☘ Ayurvedam - Jamun

Jamun is native to India and indigenous part of Indian folk remedies. In Ayurveda, its fruits, seeds, bark, and leaves are used medicine as it attenuates Kapha and Pitta. Ayurveda strongly recommends this berry for treating various conditions related to heart, arthritis, asthma, stomach pain, bowel spasm, flatulence and dysentery. The diuretic effects of jamun flushes toxins out of the kidneys, while the high fibre content aids in digestion and prevents nausea and vomiting.

According to Ayurvedam -  Jamun is a pivotal ingredient in treating majority of health disorders. 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.

Jamun, the highly nutritious, refreshing and succulent fruit flooding the summer markets has innumerable health benefits. Commonly known as Java plum or Indian blackberry in English, Jamun or Jambul in Hindi, Jambufalam or Mahaphala in Sanskrit, Naavar Pazham in Tamil and Neredu in Telugu, it goes by the botanical name Syzygium cumini.

Jamun, the tall tree with a heavy trunk is native to the Indian sub-continent but is also widely found in various Asian countries. The tree bears fruits which are oblong in shape – that are green when raw but turn pink or purple as they ripen.

In fact, jamun found a special mention in Ramayana and is prized as the ‘Fruit of Gods’ as Lord Rama survived eating this berry during his 14 years of exile in the forest.

Available in two varieties – Jamuns with white toned flesh and has a good amount of pectin while the other one with dark purplish flesh has lower amounts of pectin. Pectin is a polysaccharide substance present in the flesh of berries, fruits like apples that serves as a thickening agent, while making jams and jellies.  Nowadays, its seeds become famous as anti-diabetic medicine.

The outer layer of the fruit appears to be blackish or dark purplish in colour and has a distinct sweet taste with sour and astringent undertones.

Black Plums are also low on calorie count with only 3 to 4 calories compared to other berries and is an excellent source of vitamin C, carbohydrates, protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and few phytochemicals.

The fruit is diuretic, anti- scorbutic and carminative in properties and is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds. Several studies show that the high alkaloid content present in jamun is effective in controlling hyperglycaemia or high blood sugar. Apart from the fruit, extracts from the seeds, leaves and bark are useful for reducing the high levels of blood sugar in your body.

Black Plum being a highly nutritious succulent fruit, can be consumed in various ways. The fruit can either be enjoyed raw or can be taken in the form of juices and is also used in various culinary applications such as salads, smoothies and jam.

The seed can be consumed in the form of powder or churna. These days, the goodness of jamun tree, bark, leaves, fruits are also being integrated into health supplements that are available in the form of tablets and capsules.

Benefits Of Jamun:

Jamun is a powerhouse of various nutritional components. It is loaded with a spectrum of vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, fibre, magnesium, potassium, glucose, protein, carbohydrates and other essential nutrients.

1. Low On Calories:

Jamun is the first choice for those on low calorie diet as it has a very minimal amount of glucose and fructose. With sucrose completely being absent, it makes an ideal snack or fruit for those suffering from diabetes and is highly recommended for those on a weight loss diet plan.

2. Fibre Rich:

Jamun is loaded with fibre that prevents chronic diseases, aids in digestion and cures several gastrointestinal problems like constipation, bowel disorders, nausea, diarrhoea and dysentery.

3. Loaded With Vitamin C:

Jamun being an excellent source of Vitamin C has numerous benefits. The antioxidant properties of vitamin – C or ascorbic acid help in healing wounds, strengthen teeth, bone and cartilage. It is also widely referred as an immune booster as it prevents several respiratory infections like common cough, cold, asthma and other contagious infections. Thanks to vitamin C, regular consumption of this fruit also contributes towards healthy skin and hair.

4. High On Iron:

Jamun being loaded with iron is highly beneficial and is recommended for people suffering from anaemia. The abundance of iron in Jamun makes it one of the natural foods to purify blood, increases red blood cells and haemoglobin count of blood. Traditionally, jamuns are must-have fruit for women and girls during menstruation to balance the huge amount of blood loss. It helps body to recover from weakness and fatigue.

