Ayurvedic practitioners have been influenced by various Kokum benefits and have used Kokum to treat many ailments like sores, prevent infection, improve digestion, relieve diarrhea and constipation, lessen arthritis pain, cure ear infections and heal stomach ulcer. Researchers at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai and Institute of Science, India, have seemed to believe that Kokum has got anti oxidant properties and this property of it is very stronger than any other fruit or vegetables found in nature. These effects of Kokum has earned its name as “ Healing spice”. Here is the list of Kokum benefits one must know along with some interesting recipes to make some delicious dishes.
Why Kokum?
Because
- Kokum as an Anti-oxidants: The Kokum is a fruit bearing tree, the fruits of it act as an excellent source of anti-oxidants, which help to minimise the impacts of cholesterol in the body and prevent against many diseases. It also helps with new cell formation and repair.
- Gracinia indica for Allergy: Some forms of Kokum benefits with rashes and allergies, its colder version is usually prescribed for patient’s with urticaria. It gives a soothing and rejuvenating feel to the skin
- Kokum for Constipation: owing to its soothing properties Kokum gives one an excellent relief from constipation. Kokum benefits in cases of constipation and given as dose of its dried powder of its fruit at night times..
- Kokum works magic with Hyper acidity: kokum with a bit of sugar and water is a miracle mixture to fight against any kind of acidity and it works wonders with hyper acidity too.
- Kokum for Flatulence: Kokum has an excellent action over the case of stomach pain and flatulence.The person affected just has to make a mixture of Kokum, honey, ginger, salt and a little sugar.
- Kokum to rejuvenate the body and mind: The syrup of Kokum is in great demand not only in India but also all over the world. Its medical properties have been a talk about in almost all parts of the world. Kokum benefits countless illness.
- Kokum works its magic on cracked heels: The application of kokum butter is quite useful for cases of cracked heels. It gives a relief from the burning sensation one gets owing to the cracked heal.
- Kokum benefits with indigestion: If one seems to have indigestion symptoms they are advised to consume kokum with black salt. It gives excellent relief from all the symptoms of indigestion like tummy aches, nausea etc.
- Kokum is also a prescribed solution in diseases and conditions such as hyperacidity, piles, fistula, heatstroke, infection, dysentery, etc
- In cases of hyper allergies which are long standing in nature kokum poses to be effective in its cool state when given internally.
What are the side effects of Kokum?
Side-effects and Precautions of Kokum
The fruits of Kokum isn’t supposed to be used in excessive quantities. Milk and milk products should be avoided for at least an hour after consuming Kokum, after one hour of consumption of Kokum it might as well be consumed.
What are some good Kokam recipes?
Some interesting Kokam recipes to choose from:
Kokum has the same souring properties as tamarind, especially enhancing coconut-based curries or vegetable dishes like potatoes, okra or lentils. Kokum is used with fish curries, three or four skins being enough to season an average dish. It is also known to be included in chutneys and pickles.
Recipe For Kokum Kadhi:
This recipe is not like the traditional kadhi that we make because it doesn’t have the curd nor besan in the making. This recipe is a beautiful blend of coconut milk and Kokum water and the colour would amaze you. Kokum kadhi is pink and not yellow. See how it looks:
Now, let’s see how it is done, also this dish comes with all of the Kokum benefits that you might be looking for.
- In a bowl take 20 to 25 Kokum fruits, add two cups of water, pinch of salt and a couple of cut green chillies and let the mixture soak for fifteen to twenty five minutes.
- In a pan take a table spoon of oil, add cumin seeds set the gas on medium flame.
- Add a few red chillies to the crackling cumin seeds.
- Strain the Kokum water mixture into the pan.
- Also add one and half cup of coconut milk to the mixture.
- Let it boil in simmer flame.
- Add curry leaves for taste.
- Your Kokum kadhi is ready to be served.
Recipe For Kokum Rasam:
Unlike the traditional Rasam this recipe doesn’t use tamarind or tomatoes but it uniquely replaced by Kokum owing to its sour nature.
This dish is packed with the Kokum benefits along with its other ingredients which are very good for health. Lets begin:
- Soak twenty to twenty five fruits of Kokum in a bowl.
- In a blender add a couple of garlic buds, couple of pepper pearls, a piece of green chilli and a spoon full of jeera.
- Blend until it’s coarse in consistency.
- In a pan add a tablespoon of oil, add a teaspoon of mustard seed and let it crackle.
- Add two to three fruits of Kokum fruit to it. Fry till it turns brown
- Add the blended mixture to the pan also add few curry leaves to it.
- Now strain the Kokum water and add it to the water. Add salt to taste.
- Your Kokum Rasam is ready to be served piping hot and tinglingly tangy.
What are some lesser known facts about Kokum?
Amazed by this fruit? Here are some interesting facts about Kokum:
- Kokum seed contains kokum butter which remains solid in room temperature, thus used in production of chocolate and confectionaries.
- Oily extracts from kokum butter is used to make ointment and creams which are used on skin and hair. It is very beneficial for acne prone skin. Also an ingredient in various hair and skin tonics.
So folks I hope you had a good read about the benefits this fruit has, so go ahead and relish its taste along with its endless pool of positive effects.
Also, don’t forget about the other taste benefits that Kokum holds, so its taste with good health, which makes it a great choice. But before starting with Kokum as a medicine for any ailment do consult your doctor about your condition, discuss with them about the possibilities and the dosages in which Kokum needs to be taken.