The mango tree (Mangifera indica) is a large, evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia. Celebrated for its luscious fruit, it plays an essential role in various ecological systems and human cultures.
Mango trees can reach up to 130 feet in height, showcasing a broad canopy adorned with glossy, leathery leaves. The leaves, initially reddish or purple, turn dark green as they mature and are used in various cultural ceremonies in Asia. They also have medicinal properties, being used in traditional medicine for their anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial potential.
The bark of the mango tree is greyish-brown and rough, with numerous traditional uses, including in treatments for rheumatism and diphtheria.
However, the mango tree is most known for its fruit – the mango. This juicy, sweet, and slightly tangy fruit is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and D, and high in fiber. The mango’s skin, flesh, and seed all provide diverse health benefits, contributing to the mango tree’s integral role in various ecosystems and human health.
Table of content
Ayurveda Medicinal Properties of Mango and Effect on Dosha
Mango for Erectile Dysfunction, Testosterone and Low Libido in Men
Mango Boosts Energy, Body Weight, and Blood
Mango Bark Tea and Its Benefits
Raw Mango or Green Mango for Liver Health
Mango Seed Oil or Mango butter Benefits and Uses
Ayurveda Medicinal Properties of Mango and Effect on Dosha
Texts of Ayurveda describe the properties of mango as follows. These are explained in the article.
Medicinal properties of leaves, bark, and seeds
These parts are astringent to taste (kashaya rasa) and after digestion (vipaka) it shows pungent taste (katu rasa) . These are light to digest (laghu) and reduce body heat and act as coolants (sheeta veerya). They cause dryness of body tissues (ruksha). These plant parts balance Kapha dosha and Pitta dosha.
Medicinal properties of unripe mango or raw mango
Unripe or raw fruit has three tastes, sour taste (amla rasa), astringent taste (kashaya rasa ), and pungent taste (Katu rasa). It has ruksha guna (tissue drying property). It aggravates all three doshas.
Medicinal properties of ripe mango
Ripe fruit is sweet to taste (madhura rasa) and has a tinge of astringent taste (kashaya anu rasa). It balances vata dosha, pitta dosha and is heavy to digest (guru). It increases sliminess and mucous secretion (snigdha and picchila). It balances vata dosha and pitta dosha, but increases kapha dosha.
Mango for Erectile Dysfunction, Testosterone and Low Libido in Men
According to ayurveda acharyas ripe and sweet mango fruit is praised as “vrushya and vajikara”. This means it helps to improve sexual energy and stamina. Also it improves health of semen and praised as “shukrala”.
Ayurvedic texts eulogize the use of ripe mango as a vajikarana food or aphrodisiac. It is known to rejuvenate the male reproductive system and increase the quality and quantity of semen, sperm count, and motility. It also increases sexual energy (as it nourishes rakta dhatu and boosts the strength of shukra dhatu) and stamina. Thus this fruit can be considered the best ayurvedic medicine for erectile dysfunction and low libido. Read 15 Indian Foods for Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation
Mangoes, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” hold a considerable amount of nutritional value that can be beneficial for men’s sexual health, including klaibya or erectile dysfunction (ED), testosterone levels, and libido.
Firstly, the high vitamin C content in mangoes is essential for the production of endogenous nitric oxide, which facilitates blood vessel dilation and improves erectile function (Davison, Berry, & Davies, 2021). This means that an intake of mangoes could help alleviate ED symptoms, further enhancing sexual performance.
Testosterone, a crucial hormone for men’s sexual health, can also be influenced by the consumption of mangoes. This fruit is rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, nutrients that are essential for testosterone synthesis (Exton et al., 2001). Therefore, including mangoes in your diet can help maintain or potentially enhance testosterone levels.
Lastly, the aphrodisiac properties of mangoes can potentially boost libido. Mangoes contain high levels of vitamin E, which is linked to sex hormone production, and thereby could enhance sex drive (Zanoli et al., 2005).
Mango for Constipation
Ripe and sweet mango normalizes Vata and pitta. It helps as the best natural ayurvedic remedy for constipation and normalizes digestion.
This magic fruit is rich in dietary fiber. The high amount of fiber in this fruit help to build the bulk of stools and improve intestinal motility. The snigdha ( lot of moistness) and picchila ( slimy) properties of this fruit impart kleda ( wetting) and gurutwa (heaviness) to fecal matter and increase its bulk. These properties together help in initiating intestinal motility and relieving constipation. This has a double benefit. Since this fruit is aphrodisiac and also relieves constipation, this is highly recommended for erectile dysfunction due to constipation. Read Can Constipation cause erectile dysfunction ?
