The Java plum or Jamun can have and can be called numerous names. But the name that I would like to call is "Grown Grapes." They resemble the grapes in a way. One of the reasons why people long for summer is for all kinds of summer fruits. Mango and Jamun are of best interest to everybody. Java plum has a combination of a sweet and sour taste. This gives a reason for the fruit to be unique. Java plum is such an awesome and effective fruit as it has multiple medicinal values. The consumption of Jamun can be done in different ways. Some like to have it in juice form, and some will like to eat it in the fruit form itself. People with diabetes would love to eat this fruit as it helps in controlling the sugar levels. The fruit also helps obese people in weight loss. Though it has a lot of positive qualities, it has a few negatives as well. A huge amount of consumption of Jamun is not advisable as it leads to constipation. Anything and everything has to be consumed to a limit.
The Etymology of the Word “Jamun”
The word Jamun originated in the early 19th century from the Hindi word Jãmun for Syzygium Jambolanum, commonly known as Black Plum. This comes from the Jamun tree.
Historical Uses of Jamun
The leaves, seeds, and fruit of Jamun were used to treat diabetes, asthma, skin allergies, diarrhea, inflammation, ulcers, etc. The Jamun plant is enriched with anthocyanins, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. All these rich contents help to cure a lot of problems.
The Jamun fruit was well known in folk medicine. The fruit is known to contain a high range of antioxidants. The tree, seed, and fruit of the plant were still known to be used in medical practice.
This also helps one with weight loss. Many obese people try to include this fruit and its various forms in their diet schedule. This helps them by eliminating the excessive fat segregated in their body.
Benefits of using Jamun in Ayurvedic Treatment
The seeds, leaves, fruits, and the Jamun tree's bark has been used in ayurvedic treatment for a long time now. The rats have shown anti-inflammatory effects when tested with Jamun seeds. It has also been tested on humans, and the results have amazed everybody. It has lowered and maintained sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Every part of Jamun can be used as a medicine in ayurvedic treatment and scientific medicine.
Treating Health Issues with Jamun
Here we will know how every part of Jamun is used in treating diseases and health problems from Ayurvedic medicine and Scientific medicine.
Asthma
Science
Ayurveda
Scientific experiments have proven and shown that Jamun can be used to manage Asthma.
Jamun aids in controlling the symptoms of Asthma and relieves people suffering from breathlessness.
Asthma is known as Swas Roga in Ayurveda. The primary doshas are Vata and Kapha. When these tend to mingle, it causes difficulty in breathing.
Consumption of Jamun aids in balancing Kapha.
Diarrhea
Science
Ayurveda
Diarrhea and dysentery are frequently occurring health problems. This is made better with the help of Jamun.
Due to the high presence of astringent and antibacterial properties, this has been and is still used to treat dysentery and diarrhea.
Diarrhea or Atisar happens due to irregular food habits, toxic chemicals, too much stress, and this irks Vata.
The kashaya or astringent property and grahi or absorbent property in the seed powder controls atisar.
Bronchitis
Science
Ayurveda
After many tests and experiments, it is shown that this can be used in managing airway inflammation.
Bronchitis is known as Kasroga in Ayurveda. Bad digestive or weak digestive system is the cause of kasroga.
Increases the desire for sex
Science
Ayurveda
There is no such explanation given for the increased sexual desire with Jamun's use in scientific view.
Intake of Jamun seed powder or the fruit itself helps in curing the sexual dysfunction in males.
This also strengthens people who eat Jamun or its seed powder. This is because of its Vajikarana or aphrodisiac property.
Skin regeneration
Science
Ayurveda
Again there is no explanation or view given by the scientific medicinal practitioners.
It is believed that the Jamun pulp quickly heals the skin ulcers, and the inflammation is eventually reduced.
It is because of Sita (cold) and Rogan (healing) property.
Sore Throat and Cough
Science
Ayurveda
The bark of the Jamun tree is considered to be sweet; hence it helps the sore throat by soothing it.
The antiviral properties present in the Jamun seed guards from any respiratory problems.
The reason for sore throat and cough is the imbalance of Kapha dosha.
Due to the presence of Kapha dosha properties, it cures the sore throat and cough.
Protection of Liver
Science
Ayurveda
According to science, the antioxidant property present in Jamun seed powder helps in the protection of the liver as it fights against the damages caused by free radicals.
It also reduces the inflammation in the liver due to the presence of the anti-inflammatory property.
According to Ayurveda, this protects the liver and problems such as indigestion or anorexia.
Due to deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestion) property, it helps in digestion and strengthens the liver.
Forms of Jamun in Ayurveda with Recommended Dosage
In an ayurvedic treatment, Jamun has been used in so many different forms. Some of the forms in which the Jamun has been used are in the form of tablets, capsules, churna, and juice. If you have not consulted with a physician about the amount of dosage to be taken yet… then you may follow the dosage as mentioned below.
Jamun Juice: It has to be taken in 3 - 4 teaspoons once a day.
Jamun Powder: Churna (powder) should be taken ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day
Jamun Capsule: For a day, take 1 - 2 capsules twice
Jamun Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice per day
In case you have already consulted with a doctor, then you need not follow the recommended dosage. You may stick to the prescribed dosage.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Jamun
Jamun Seed Powder
The powdered form of Jamun makes it easy to mix with any form. This can be added to water or honey. It is very easy to swallow, as well.
