Plum is a kind of tree that comes in the Prunus family. Closely related to peaches and cherries, this tree grows up to a height of 5 to 6 meters in height. The fruits it bears are edible and small in size, generally 2 to 7 centimeters in diameter. It looks like a big berry and is juicy and firm when ripe.
Plum is one of the most loved summer fruits. It is rich in antioxidants and fiber. Plums show the property of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Consumption of plum helps keep the blood vessels healthy and purify the blood and improve its circulation. It keeps the heart health up and is good for the digestive tract, joints, and skin. It also helps in managing cholesterol and blood pressure and weight.
Overdosing on plum can have a few side effects and allergic reactions. This article provides all the information about the Ayurvedic uses of plum.
How Did The Word Plum Originate?
The word plum is derived from the old English word "plume," which was used for the plum tree itself. The word "plume" was, in turn, derived from the Latin word "prunum," deriving from the Greek word “proumnon." The word "plum" was also used to indicate something desirable in the 18th century.
Historical Use of Plum in Ayurvedic Treatment
It is said that plums were grown in China even 2,000 years ago. The written documentation of the fruit dates back to 497 BC.
Plum is mentioned in Chinese poetry that is at least 11th Century old. It was referred to as more than just a tree or a flower. By the 6th Dynasty, it was used as a gift or offering to friends and loved ones.
In Egypt, plums were kept in the tombs under the Pyramids for the afterlife of the dead. People have used plum paste to cure the wounds and marks left with it.
Today, we have plum moisturizers that help in rejuvenating the skin and restoring it to its glow.
Benefits of Using Plum in Ayurvedic Treatment
Plum is widely a grown and used fruit. Many studies have been conducted on plum to show the beneficial effects of plum for the human body. These studies show the health-promoting properties of the fruit.
Being anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and having antioxidants is good for the digestive system, immunity, joint muscles, diabetes, skin problems, and even blood. It helps to manage the blood flow and thus also diabetes. Plum is also beneficial in cholesterol. It helps in managing weight as well.
Here is a detailed view of the same, along with scientific and Ayurvedic descriptions.
Treating Diseases and Health Problems with Plum
1. Plum for Indigestion
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Plum is used for and is good for the process of digestion. The compound breakup that it contains has digestive properties. It helps in reducing the bloating and easy excretion.
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Indigestion is caused as a dueto an imbalance in Kapha Dosha. This results in a weak digestive fire. Plum helps in balancing the Kapha Dosha and helps with Agni or the digestive fire for a better digestive system. It also serves as a Deepan or appetizer because of the Pachan nature. Thus, plum is useful in curing indigestion.
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2. Plum for Cholesterol
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Plum contains antioxidants that help in controlling the cholesterol level in the body by increasing the good cholesterol and reducing the bad cholesterol.
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When the Agni or the digestive fire reduces, problems of cholesterol starts to develop. Plum balances Agni and acts as a Deepan or appetizer because of its Pachan property. It removes Ama or toxins from the body. Plum regulated cholesterol and helps in improving the working of the digestive system.
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3. Plum for Joint Pain
Science Ayurveda
Plum has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling or inflammation in the joints, and in turn, it helps reduce the pain in the joint muscles. It cures the sour muscle problem and reduces stiffness. Joint pain is caused due to aggravated Vata Dosha. Plum helps in balancing Vata by reducing it. This helps in reducing the pain and stiffness along with the swelling. Thus, plum helps in reducing joint pain.
4. Plum for Diabetes
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Plum has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling or inflammation in the joints, and in turn, it helps reduce the pain in the joint muscles. It cures the sour muscle problem and reduces stiffness.
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Joint pain is caused due to aggravated Vata Dosha. Plum helps in balancing Vata by reducing it. This helps in reducing the pain and stiffness along with the swelling. Thus, plum helps in reducing joint pain.
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5. Plum for Dry Skin
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Plum has an oily consistency. When you apply plum juice to your face and body, it helps in removing the dryness from the skin.
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Plum is Snigdha or oily in properties. This helps in reducing chapped or dry skin.
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6. Plum for Wound
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Plum helps in curing the wounds and marks left with it. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the swelling on the wounded part of the skin. The antioxidants help in removing the toxins from the wounded area and helps in clotting the blood.
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Plum has Roopan or healing properties that increase the effectiveness of the blood clot and thus help in quick healing of wounds.
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Forms of Plum and Recommended Dosage
Plum is available as the whole fruit, as powder, tablets, and capsules. They have different dosages and different recommended times to take.
1. Plum Fruit
- You can have 2 to 3 fresh and firm plum.
- Take it once or twice a day.
2. Plum Churna
- You can have plum churna along with some honey or warm water.
