Mango trees are cultivated mostly for their edible fruit. It is native to the South Asian regions and belongs to Cashews' family, "Anacardiaceae." Mango trees grow tall, up to 35 to 40 meters in height. These trees live up to 300 years or more. The evergreen leaves are long and arranged in an alternate pattern. There are over 500 varieties of mangoes known to man today. The fruit that the tree bears are yellow in color and is better known as the "king of the fruits."
Mangoes are highly beneficial for health as well. It has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for ages to cure several problems. It is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties. It is also highly nutritious and is full of vitamins, minerals, and nutrient compounds. Due to the same reason, it helps in curing diarrhea, anorexia, wound and marks, and pimples and marks.
There are some problems related to overdosing with mangoes and a few allergic reactions. Read further into the article to know more about the same.
How did the Word “Mango” Originate?
Mango is an English word that is said to have originated from the Portuguese word "Manga," which is in turn, originated from the Malaysian word "Maanga," which is used for the same tree. India is said to the center of its origination. It was said the in the 15th century; mangoes were exported from Kerala to Europe.
The earliest naming of mango was done way in history. Our ancestors first called it Amra Phal. It is also mentioned in the Vedic literature as Rasala.
Historical Uses of Mangoes
The fossils of mangoes are found that dates back to 25 million to 30 million years ago. These fossils are found in Northeaster India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, which shows their origin in India. In ancient times, all these made a part of the Bharat.
The ruling classes used the names of mangoes to symbolize their royalty by the same title. The names Vaishali and Amra Pali used to be a title of honor in those days. In the Nanda dynasty, people also associated the mango tree with the God of Love. The Nanda ruler, Alexander, took back to Greece with him a variety of mangoes out of the taste it possesses.
The Buddhists believed that Lord Buddha preached and prayed under a mango tree. This makes the mango tree a scary one for Buddhists even today. Buddhist rulers exchanged mangoes to show the importance of themselves and the ones receiving them.
According to the notes of Medastenes and Hsiun-Tsang, the people in India planted mango trees on the roadsides to represent the nation's prosperity and the ruler there.
The Mughals feasted on mangoes to show their lavish style. Humayun also took back a huge supply of mangoes along with him when he left India.
Mangoes were grown to show the supremacy of the ruler and the richness of the state—no wonder the fruit is called the king of the fruits.
Benefits of Using Mango in Ayurvedic Treatment
There have been several studies conducted to show the benefits of mangoes. In the past, there were studies conducted on animals. However, today we have studies on human as well that proves how beneficial mangoes are for health. This study was conducted in Orlando in 2017. It proves that mangoes are beneficial in improving blood pressure, blood sugar, and the health of the stomach.
Mangoes are a good source of nutrients. It contains low calories and is rich in fiber. Mangoes have Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 folate, Vitamin E, iron, and calcium. All these provide the health benefits that mangoes possess.
Further, you can find a list of diseases it helps in treating with Ayurvedic and Scientific evidence.
Ayurvedic Properties of Mangoes
Mangoes are of Madhura Rasa or sweet taste. They are light to digest or laghu in guna. It undergoes taste change after digestion. After digestion, it becomes of Katu or pungent taste. It has a seta veerya or cooling effect on the stomach.
Treating Diseases or Health Problems Using Mango
1. Mangoes for Diarrhea
Science
Ayurveda
Mangoes have anti-bacterial properties. This stops the growth of bad bacteria in the stomach. It is also an antioxidant. Thus, mango also helps in flushing out the toxins. It holds the stomach so that only the toxins are flushed, and the diarrhea is controlled.
Diarrhea is caused due to failure in taking a proper and balanced diet. Even with contaminated water, toxins enter our body, and bacterial growth increases. This happens when the Kapha is not in balance in the body. Mangoes help in balancing the Kapha Dosha and reigniting the Agni or digestive fire. As the digestive tract comes to balance, diarrhea is also cured.
2. Mangoes for Anorexia
Science
Ayurveda
Anorexia is an eating disorder. This disease leads to drastic weight loss when people stop eating a balanced diet. Mangoes are rich in fiber and have low calories. It makes a person feel hungry also provides necessary nutrients. Thus, this helps in curing Anorexia.
Aruchi or anorexia results in the accumulation of Ama or toxins in our body. Unripe mangoes help in flushing out these toxins, thus also making a person feel hungry. Mangoes thus help in curing Anorexia.