Tips:
For internal consumption,
Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Jamun churna
Mix it with water or honey
Swallow it after lunch or dinner
B. For external use,
Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Jamun churna
Add a little amount of honey
Apply it to the area that is affected and leave it for 15- 20 mins
Rinse it thoroughly with clear water
For good relief, use it once a day or thrice a week
Jamun Seed Capsules
Just like Jamun seed powder, Jamun capsules also makes it easy for consumption. Jamun capsules can be taken with lukewarm water.
Tips:
Take 1- 2 capsules of Jamun and not more than that.
Consume it with lukewarm water twice a day after lunch and dinner
Jamun Fruit
Consumption of Jamun in the form of fruit has a lot of benefits than drinking it with any other liquid. Fruits are best when consumed in fruit form as it’s very healthy and effective.
Tips:
Consume Jamun fruit after food as you like it
Jamun Tablet
Jamun tablet is also available in this form in order to prevent and cure medical health problems, as mentioned earlier. Consumption of tablets is also easy (if you like taking tablets, and you have no problem with it).
Tips:
Take about 1 - 2 of Jamun tablets.
Consume it after food at lunch and dinner.
Has to be consumed twice a day
Jamun Juice
The Jamun juice form is something that is likable by a lot of people who hate to take tablets or capsules. This looks cool and can be consumed just like water. The sour and sweet taste of Jamun juice makes it unique in taste when consumed.
Tips:
Take 3 to 4 freshly made Jamun juice.
Mix it with a little amount of water
Consume it after you take light food ( after breakfast is better) once a day
The Jamun Juice can be used externally for skin blemishes as well by adding a little amount of honey and applying it to the affected area.
Jamun Vinegar
Jamun vinegar might be a little difficult to consume because of its acidic taste. Unlike Jamun juice, Jamun vinegar is not likable by everyone. Jamun Vinegar is used for internal consumption.
Tips:
Take 2 - 3 teaspoons of Jamun Vinegar.
Add the same amount of water.
Consume it once or twice, not after but before taking food
Side Effects of Jamun
Although Jamun or the java plum has numerous good medicinal properties, it also has certain side effects that should be kept in mind and beware of. People who have diabetes or pregnant or people who have undergone surgery recently. As this may cause:
Lower sugar levels
Constipation
Allergy
Experts of Science and Ayurveda advise that it is better to consult a doctor before consuming a capsule or tablet form of Jamun.
Precautionary Guide while using Jamun
For Diabetic Patients
View of science experts
The science experts say that the consumption of Jamun results in reduced glucose levels. So, one needs to keep an eye on his/ her sugar levels. If consumed with an antidiabetic drug, then it is better that you constantly check on your glucose level.
For digestive problem
View of Ayurveda experts
According to the Ayurveda experts, it is best if one checks with a physician before Jamun's consumption in any form if he/ she is suffering from digestive problems.
For hypersensitive skin
View of Ayurveda experts
If you have hypersensitive skin, then the Jamun juice and Jamun seed powder has to be used mixed with honey or rose water and applied externally in the affected area. If not, this may cause allergies to your hypersensitive skin. It is also advisable that you consult before using any form of Jamun.
For pregnant and breast-feeding women
View of science expert
There is no proper source to rely on to say if it's good or bad for pregnant women and women who breastfeed. So, you should be on the safer side and consult a doctor before consumption.
FAQs
Are there different forms available in Jamun?
View of science experts
That is a big fat, yes! Jamun has different and many names and different forms. These various forms of Jamun are used for various reasons. Each form of Jamun aids in each problem. The different forms of Jamun are Jamun Seed Powder, Jamun Fruit, Jamun juice, Jamun vinegar, Jamun capsules, Jamun tablets. So, these are the different forms available and used in ayurvedic and in scientific treatments.
Does the value of Jamun differ based on its form?
No, the value of Jamun does not differ. All parts of the Jamun tree have their own value and properties in the treatment of diseases and health problems. Every part of the Jamun tree is used in such a way that it suits the medical problem. So, all forms of Jamun are worthy and effective in their own way and in the best way.
When can one consume Jamun?
View of science expert
Jamun is a beautiful summer fruit that can be consumed at any time of the day. It doesn't matter if it's day or night. Consuming Jamun is too healthy. This is healthy, especially for people having diabetes. They need to monitor their glucose levels from time to time. This is because Jamun's intake, along with antidiabetic drugs, may lower the glucose levels quickly.
Is it true that Jamun helps in the purification of the blood?
View of science experts
Absolutely yes, Jamun aids in the purification of the blood. Due to the presence of Iron in Jamun, it increases the hemoglobin count. Jamuns or Java Plums are enriched with minerals, vitamins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Hence, all these together helps the skin of a person to be radiant.
Can Jamun help with Weight Loss?
View of science experts
According to scientific experts, there is no proper evidence to rely on this information. The scientific experts do not know it if the Jamun helps in weight loss or not.
View of Ayurveda experts
The reason for the increase in weight is due to a weak and poor digestive system. This leads to the excessive accumulation of fatty acids in the body, causing to increase in weight. It is believed by the Ayurveda experts that Jamun aids in loss of weight. The consumption of Jamun corrects the digestive system and strengthens it. It eliminates the body's excessive fat content due to the presence of Deepana and Pachana properties that are appetizer and digestion properties. Hence people who wish to lose weight can consume this.
Can pregnant ladies consume Jamun?
View of science experts
As mentioned earlier, there is no proper source, or there are not enough tests made to confirm this question. People are still not aware if it is good or bad for pregnant ladies. But it is best that the pregnant ladies consult their doctor and not consume anything sans proper consultation. It is always better to be safe. One cannot risk pregnant women.