Post by hafeezanwar on May 26, 2019 10:11:27 GMT
Nov 13, 2008 at 9:53 AM
Alternative medicine: Mango
Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:22:23 GMT
By Patricia Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran
Mango possesses powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties and is also known as the precursor to the 'happiness-hormone' serotonin.
Botanical: Mangifera indica L.
Family: N.O. Anacardiaceae
Synonym: Mango, Mangot, Manga, Mangou.
Habitat:
The mango is native to Southern and Southeast Asia.
Description:
The mango is a tropical fruit of the evergreen mango tree.
The ripe oval shaped fruit varies in color from yellow and orange to red, reddest on the side facing the sun and yellow where shaded.
Part Used Medicinally:
Fruit- leaves - bark - root
Constituents:
Mango is an excellent nutritional source, containing many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as enzymes such as magneferin and lactase.
It contains vitamin A, B, C and C, beta carotene, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc.
Mango is high in antioxidant and low in carbohydrates.
Medicinal Uses:
Mango has powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities and protects against heart disease and other ailments.
Mango helps digestion and intestinal health and is effective in treating acidity and poor digestion.
It is highly beneficial in preventing vitamin A deficiencies such as night blindness. Mango also treats malnutrition.
Its high vitamin A content also plays an important role in placental and fetus development.
Ripe mango is a suitable choice for hypertensive patients as it is a good source of potassium and only contains traces of sodium.
The mango is highly recommended for pregnant women and individuals suffering from anemia because of its iron content.
It can increase iron absorption from vegetables and as a result prevent anemia in vegetarians.
Moreover, the mango's high magnesium content helps relax the muscles, relieve stress and prevents from abortion in pregnant women.
Mango helps the skin become softer, gives it a shining glow and is effective in opening clogged skin pores.
The mango helps treat renal problems such as nephritis, respiratory diseases and constipation.
Mango invigorates the nerve tissues in muscles, the heart and the brain. It replenishes salts, vitamins and energy lost through physical exercise.
Mango contains a large amount of tryptophan, the precursor to the 'happiness-hormone' serotonin.
Mango products are a good complementary food for children of weaning age (6-24 months) as they contain necessary vitamins.
Mango improves the appetite and is an effective antidote for various body toxins.
The mango's high vitamin C and calcium content helps treat and prevent internal hemorrhaging.
Mango leaves have anti-inflammatory, diuretic and cardiotonic properties. They possess high antibacterial and antiviral properties against gram positive bacteria and type I herpes simplex virus.
Dried and powdered mango leaves are a good treatment for excreting renal stones and improving hair growth.
Mango leaves are also an effective treatment for burns.
While mango peel is considered inedible, its extracts can be used in antioxidant food supplements. Its ecoction is good for treating gastrointestinal inflammations.
Mango juice helps prevent mental weakness and improves concentration and memory.
It is an effective treatment for bronchial congestion and coughs.
Mango bark has tonic properties. It is effective in treating hemoptysia, hemorrhaging, nasal catarrh, diarrhea, ulcers, diphtheria, rheumatism and diphtheria.
A decoction of mango bark added to one gram of black salt helps treat diarrhea.
Mango tree bark contains 16 - 20% tannin and mangiferine. It acts as an astringent and is believed to have a tonic effect on the mucous membrane.
Mango root paste can reduce fever when applied to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Dried mango seed is a good toothpaste. It strengthens the gums and helps in curing dental problems like pyorrhea and halitosis.
Preparation:
As beta-cryptoxanthin is best absorbed when eaten with fat, it is better to eat mango as part of a meal.
Caution:
Some individuals may develop dermatitis after touching mango peel or sap.
Consuming mango peel can result in painful rashes or swelling in the lips and face, particularly in individuals allergic to urushiol.
Mango tree branches should not be used as firewood as inhaling the smoke is dangerous.
Individuals on potassium restricted diets and those suffering from renal failure should avoid eating mango.