Powerhouse of Phytochemicals and Polyphenols:

Jamun fruit has a rich load of bioactive phytochemicals including polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids. Research confirms that Jamun has anti-cancer and chemo-preventive properties and is quite effective while treating cancer, heart and liver ailments.

Abundance of Minerals:

Jamun contains high amount of minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The sodium and potassium mainly balance the electrolyte content in the body whereas calcium and magnesium are essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Jamun For Various Health Conditions:

1. Diabetes Management:

Ayurveda suggests Jamun as a highly effective fruit while fighting against diabetes. The seeds of the fruit have active ingredients called jamboline and jambosine that slow down the rate of sugar released into the blood and increases the insulin levels in the body. It converts starch into energy and reduces the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination and thrusting.

2. Healthy Heart:

Jamun is laden with high amounts of potassium. It is extremely beneficial in keeping heart related ailments at a bay. Regular consumption of Jamun prevents hardening of arteries which leads to atherosclerosis, reduces the various symptoms of high blood pressure thereby controlling hypertension and prevents strokes and cardiac arrests. A serving of 100 gm jamun contains 79 mg of potassium which makes this juicy fruit appropriate for a high blood pressure diet.

3. Weight Loss:

Being low on calories and high on fibre, makes Jamun an ideal fruit in all weight loss diets and recipes. It improves your digestion and the pharmacological properties help in minimizing water retention besides boosting body metabolism, satiating your hunger and gives you a feeling of fullness.

4. Oral Hygiene:

Dried and powdered leaves of Jamun have anti-bacterial properties and is used as a tooth powder for strengthening teeth and gums. The fruit and leaves possess strong astringent properties, making it highly effective against throat problems and in eliminating bad breath. The decoction of the bark can be used as a mouth wash or gargled regularly to prevent mouth ulceration and gingivitis.

5. Radiant Skin:

Drinking Jamun juice regularly gives you a healthy, glowing skin. It detoxifies and purifies the blood and makes your skin glow from inside. The high index of Vitamin -C blesses you with a blemish free radiant skin.

1.Mix dried, powdered jamun seeds with honey and apply it as a mask on your face and leave it overnight. It considerably reduces pimples, dark spots and pigmentation, when religiously followed for a month.

2. Apply fresh jamun juice on your face after cleansing. Jamun being a natural astringent act as a toner, it reduces the pores and controls excess secretion of oil.

3. For people having oily skin, mix squashed jamun, curd and rose water and apply it as a face pack. Regular use would cause a noticeable reduction of pimples.

Additional Benefits Of Jamun: 

• Shields Against Infections :

The biochemical compounds present in jamun has been used since ancient times to battle germs and shield the body against various infections. Thanks to its strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties, jamun extracts and formulations are not only used for removing bacteria or germs from the body but also used for treating and healing wounds. The bio-active ingredients also help in reducing general debility, weakness, and fatigue and improve the vitality of the body.  

• Aids In Digestion :

The excellent carminative and digestive properties of this incredible fruit make it a one-stop solution for all digestive woes. The anti-flatulent property reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing flatulence, constipation, bloating and abdominal distension. The antacid property of jamun extract prevents the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thereby treating indigestion, ulcer, gastritis and promoting better absorption of nutrients in the body.  

• Treats Anaemia :

Owing to the potent detoxifying properties, jamun extract is extremely beneficial in purifying the blood. By cleansing the blood, it improves blood circulation and also helps to remove the toxins and stress hormone from the bloodstream. Additionally, the abundance of iron makes it a natural remedy for anaemia and also provides relief from body weakness and fatigue.

• Fights Respiratory Issues :

The fruit of Gods is considered to be a well-known traditional remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. Having powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, the fruit extract plays a quintessential role in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also thins and loosens catarrh particles within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.  

• Enhances Libido :

Jamun offers a one-shot traditional remedy for boosting libido and improving fertility in men. It showcases strong aphrodisiac properties that not only helps in reducing mental stress and anxiety but also stimulates the production of testosterone that increases libido. It not only increases virility and stamina in men but also improves the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone, thus promoting the motility and quality of sperms in male. 