The easy and healthy bowel movement helps to normalize doshas, especially Vata dosha, and helps to expel body toxins.
Mango for PCOS ( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome )
Recent studies have suggested that mangoes might be particularly beneficial for individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD).
PCOS/PCOD is a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances, resulting in problems with periods and challenges in getting pregnant. It often involves insulin resistance, where the body does not respond to insulin effectively, leading to elevated insulin levels that may cause further health complications. Read Best Ayurvedic Medicine PCOS / PCOD
Mangoes are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and various nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Folic Acid. These nutrients play critical roles in hormone regulation and overall metabolic health. Notably, the dietary fiber in mangoes aids in regulating blood sugar levels, potentially assisting with insulin resistance.
Moreover, mangoes are abundant in bioactive compounds like mangiferin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2010 revealed that mangiferin could potentially inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules, which might assist in mitigating inflammation commonly associated with PCOS/PCOD.
Lastly, despite being a fruit, mangoes have a high glycemic index. Hence, portion control is essential to prevent blood sugar spikes.
Mango Boosts Energy, Body Weight, and Blood
Texts of Ayurveda commend its nutritional and medicinal value. The consumption of ripe mango increases hemoglobin in the blood and is very useful in treating anemia. Persons who suffer from anemia benefit from this fruit as it contains iron and copper. The presence of vitamin C in this fruit helps in the complete absorption of iron from the diet. Hence its use is indicated in “Pandu” (anemia) in Ayurveda.
This fruit is rich in carbohydrates. Therefore helps to gain weight and energy. Ayurveda acharyas have indicated, that these fruits cause “Brimhanatwa” (increase in weight) and increase “Bala” (strength). This fruit is strongly recommended in Ayurveda weight gain therapy or brumhana therapy. ( 3 )
Ripe fruits strengthen the body, increase body bulk, and increase the glow of the skin.
Mango for hemorrhoids
One lesser-known benefit of mangoes is their potential aid in the management and relief of hemorrhoids.
Mangoes are rich in fiber, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation – a primary factor contributing to the development and aggravation of hemorrhoids (Mayo Clinic, 2021). By softening stools and promoting regular bowel movements, the fiber in mangoes may help reduce strain during defecation, thereby providing relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.
Additionally, mangoes contain ample amounts of vitamin C, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (Carr & Maggini, 2017). Vitamin C can aid in reducing inflammation associated with hemorrhoids, contributing to symptom management.
Benefits of Mango Bark in IBS
The bark of the mango tree has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in many Asian and African cultures, due to its therapeutic properties.
According to ayurveda mango bark balances kapha and pitta dosha. It is praised as “grahi” in texts of ayurveda. Grahi means the one which absorbs water and controls excess intestinal movements as in IBS. The bark is astringent (Kashaya rasa) to taste. It is recommended by ayurveda acharyas in dysentery, IBS and diarrhoea.
The mango bark extract has significant antibacterial properties (Adnan et al., 2018). It has been traditionally used to treat oral health issues, like toothaches and gum inflammation. Its antibacterial qualities help combat infections, contributing to better oral health.
The bark also contains antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are useful in managing conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Additionally, mango bark has been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery due to its astringent properties. It is known to help regulate bowel movements and reduce the severity of these conditions.
Mango Bark Tea and Its Benefits
Making mango bark tea involves a relatively simple process. Take 2 pieces of 1 inch each, mango bark. Wash them thoroughly with water to remove contaminants and crush them with mortal and pastel. Boil these crushed pieces in ½ liter of water. Wait till the water reduces to ¼ liter. Once done, strain the tea into a cup, and it’s ready to consume.
Mango bark tea is recognized for its potential health benefits. The tea is known for its antibacterial properties, making it beneficial for oral health, helping to manage toothaches and gum inflammations (Adnan et al., 2018). It is also rich in antioxidants, which assist in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body, supporting overall health. Its astringent properties aid in treating diarrhea and dysentery by regulating bowel movements.
However, it’s vital to use mango bark tea under professional supervision to avoid potential adverse effects.
