Sampalok

Family mimosaceae

Scientific name:  Tamarindus Indica L.

 Local names:

               asam (Sul)                                  sambak (Bik)

               Kalamagi (Bis, Ibn)                  sambalagi (Bik)

               Sambagi (Bis)                              sampalok (Tag, Pamp, C. Bis)

               Salomagi (IIk)                            tamarindo (Sp)

               Salamagi (IIk)                             tamarind (Engl)

               Sambag (P. Bis)                         tamarindi (Arabic)

               Sanbag (P. Bis)                           salanugi (Ting)

 Traditional uses:

       A.     Bark

1.   poultice applied to relieve sores, ulcers boils and caterpillar rash.

2.      ash mixed with water and used as gargle for sore throat.

3.      ash taken in for indigestion.           

4.      decoction used as wound wash.

5.      powdered and used to remedy indigestion and abdominal pain.

6.      decoction taken in for asthma and for absence of menstruation.

        B.     Leaves

1.   decoction used as bath in fever, after childbirth and during recovery from   an illness.

2.   young leaves made into lotion for rheumatism, sores and wounds.

3.      decoction used as wash for skin ulcer.

4.      made into soft, heated preparation, spread on cloth and applied to swellings to relieve pain.

5.      juice of young leaves used to expel intestinal worms.

6.      decoction taken in for fever and cough.

         C.     Flower

Juice taken in for bleeding hemorrhoids.

         D.     Pulp of fruit

1.   mashed in water and is drunk for fever.

2.   eaten to promote bowel movement.

3.      infusion taken to expel intestinal gas and to aid digestion.

         E.      Seed

1.  powered and given in dysentery.

2.  powdered and made into a soft, heated preparation, spread on cloth and applied on boils.

3.      powdered and made into decoction and used as wound wash.

Food values:

            Sampalok is rich in Vitamins B and C.

Recommended Medicinal Uses:

             As aromatic bath: Use decoction of leaves, especially after child birth and during convalescence.

            For constipation: Eat liberally the pulp of the ripe fruit and follow with plenty of water.

            For cough: Boil leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes: cool and strain.

Amount of dried leaves to be bolied:

            For adults:  8 tablespoons

            For children:  7 to 12 years old:  4 tablespoons

                                    2 to 6 years old:  2 tablespoons

If fresh leaves are used:

            For adults:  10 tablespoons

            For children:  7 to 12 years old:  5 tablespoons

                                    2 to 6 years old:  2 ½  table spoons

         For fever, as refreshing drink:  Mash pulp of ripe fruit in water, sweeten to taste and drink.

 Botanical and Agricultural Characteristics:

            Habit:  tree

            Habitat:  settled areas

            Propagation:  seed