contains sugars such as galactose, fructose, glucose, maltose and mannose. Of all these sugars, maltose is present in the highest quantity.
Antioxidant Properties
Jamun fruits are used to cure a number of ailments. Such beneficial effect is possible due to the presence of antioxidants in it. Scientific studies have found that skin or peel of Jamun fruit has more antioxidants as compared to Jamun pulp. Therefore, it is better to eat whole Jamun in order to get more antioxidants. Antioxidants present in Jamun include:
- VITAMIN C
- GALLIC ACID
- TANNINS
- ANTHOCYANINS
- CYANIDIN
- PETUNIDIN
- MALVIDIN-GLUCOSIDE
- Β- CAROTENE
These antioxidants along with other health promoting compounds scavenge free radicals and combat oxidative stress. Extracts of Jamun seeds have antioxidant potential and it works by trapping free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl, and lipid peroxide. β-carotene, a potent antioxidant present in Jamun inhibits auto-oxidation and thus protects the body against various harmful diseases. Research has shown that oral administration of Jamun seed extract lowered oxidative stress and increased the level of antioxidant in the body.
Heart Diseases
Hypertensive and individuals with altered lipid profile are at an increased risk of developing heart diseases. Research has shown that Jamun fruit and its other plant parts are very effective in reducing the risk of such diseases and thus provides protection to the heart. Individuals with heart diseases are often in the state of oxidative stress. Reduction in oxidative stress further reduces the risk of heart diseases. Jamun possesses antioxidant activity which in turn combats oxidative stress. Besides this, Jamun extracts also protect the cardiac cells against the harmful effect of free radicals.
Jamun Fruit Pulp Benefits & Uses
Jamun Fruit Pulp is juicy and has amazing sweet and astringent taste. It imparts crimson black color on the tongue. It is nutritious and rich in phytochemicals and antioxidant, which helps to maintain the health.
Specific Time to Eat Jamun & Drink Jamun Juice
According to Ayurveda, if Jamun fruit pulp or Jamun juice is taken before food, then it increases VATA DOSHA in the body. To prevent it, it should be taken in PITTA KALA (Time when Pitta is predominant in body and nature). The best time to eat Jamun is afternoon from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Poor Appetite
Jamun fruit juice is beneficial for improving appetite. It is used in following way for this.
Jamun fruit juice | 20 ml |
Trikatu Churna | 500 mg |
Trikatu Churna should be added in 4 teaspoons (20 ml) Jamun fruit juice for improving its digestive stimulant action and preventing abdominal distension. |
Indigestion
Jamun fruits are beneficial for reducing abdominal fullness, abdominal discomfort, and burning sensation in the abdomen. For this, a handful fruits can be eaten and Sonth (dried ginger root powder) should also be taken with water after consuming the Jamun fruit for maximum benefits.
Chronic Colitis
Jamun fruits reduce the inflammation of the colon linings and astringent action reduces the frequency of bloody stools. It is effective when a patient passes stool with a feeling of burning pain and mucus content may also be present in the stools.
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 Gulkand (2 teaspoons).
Cancer
Research has shown that Jamun has anti-tumor activity in which it inhibits the growth of the tumor. Research has also found that treatment with Jamun reduced the incidence of the tumor as well as reduced the size of the tumor. This effect is possible due to the ability of Jamun to detoxify harmful cancer-causing cells. It also plays a protective role by inhibiting the action of free radicals and by combating oxidative stress.
Furthermore, it is also observed that Jamun reduces the multiplication of cancer-causing cells and hence, it reduces the population of such cells. Jamun extract also prevents the spread of cancer to other organs of the body. These effects of Jamun are attributed to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. (Reference)
Liver Protective Effect
Excessive exposure to toxins, infectious agents, and drugs to the liver causes damage and injury to the liver. It leads to the generation of free radicals that impair the normal function and structure of the liver. During this period, levels of liver enzymes increase and blood sugar levels also rise as glycogen is stored in the liver. It was found that treatment with Jamun extract reduced the level of liver enzymes as well as blood sugar levels. Furthermore, it restored the normal function and structure of the liver. This result indicates the Jamun extract possesses liver protective (hepatoprotective) activities.
Research has also shown that toxic agents react with liver cells and thus, lead to hardening of the liver. Such change in the structure alters the normal functioning of the liver. It has been observed that Jamun acts as a liver tonic and thus, protects it against damage. Jamun also contains antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals, which are formed in the liver during liver damage and thus, it combats oxidative stress. It was even found that low dosage of Jamun extract does not possess liver protective effect. Therefore, more human trials are required to confirm the dosage of Jamun extract for humans with liver diseases and its safety profile also needs to be determined.
Jamun Seeds’ Benefits & Uses
Jamun Seeds are beneficial in diabetes mellitus and some other diseases, as discussed below.
Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Jamun seeds are widely used for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus in India and many other countries. Jamun bark, seeds, and leaves are utilized for the management of blood sugar levels. Jamun seeds reduce postprandial sugar level as well.
A rat study found that treatment with Jamun extract for 15 days significantly lowered high blood sugar levels. An active compound named ‘MYCAMINOSE’ present in Jamun works similar to an anti-diabetic drug called GLIBENCLAMIDE and it stimulates the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells. Furthermore, Jamun seeds lower blood sugar levels by potentiation of insulin effect by either increasing the secretion of insulin or by increasing its release from the bound form. Thus, the hypoglycemic properties of Jamun seeds may be due to its insulin stimulatory effects.
Another interesting research showed that Jamun seed extract inhibits the enzyme that converts carbohydrates into glucose on digestion. Such inhibition prevents a sudden rise in the blood sugar levels after a meal. Fiber present in Jamun seeds such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin had a little impact on blood sugar.
Some studies have found that high antioxidant content of Jamun combats oxidative stress and thus reduces hyperglycemia. In addition to this, Jamun also increased the storage of glycogen in liver and muscles and thus reduced the amount of glucose in the blood. Jamun also increases the activity of glucose transporter and thus, helps to transport glucose in the liver and muscles.
In diabetes mellitus, Jamun seeds are used in dosage of 1 to 2 grams thrice daily. For increasing its anti-diabetic and anti-hyperglycemic effects, the following combination is very helpful.
Jamun seed powder | 100 grams |
Methi (Fenugreek) seed powder | 100 grams |
Amla Powder (Amla Churna) | 100 grams |
Bilva Leaf Powder | 100 grams |
Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre) Powder | 100 grams |
Neem Leaf Powder | 50 grams |
Chirata Powder | 50 grams |
Haldi (Turmeric) Powder | 50 grams |
Trikatu Churna | 50 grams |
Dosage: 1 teaspoon with warm water thrice daily 30 minutes before meal | |
This mixture improves insulin sensitivity as well as boosts the insulin secretion. | |
In initial stages, this Jamun seed combination works awesome without any other medicines. If the patient is taking allopathic medicines, then the need to monitor blood sugar level and reduce the dosage of allopathic medicines gradually as per achievement of good control on blood glucose level. | |
Restricted Diet: Potatoes, Rice, Sugar, Sweets, and other high glycemic foods | |
Recommended Diet: Pulses, Barley and Gram flour Chapatti, Cow’s Milk, Green Vegetables and other low glycemic foods |
Glycosuria (Glucosuria)
Jamun seed powder is an excellent solution for Glycosuria (sugar in urine). In this case, the similar combination can be used as described above under heading Diabetes Mellitus.
Peptic Ulcers
The gut-protective role of Jamun is due to the presence of tannins in it. Several drugs cause damage to the inner lining of the gut. Tannins present in Jamun have shown to reduce the damage caused by drugs and also reduces the concentration of free radicals in the gut. Drugs induce gastric damage and ulceration through the excess generation of reactive oxygen species. Many studies have claimed that Jamun has antioxidant activities. Furthermore, research has shown that Jamun extracts have an anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effect. Jamun also helped to restore mucus, a viscous layer that protects the inner lining of the stomach against harmful effects of drugs and acid. (Reference)
Another study observed that Jamun seed extract played a beneficial role in the treatment of aspirin-induced peptic ulcers. The study revealed that Jamun seeds possess anti-ulcer and antioxidant properties that protect against stomach ulcers. Aspirin induces the formation of free radicals that cause injury to the inner lining of the stomach. The study further revealed that Jamun seeds significantly reduced oxidative stress parameters and improved the antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. Thus, Jamun seeds exhibited a relaxing effect on the gut and helped in the treatment of stomach ulcers. (Reference)
High Cholesterol Levels
Many studies have shown that Jamun extracts have excellent antilipemic activity and it helps to lower high blood cholesterol levels. Treatment with Jamun seed extract helped to reduce high levels of total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (unhealthy) and triglyceride levels. Such effect of Jamun seed extract is due to the presence of health-promoting compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, gallic acid and ellagic acid. Furthermore, Jamun also significantly increased the level of healthy cholesterol- HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
Another study observed that Jamun seed extract contains water soluble fiber that significantly reduced the level of cholesterol in the liver as well as in the heart. It also increased the excretion of bile acids, thus more cholesterol is used for the formation of bile rather than being stored in the body. Such activity was due to its gelling property of fiber that gets bound to bile acid and increases its excretion in the feces.