Mango Leaves Health Benefits
Mango leaves have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, providing a range of health benefits that have more recently been studied and verified by modern science.
One primary benefit of mango leaves is their strong antioxidant properties, thanks to a high content of flavonoids and phenols (Rojas-Armas, J. P., et al., 2019). Antioxidants are essential in fighting off free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Mango leaves are also believed to aid in diabetes management. They contain tannins called anthocyanidins, which are beneficial for treating early diabetes. The leaves help lower blood sugar levels by optimizing insulin production (Ojewole, J. A., 2005). Furthermore, they can be used to treat diabetic angiopathy and diabetic retinopathy, complications associated with diabetes.
The leaves also offer promising benefits to the respiratory system. They can be used to treat a range of respiratory issues like colds, bronchitis, and asthma (Bhowmik, D., et al., 2013). The bioactive compounds in the leaves can soothe and strengthen the respiratory tract, improving overall lung health.
In addition to these benefits, mango leaves have been traditionally used to improve digestive health, reduce hypertension, and promote better oral hygiene.
Mango Leaves Tea
Take 3 fully grown green organic mango leaves. Wash them thoroughly to eliminate contaminants. Cut them into small pieces. Boil these in 500 ml of water , till the water reduces to 250 ml. The water should reduce and take on a mild green color. Strain the tea, discarding the leaves, and serve it warm. Optionally, you can add a teaspoon of honey or a slice of lemon to enhance the taste. Not only is mango leaf tea a soothing beverage, but it is also rich in vitamins C, A, and tannins, making it a healthy choice for various medicinal applications, including managing diabetes and hypertension This can be used to gargle to maintain oral health.
Tea prepared with yellow ripe leaves of mango is energizing and revitalizing.
Mango leaves Improve Psoriasis and Eczema Scars
Fresh tender mango leaves and Jamun leaves are crushed along with a pinch of turmeric, a small piece of jaggery, half a teaspoon of curds, and a small quantity of water. The fine paste thus obtained can be applied to scars and marks created by psoriasis and eczema. This helps to get back the natural skin color.
Raw Mango or Green Mango for Liver Health
Raw mango is not usually recommended for a healthy person as it aggravates all three doshas. But it can be consumed under strict medical supervision to improve liver health.
Unripe or raw mango has three tastes, sour taste (amla rasa), astringent taste (kashaya rasa ), and pungent taste (Katu rasa). It has ruksha guna (tissue drying property). Due to these properties, it stimulates the liver and increases bile secretion. These properties also help to improve taste, quicken the absorption of nutrients, and boost metabolism. These aid in reducing medha dhatu or body fat. Read Ayurveda Liver Detox – An Easy Liver Cleansing Guide
Mango Seed Oil or Mango butter Benefits and Uses for skin
Mango seed kernel is known as “amra majja” in ayurveda. It is astringent in taste and is recommended for external application on skin as it soothes irritated and inflamed skin.
Mango seed oil, also known as mango butter, is a nutrient-rich natural oil that has gained popularity due to its multiple benefits, particularly for skin and hair care. It is derived from the hard pit or seed located within the mango fruit. Here’s how it is usually produced.
First, the seeds are thoroughly cleaned and dried. They must be completely dry to prevent microbial growth and ensure the longevity of the oil. The drying process may take a few days, depending on the weather and humidity levels.
Next, the dried seeds are de-shelled to expose the inner kernel. This kernel is the source of the oil. It’s usually white or yellowish and contains a high concentration of fat.
The oil extraction process typically uses cold pressing, which involves pressing the mango kernels under high pressure without applying heat. This method preserves the essential nutrients and antioxidants in the oil that can be destroyed by heat.
After the pressing, the oil is filtered to remove any impurities or remaining solids. The resulting mango seed oil is a semi-solid substance at room temperature. It melts upon contact with skin, making it an ideal component in lotions, lip balms, and hair treatments.
Mango seed oil is prized for its moisturizing properties, high fatty acid content, and rich concentration of antioxidants, making it a valuable commodity in natural skincare.
Reference:
Adnan, M., Jan, S., Mussarat, S., Tariq, A., Begum, S., Afroz, A., & Shinwari, Z. K. (2018). A review on ethnopharmacological applications, pharmacological activities, and bioactive compounds of Mangifera indica (Mango). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018.
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hemorrhoids. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268
Carr, A.C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
Author – Dr.Savitha Suri. Consultant ayurvedic physician.
