Tamarind

(Tamarind)
Sanskrit: तिन्तिडी • Botanical: Tamarindus indica Linn.

Tintidi (Tamarind/Imli) is a large evergreen tree found throughout India. The fruit pulp is extremely sour and is one of the most important souring agents in Indian cooking. The pulp is rich in Tartaric acid (about 10%). The ripe fruit is used in chutneys, drinks and cooking. The seeds are roasted and eaten or ground into flour. The seed coat yields a gum used industrially. The leaf extract is used in liver disorders. The bark decoction is used as a gargle. The fruit is cooling when taken with sugar and water. The wood is hard and durable. Tamarind is used in various Ayurvedic formulations as a souring agent. Chemical analysis shows high tartaric acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate content. Dose: Pulp as food flavoring; seed powder 1-2 masha. Verses: 48.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sour (Amla), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sour (Amla)
Key Constituents
Tartaric acid (10%), Citric acid, Malic acid, Potassium bitartrate, Pectin, Sugars
Also Known As
English: Tamarind, Tamarind Tree
Sanskrit: तिन्तिडी, चिञ्चा, अम्लिका, अम्ला
Hindi: इमली

What is Tamarind (Imli / इमली)?

Tintidi (Tamarind/Imli) is a large evergreen tree found throughout India. The fruit pulp is extremely sour and is one of the most important souring agents in Indian cooking. The pulp is rich in Tartaric acid (about 10%). The ripe fruit is used in chutneys, drinks and cooking. The seeds are roasted and eaten or ground into flour. The seed coat yields a gum used industrially. The leaf extract is used in liver disorders. The bark decoction is used as a gargle. The fruit is cooling when taken with sugar and water. The wood is hard and durable. Tamarind is used in various Ayurvedic formulations as a souring agent. Chemical analysis shows high tartaric acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate content. Dose: Pulp as food flavoring; seed powder 1-2 masha. Verses: 48.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Ruchya (appetizer)
  • Deepana (digestive)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.