Jamun Seed Kernel
Jamun Seed Kernels are specially used in following cases:
Diarrhea
Astringent action of Jamun seed kernels helps to treat diarrhea. It is more beneficial in cases of chronic diarrhea. In chronic diarrhea, Jamun Kernels are used in following way:
Jamun Seed Kernel Powder | 100 grams |
Mango Seed Kernel Powder | 100 grams |
Roasted Haritaki Fruit Pulp Powder | 50 grams |
Dosage: 1 teaspoon with warm water twice daily for a week or until complete relief from chronic diarrhea. |
Metrorrhagia & Menorrhagia
Jamun seed kernels along with Lotus Seed Kernels are beneficial for reducing the heavy bleeding in women. The combination of these seeds is prepared and used in the following way.
Jamun Seed Kernel Powder | 100 grams |
Lotus Seed Kernel Powder | 100 grams |
Misri (Crystallized Sugar) | 200 grams |
Dosage: 1 teaspoon with lukewarm milk 3 times a day until complete relief. | |
If the patient has excessive bleeding during menstruation, then this combination should be taken for at least 3 months. |
Acne Vulgaris
Jamun seed kernels are used for acne vulgaris. The seed paste is prepared with warm water and applied on the acnes for 30 minutes and repeated two times a day for several days until complete relief. It is also beneficial for pimples and boils occurring in the summer season.
Foot Ulcers
In a similar way, Jamun kernel powder can be applied on foot ulcers for speeding up the recovery and healing. It can also be effective if foot ulcers are due to diabetic complication.
Burning Feet Syndrome
Jamun kernel powder is mixed in water to make its thick paste. The paste is applied for 30 to 60 minutes on the feet to treat burning feet syndrome. The application should be repeated twice daily for at least 1 to 2 months. Along with this, Praval Pishti, Gandhak Rasayana, and Amalaki Rasayana should also be taken orally.
Nocturnal Emission
Jamun kernel powder is also beneficial for nocturnal emission. It stops discharge and used in following way.
Jamun Seed Kernel Powder | 100 grams |
Gond Katira | 100 grams |
Dosage: 1 teaspoon with lukewarm water 2 times a day until complete relief. |
Nux Vomica (Kuchla) Toxicity
Jamun Seed Kernel Powder in a dosage of 10 grams with milk is given in Nux Vomica Toxicity. It helps to reduce restlessness, dizziness, abnormal spasms, etc. occurring due to Nux Vomica toxicity.
Jamun Leaves’ Benefits & Uses
Jamun leaves are useful in mouth ulcer, bleeding piles, diarrhea, typhoid fever, etc.
Antimicrobial Properties
Diseases caused by microbes and bacteria have increased tremendously. Therefore, natural agents are required to get rid of these microbes and to protect the body against infectious diseases. One interesting research observed the effect of Jamun leaves against drug resistant gram positive and gram negative bacteria. This positive effect is attributed to the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols and tannins. These phytochemicals present in Jamun leaves confer antimicrobial effects.
Flavonoids present in Jamun have a natural ability to modify the body’s reaction to the virus and allergies and thus they possess anti-microbial and anti-allergic properties. Steroids and tannins also possess strong anti-microbial activities. Researchers have also claimed that tannins have the ability to inhibit HIV replication selectively.
The study results revealed that Jamun leaves exhibited antibacterial activity against:-
- Bacillus Subtilis (causes food poisoning)
- Salmonella typhi (causes typhoid)
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (causes infection in lungs, kidney, and urinary tract)
- Escherichia coli (causes food poisoning)
- Proteus Vulgaris (causes urinary tract infection and wound infections)
Therefore, the remarkable activity of Jamun leaves may be due to high concentration of phytochemicals and other health promoting compounds present in it.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Anti-hypertensive treatment is required to lower the level of high blood pressure and to reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications such as heart diseases and stroke. Studies have shown that a reduction of 5 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure reduces the risk of death associated with heart disease by 7%. Treatment with Jamun leaf extract reduces vasoconstrictor agents that constrict the blood vessels and in turn raise the blood pressure. Furthermore, the presence of flavonoids and triterpene possess significant vasodilatory effect that widens the blood vessels and ensures smooth blood flow throughout the body. In addition to this, antioxidants present in Jamun reduce the oxidative stress in kidneys and blood vessels and thus help in lowering high blood pressure. Besides this, Jamun is a good source of potassium that further helps in the treatment of hypertension. Thus, Jamun can be successfully made a part of DASH diet (DIETARY APPROACHES AGAINST HYPERTENSION).
Mouth Ulcers
The decoction is prepared using 10 grams Jamun Leaf powder and 800 ml water, which is simmered to reduce to 200 ml liquid. This decoction is used for gargling to treat mouth ulcers.
Alternatively, a paste is made using water, Jamun Leaf powder and Katha (Catechu). This paste is applied on the mouth ulcers for quick relief.
Opium Toxicity
If nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are main concerns in opium toxicity than constipation, then Jamun Leaf Juice or Decoction helps to reduce these symptoms.