Jamun in Ayurveda and Supplements:

Jamun is considered to be a magic tree as it is beneficial right from the root, leaves, fruits and even bark for numerous medicinal properties. The pulp and the seeds are significant for treating diabetes while the leaves of the tree are useful for teeth and gum disease. The bark of the tree prevents gingivitis and is also effective against infestation of worms in the body.

The fruit has cold potency (sheeta veerya) and keeps the body cool. It has sweet (madhura rasa), sour (amla rasa) and astringent (Kashaya rasa) taste. Jamun fruit normalises Pitta and Kapha and increases Vata. Due to these actions on doshas, this fruit is helpful in controlling many health conditions and is available in the market in various formulations:

Jamun Churna Powder:

The powder of the seeds of Jamun is highly beneficial in reducing the blood sugar level. It promotes digestion and is effective for a healthy heart and liver. It is also essential for maintaining bone health, blood dysentery, hoarseness, bilious diarrhoea, bed wetting in children and excessive urination in adults.

• Jamun Churna for PCOS:

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome causes female infertility. It causes weight gain and increases levels of insulin in the body. Ayurvedic doctors suggest Jamun churna or vatis (i.e. tablets or capsules) containing Jamun as an active ingredient to overcome PCOS.

• Jamun Churna for Male Infertility:

Men suffering from diabetes and obesity, often experience erectile dysfunction and low sexual drive. Regular intake of churna or powder of the seeds, leaves or bark of Jamun acts as a remedy.

      

Triphala Jamun Ras:

This Ayurvedic concoction is a mixture of Jamun, Amla, Harad and Bahera. The key ingredients are popular for therapeutic properties and are helpful in treating vision problems, migraine, digestion, obesity, headache, piles, urinary disorder, stomach problem and constipation. The tonic must be added to your regular diet to garner its benefits.

Jamun Vinegar:

The amazing tonic is prepared by using either the fruit pulp or raw juice. Ayurveda recommends for treating diarrhoea, flatulence, bloating, dysuria and diabetes. It is also used in various culinary preparations.

Other Traditional Uses of Jamun :

Gargling diluted Jamun juice can be used in treating throat problems.

Drinking juice of a ripe jamun fruit can be helpful in curing urine retention and enlargement of spleen.

As Jamun exhibits astringent and antibacterial properties, the juice is useful for treating fungal infections on the scalp.

Ayurveda also suggests using the crushed leaves of jamun as a poultice for skin problems.

Roots of the Jamun is helpful for treating epilepsy

Mix a small quantity of Jamun churna with oil and apply it on boils or other skin problems for getting instant relief.

Consuming jamun regularly can provide you relief from bleeding haemorrhoids.

Jamun is a nutritious and amazing fruit available throughout the summer season. It can be relished in the form of juices, smoothies, ice cream, salad, pies and can also be transformed into jam to savour its taste year long.

Nutritional Value: The jam can be stored throughout the year. It can be spread on breads and chapatis. Apples are loaded with vitamin A, while cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel aid in digestion.

Adverse Effects of Jamun:

Like all fruits, Jamun may exhibit certain contraindications in few people. If you suffer an allergic reaction like hives, skin rash, swollen gums, lips and eyelids after eating the fruit, talk to doctor immediately.

Be mindful of the following while eating Jamun.  

1. Intake of Jamun lowers the blood sugar level naturally, hence it should be avoided before or after a surgery.

2. Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers must not take jamun without consulting the doctor.

3. As jamun has a mild sour taste, it must not be consumed on empty stomach or after drinking milk as it might cause acidity.

4. Jamun contains minimal sugar, but over consumption may lead to increase in the levels of blood sugar in your body.

5. Avoid nibbling on roadside Jamun, as it may be contaminated with heavy metals from exhaust fumes.

6. Eating huge quantity of jamun may lead to fever, body ache and throat problems.

7. As jamun enhances the Vata dosha in the body, people having a higher level of Vata should avoid consuming the fruit.

8. Jamun should not be taken by people who have atherosclerosis or a history of formation of blood clots.

9. Consuming jamun in huge amount may cause hyperacidity and retention of gas in the stomach.

10. People who have a tendency of vomiting, must not take jamun.