- Take not more than ¼ or ½ teaspoon of the churna.
3. Plum Tablets
- Take 1 or 2 tablets at a time.
- Have it with warm water after light meals.
- You can take it twice a day.
4. Plum capsules
- Take one or two capsules twice a day.
- Have it after light meals with warm water.
Types of Ayurvedic Care With Plum
1. Plum Churna
- Take some fresh, firm plum, at least 3 to 4 pieces.
- Wash them thoroughly and let them dry under the sun.
- Once sundried, cut them into small pieces and put them in the grinder.
- Grind the pieces to make a powder of it.
- Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of plum churna
- Add honey to it and swallow it.
- Use it once a day after a meal.
- This helps in curing indigestion.
2. Plum Chutney
- Add water to one cup of dried plum.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin powder and red chili powder each.
- Put in 1 tablespoon of vinegar and ½ cup of sugar.
- Sprinkle some salt and mix it well.
- Have 1/2to 1 teaspoon of plum chutney with your meal.
3. Plum Paste
- Take some plum powder and add rosewater to it.
- You can apply the paste over the affected area or over the wounds,
- Let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it with water.
- This paste can also make a good facemask to provide moisture and restore elasticity.
Side Effects of Plum
Plum is safe to be taken by mouth. However, overdosing on plum can cause some serious problems. Plum lets the stomach loose to cure the problem of indigestion and constipation. If you eat too much of the fruit, it can cause stomach upset and severe loose motions.
Some people might be allergic to plum. This can cause tongue swelling, throat swelling, and pain in the throat, nausea, vomiting, and itching. It is best to stay away from plum if you are allergic to a similar family's peaches and fruits.
In case you face any problem, you must visit a doctor immediately and get a shot of injection or anti-allergic.
Precautionary Guide to Using Plum
1. Plum for Pregnant Woman
There is not enough information on the consumption of plum while you are pregnant. You must avoid taking plum and not take risks. You can consult your gynecologist about the same.
2. Plum while Breastfeeding
There is not enough evidence on the question of consuming plum while breastfeeding. It is in the best interest to avoid it or seek your gynecologist's advice before consuming plum while you are breastfeeding your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I eat the skin of the plum?
- Yes, the skin of the plum is edible. It has a salty taste and goes well with the pulp of the fruit.
2. Can plum cause diarrhea?
- Plum helps in curing indigestion by loosening up the stomach. If you overdose on plum, you can end up having severe stomach upset with loose motions and diarrhea.
3. Is plum good for patients who have arthritis?
- Yes, plum is good for people with arthritis. It has polyphenols that help in breaking down the bone tissue. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the inflammation and swelling of the bone. By curing the Vata Dosha in the body, it helps in curing arthritis as well.
4. Is dehydrated plum good for health?
- Dehydrated or sundried plum is good for your health. It is rich in dietary fiber and other vitamins and minerals. It helps in curing constipation and loosening up the stomach so that stools pass through easily.
5. Can I consume plum while on homeopathic medicines?
- Yes, you can consume plum while on homeopathic medicines. It is a natural product and does not produce a side effect when consumed while taking medicines.
6. Can I take plum while on supplements?
- Yes, you can consume plum while taking vitamin or dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than 1 supplement, you must consult your physician before consuming plum.
7. Can I take plum while taking allopathic medicines?
- There is not enough information on taking plum while on allopathic medicines or the same benefits or side effects. You can seek the advice of your doctor or physician before taking plum while taking allopathic medicines.
8. Can plum help you in weight loss?
- Plum is rich in dietary fibers and helps in giving the necessary fullness. This results in not having untimely cravingsor sugar cravings. In turn, this can help you reduce the snack intake and thus also manage weight. Hence, plum promotes weight loss.
9. What is the recommended dosage of plum fruit in a day?
- In a day, you might require not more than 80 grams of plum. This means that to the maximum, you can consume 4 to 5 plums a day. Excessive intake can cause severe and acute health problems.
10. Can I eat plum on an empty stomach?
- Fruits work the best when taken on an empty stomach. You can eat plum at least half an hour before your breakfast. However, it is not recommended to take plum juice without feeding yourself something. It can cause acidity.
11. Is plum good for the skin?
- Yes, plum is good for the skin. It has Roopan properties that help in healing the wounds and marks on the skin. Plum is oily in nature that helps in removing the dryness and dead skin. You can also use it to remove the dryness and dandruff from the hair. It reduces dark spots and pimple marks. Plum helps to regain the elasticity of the skin and keeps it moisturized.
12. How long can I keep stewed plum?
- If you keep the stewed plum in the refrigerator, you can easily store it for about 2 weeks. However, if you keep it at room temperature, you must finish it within a day.