Jamun Bark Benefits & Uses
Jamun Bark is helpful for the treatment of urticaria, vomiting, dental problems, diabetes, polyuria and frequent urination.
Pyorrhea (Periodontitis)
Jamun Tree Bark has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, which are useful in the management of pyorrhea. For this purpose, its decoction is used for gargling.
Jamun Tree Bark Decoction
The coarse powder of Jamun bark in the quantity of 10 grams is added to 800 ml water. The mixture is simmered to 1/4th i.e. 200 ml. The warm Jamun bark decoction is used for gargling.
Gargle with Jamun bark decoction should be done 3 times a day for maximum benefits. It also strengthens tooth enamel and prevents its erosion.
Leucorrhea
Jamun Tree Bark Decoction is also beneficial for the abnormal discharges (leucorrhea). The anti-inflammatory, astringent and antimicrobial effects reduce the inflammation, discharge, foul smell, and infection. The decoction should be prepared as described above under Pyorrhea heading.
Nausea & Vomiting
Jamun bark ash is used for nausea and vomiting.
Jamun Bark Ash Preparation
- Take Jamun Bark and cuts it into smaller pieces.
- Burn the bark and obtain its ash.
How to Use
Jamun bark ash should be taken in dosage of 1 to 2 grams with 1 teaspoon of honey thrice daily to treat nausea and vomiting.
Effectiveness
Jamun bark ash is effective when one has a sour taste in mouth and vomitus is also sour and acidic. It may not be helpful in other cases.
Diarrhea during Pregnancy
The decoction of Jamun Bark along with Mango Tree Bark is beneficial in the management of diarrhea occurring during pregnancy.
Jamun & Mango Bark Decoction
- Take 10 grams of coarse powder of Jamun bark and 10 grams of coarse powder of Mango Bark.
- Add bark powders to 400 ml water and boil and simmer the mixture to obtain 1/4the. 100 ml decoction.
How to Use
Jamun & Mango Bark Decoction should be taken twice daily. Along with this, Jeera (Cumin) powder and Dhania (coriander) seed powder should also be taken in dosage of 1 teaspoon of the mixture of both herbs.
Frequent Urination & Polyuria
Jamun bark powder along with Lodhra Churna is used in polyuria and frequent urination. This combination can be used along with Chandraprabha Vati for best results.
Different Ways to Consume Jamun
- People in India enjoy Jamun with salt.
- In China, Jamun is eaten as a snack.
- Jamun powder is manufactured by a few companies in India and it is claimed that this powder fights against various ailments.
- Many companies have brought up Jamun juice in combination with other juices to serve its health benefits.
- Jamun jam is a great way to get your daily dose of health-promoting compounds.
- Jamun wine is a great beverage that is produced commonly in Goa.
- Other Jamun processed products include Jamun vinegar and Jamun chips.
Jamun Formulations
- Jamun Vinegar: Jamun vinegar is prepared from unripe and ripe Jamun fruit pulp or juice. It also has tremendous health benefits and useful in gas, abdominal distension, bloating, diarrhea and diabetes mellitus. For more details, read an article on Jamun Vinegar here.
- Jamun Sharbat
- Jambavasava
- Pancha Pallava Yog
Safety Profile
Jamun fruits are likely safe and well-tolerated in most individuals. There are no serious side effects reported with Jamun fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark.
Side effects of Jamun
Gut problems: Jamun plays a very important role in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, but some studies have reported side-effects with its high doses. The complaints were reported such as constipation, nausea, and epigastric pain. Some individuals even reported a change in the color of the urine (red coloration).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Jamun fruits are likely safe during pregnancy. Other parts of Jamun tree should be used only if required and indicated under professional supervision.
Jamun can also be safely taken by lactating mothers.
Toxicity
A rat study was conducted where rats were administered high doses of Jamun extract up to 5 grams per kilogram of body weight. No toxicity or death was observed with such high doses too. Selected organs such as liver, pancreas, kidneys, lungs and heart were examined and no toxic effects were found. Therefore, it can be said that Jamun extract is safe to use. However, human trials are required to understand the toxic effect of Jamun in human if any.
Interaction with drugs
Anti-diabetic drugs: The only interaction of Jamun found till date is with anti-diabetic drugs. Jamun extract has a very high ability to lower blood sugar levels. Taking it along with anti-diabetic drugs or maintaining a short time gap between the two may lower the blood sugar level beyond the normal range and so may lead to hypoglycemia. Therefore, before starting with Jamun extract always ask your doctor or health-care advisor.
What is effect of Jamun eating on kidneys of diabetic patients?
Eating Jamun fruits helps to dissolve kidney stones. It is also likely to improve kidney functions.
Can Jamun seed powder increase or decrease the blood pressure? Thank you.