3. Mangoes for Wounds
Science
Ayurveda
Mangoes are anti-bacterial. If you put a mango paste on the wound, it will kill the wound's bacterial growth and let the blood clot. Thus, mangoes help in wound healing.
According to Ayurveda, mangoes have Ropan or healing properties that help the skin to get back to its normal texture. Mangoes heal wounds and also the wound marks.
4. Mangoes for Acne
Science
Ayurveda
Acne is caused due to bacterial growth. Mangoes are anti-bacterial, help dry up the acne, and be anti-inflammatory, cure the swelling or inflammation. Thus, mango helps in curing acne.
Acne is caused due to aggravated Kapha Dosha. It makes the tissues oily, and thus acne develops. Mangoes balance Kapha and mango paste helps in curing acne problems and marks on the skin.
Forms of Mangoes in Ayurveda with Recommended Dosage
Mango in Ayurveda is available as powder, capsule, and candies. These are good for health and skin and cures several problems, diseases, and conditions.
1. Mango Powder
Mango powder can be used twice a day and in the amount of not more than ¼ to ½ teaspoon.
2. Mango Capsule
Mango capsules are available in the Ayurvedic centers. You can take 1 or 2 capsules at a time. This can be taken twice a day, swallowed with warm water.
3. Mango Candy
Mango candies are very tasty and loved by all. You can have the candies as per your requirement but not more than 3 or 4 candies at a time.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Mangoes
1. Raw Mango
- Wash some raw mangoes and cut them into slices.
- Do not take more than one or full raw mango.
- Have this as breakfast or at least 2 to 3 hours before any meal.
2. Mango or Aam Papad
- You can take one or two aam papad at one time or as per your requirement.
3. Mango Juice
- Take one or two full ripe mangoes and slice it up into small pieces removing the seed.
- Add this to a juicer with 1 teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Juice it up and pour it into a glass.
- Enjoy the refreshing drink that you have made.
4. Mango Capsule
- Take 1 or 2 capsules with warm water.
- Take twice a day after light meals.
5. Mango Candy
- Take 3 to 4 candies or as per your requirement.
- Do not eat the candies in excess.
6. Mango Seed Powder
- Take ¼ to ½ teaspoon of mango seed powder.
- Swallow this with water or honey after light meals.
7. Mango Pulp Mask
- Once you take the juice of the mango, save the pulp.
- Mash it and apply the mask on the face.
- Leave it on your face for 5 minutes.
- Wash it off when dry.
- Use 2 or 3 times a week to see an effective result.
8. Mango Seed Oil
- Mix 2 to 5 drops of mango seed oil with your regular oil.
- Apply directly over the affected area to see a good result.
- It helps in removing dark spots and leave the skin glowing.
- Use 2 to 3 times a week to see the result.
9. Mango Lassi
- Take one ripe mango and slice it up.
- In a blender, add 1 glass of cow milk and the sliced mango.
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/2 a cup of curd.
- Blend the mixture well in the blender and make a smoothie out of it.
- Pour it into a glass.
- Enjoy the drink and let it cool your body.
Side Effects of Eating Mangoes
Mangoes must not be taken in excess. It can cause side effects and other overdosing problems. Some side effects include:
1. Diarrhea
2. Stomach upset
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
Overdosing with mangoes can cause indigestion as well. This happens with overdosing on raw mangoes.
It has high sugar content; therefore, it is not good for people who have diabetes. It is advised to avoid eating mangoes if you are a diabetic patient.
Some people are allergic to mangoes because of the content of the chemical urushiol. This can cause nausea, vomiting, swelling in the tongue, swelling in the throat, rashes, etc. In such cases, you must visit a doctor immediately and take an anti-allergic.
Precautionary Guide for Using Mangoes
1. Mangoes while Pregnancy
You must not consume mangoes while you are pregnant. It can cause health issues. It can increase the mother's blood pressure and is harmful to both the mother and the child.
2. Mangoes while Breastfeeding
There is not much information on mangoes and breastfeeding. However, to be safe, you must avoid eating mangoes while you are breastfeeding. This might cause harm as it is also not good for a pregnant woman.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many varieties of mangoes are known to man?
- There are more than 500 varieties of mangoes known to man. In India alone, there are about 1500 different varieties. Some of the most famous ones are Alphonso, Chaunsa, Langra, Kesari, Neelam, SIndoora.
