Sargassum Seaweeds

Medicines from Natural Sources

Scientific name: Sargassum muticum

Description: 

Sargassum are generally brown or dark green in color and consist of a holdfast, a stipe, and a frond. It has branches, leafy appendages and berry-like structures that are actually gas-filled (oxygen) structures, called pneumatocysts which are filled mostly with oxygen and help keep the fronds afloat.

Sargassum is a genus of brown (class Phaeophyceae) macroalgae (seaweed) in the order Fucales and family Sargassaceae. They generally inhabit shallow water and coral reefs and are distributed
throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world.

It is edible and has a slightly bitter, salty flavor.


Health benefits of Sargassum seaweeds:

Sargassum seaweeds are nutritious and rich source of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, B12,
carotenes (provitamin A), carotenoids, dietary fibers, proteins, and minerals (sodium, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus, iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium,
molybdenum, fluoride, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt). Sargassum have some compounds that are not available in terrestrial vegetables and have many biologically active compounds like
flavonoids, pheophytine, polyphenols, terpenoids, sargaquinoic acids, sargachromenol, sterols and
sulfated polysaccharides.

The highest iodine content is found in brown algae.


Medicinal Properties and Indications:

Sargassum has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-microbial

properties as well as anti-tumor, fibrinolytic, immune-modulatory, anti-coagulant,
hepatoprotective and has anti-viral activity.

Endemic Goiter and Hyperthyroidism - Sargassum seaweeds contains iodide, which has wonderful therapeutic effect on iodine deficiency induced endemic goiter and can temporarily inhibit hyperthyroidism.

Atherosclerosis - This seaweed has high sodium alginate sulfate content which can resist
hyperlipidemia, lower serum cholesterol and reduce atherosclerosis.

Weight loss - Sargassum has virtually no calories and high in dietary fiber thus is helpful in
losing weight.



Important warning: Please note that all medicines, including herbal medicines, should be taken
only on the advice of a qualified practitioner/doctor. You should not treat yourself on the basis of
any information given here.

Tamarind

Scientific name: Tamarindus indica

Description: The tamarind tree is native to tropical regions of Africa, particularly the Sudan, but it has spread since to almost all tropical areas of the world. The tamarind pods are about five inches long which contain seeds and a sweet&sour pulp.   It can be consumed as a raw fruit, candied, dried and ground into a spice or when it is fully ripe it can be added to dessert.

Parts used: Pulp of fruit

Health benefits:

Tamarind has many nutritional components such as having  a significant level of vitamin C, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and manganese. Tamarind is also rich in dietary fiber such as tannins, mucilage and pectin.There are also a number of organic compounds that make tamarind a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Medicinal properties and uses:

Tamarind fruit is also cathartic, febrifuge, antiseptic and refrigent. It is used as an Ayurvedic medicine for gastric problem, digestion problems and in protecting the heart.

Good for Digestive Health, Bile disorder, Constipation, Diarrhea: Tamarind is a natural laxative. It is also a bilious substance, that stimulates the activity of bile and help dissolve food faster. Studies have shown tamarind to be effective against chronic diarrhea as well.

Sunstroke: Two tablespoons of thick tamarind paste is an excellent home remedy for with mild sunstroke.

Healthy Heart: Tamarind is effective in reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol. The potassium in tamarind may be responsible for the reduction in blood pressure while the fiber content is responsible for the reduction in cholesterol by scraping excess LDL cholesterol from the veins and arteries.

Nerve Function: One of the most significant vitamin elements of tamarind is the B complex especially the high quantities of thiamine. Thiamine is responsible for improving nerve function,
as well as muscle development.

Weight Loss: Tamarind has a compound called hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which inhibits an enzyme in the body that specifically helps store fat. It also suppresses the appetite by increasing the serotonin neurotransmitter.

Tamarind is use as a gargle for sore throats.
Tamarind is a good source of antioxidants that fight against cancer.

Tamarind Juice:

Use a high power blender. IF not, then soak tamarind pod overnight or for several hours to soften it. The seeds can be either removed or not, depending on your preference.  

Put a cup of tamarind in blender and 1 1/2 cups of water. You may add a bit of ginger or vanilla or both. Add a tablespoon of honey.

Caution: As with all the medicinal plants found on this website. It is best to consult your doctor before trying any supplements or medicinal plants.