2. Can a diabetic patient eat mangoes?
- Mangoes are not good for diabetes. It increases the blood sugar level in the body, which is not good for diabetic patients. It can cause drastic and severe health problems to a diabetic patient.
3. Does mango improve eyesight?
- Mangoes are rich in Vitamin A, which is good for the eyes. It helps in improving the muscle quality in the eye and improves eyesight. It has Balya or tonic properties that help in improving the eyesight. However, it can cause swelling in the eyes if you have hypersensitive skin. Test it on a small patch of skin before actually using it.
4. Is mango good for the skin?
- Mangoes are rich in Vitamin C that helps in tightening the skin and giving it a natural glow. The anti-bacterial properties help in curing pimples and marks left by pimples or wounds. It is also anti-inflammatory. This helps in reducing any swelling or inflammation on the skin. Thus, mangoes are good for the skin as well.
5. Do mangoes keep up the health of the digestive tract?
- Yes, mangoes are antioxidants. This helps in removing any toxin or Ama from the body. This also helps in the proper excretion and removal of waste material from the body. The anti-inflammatory property helps mangoes cure any swelling in the digestive tract, and thus, mangoes help in managing the health of the digestive tract.
6. Is mango good for the heart?
- Yes, mangoes are good for the heart. It balances the cholesterol level and helps prevent most heart disease, including heart attacks and cardiac arrests—the compound name triglyceride helps reduce the bad cholesterol and increases the good cholesterol in the body. Mangoes have Hridya property that makes it work as a heart tonic. Thus, mangoes help in managing cholesterol and helping with the health of the heart.
7. Does mango boost immunity?
- Yes, mangoes are rich in nutrients and compounds. This helps in improving body health and boost immunity. The Rasaya or rejuvenating and Balya or strengthening properties provide strength and shield against diseases and problems.
8. Does mango help in treating kidney stones?
- Yes, mangoes can manage kidney stones. Mangoes are rich in antioxidants that help to reduce toxins from the body and improve metabolism. This helps in preventing kidney stones.
9. What are the parts of a mango plat that are used in Ayurveda?
- Ayurvedic experts use the bark, the leaves, the flowers, and the seed kernel of the mango tree to make Ayurvedic medicines. These are highly beneficial and are trusted by all.
10. Can I take mangoes in any form while on homeopathic medicine?
- Yes, since mango is an all-natural product, it can be taken while you are on homeopathic medicine.
11. Can I take mangoes while taking supplements?
- Yes, you can have mangoes while on a supplement. However, if you are taking more than one supplement, you should take the advice of your doctor before consuming mangoes.
12. Can I eat mangoes while on western medicine?
- There is not much information on the consumption of mangoes while on western medicine. You should consult a doctor and take his or her advice on taking mangoes while you are on the allopathic medicinal treatment.
13. Can malaria patients eat mangoes?
- Mangoes have content of propanamide in the bark of the tree, the fruits, and the leaves. This compound helps in curing the symptoms of malaria.
14. Can mango cure rashes?
- Yes, mangoes can cure rashes and redness. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the inflammation and redness caused. Mangoes have Ropan or healing properties that help heal the redness and swelling and sita or cold nature that provide icy feeling to the heated part. Mango pulp helps in the same and is highly beneficial for the skin as well. Mango pulp also makes good masks and packs for the face.
15. Does mango cure diarrhea?
- Mangoes have anti-bacterial properties that help in stopping the growth of bacteria in the stomach. It binds the stomach and balances the Kapha Dosha, thus, reducing the loose stools. It helps in starting the Agni or the digestive fire that helps in proper digestion of food and thus also in curing diarrhea.
16. Can you eat wrinkled mangoes?
- If the mango is wrinkled, it is overripe. Eating overripe mangoes can cause diarrhea and must be avoided. You can blend them into mango lassi if there is no brown spot. However, if it has brownish spots, it is bad and must be thrown out.
17. Can we drink water after eating mangoes?
- O. you must refrain from drinking water after eating mangoes. Mangoes make your stomach cold and help in the digestion process. If you drink water directly after eating mangoes, it hinders the digestion process and can cause acidity. This can be easy to cure, but in some cases, it remains and turns severe. This can lead to severe stomach upset and indigestion problems.
18. Is mango sin for health?
- No. mango skin is not considered dangerous to eat; however, the truth is that it contains toxins that can be pretty harmful. This compound is the same as the one you find in the poison ivy vines. Eating mango skin is a big "no." Refrain from doing so as it can be poisonous.
