Benefits and Uses of Mango: Fruit, Leaves, Bark & More

Mango, often referred to as the “King of Fruits,” is celebrated for its delicious taste, vibrant color, and wide array of health benefits. Beyond its sweet and juicy flesh, every part of the mango tree, including the fruit, leaves, bark, and seed kernel, holds significant medicinal value in Ayurvedic and traditional healing practices.Each part of the tree is known to possess unique properties that help address a variety of ailments, from digestive issues and skin problems to blood sugar imbalances and inflammation. In Ayurveda, mango is regarded as a powerful herb that balances the body’s doshas and promotes overall well-being.

The fruit is not only rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants but is also considered nourishing and rejuvenating for the body. The leaves, bark, and seeds of the mango tree offer diverse therapeutic applications, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and blood sugar-lowering effects.

Medicinal Properties of Mango (Mangifera indica)

Ayurvedic Characteristics

• Rasa (Taste): Kashaya – Astringent (notably in bark and seeds)
• Guna (Quality): Laghu – Light to digest
• Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect): Katu – Undergoes pungent transformation after digestion
• Veerya (Potency): Sheeta – Cooling in nature

Effect on Tridosha (Dosha Balance)

• Ripe Fruit:
  Helps balance Vata Dosha
• Other Parts (Bark, Leaves, Seeds, etc.):
  Help balance Kapha and Pitta Doshas
• Overall: Mango is widely valued in Ayurveda for its ability to both nourish and detoxify, depending on the part used and its stage of ripeness.

Vernacular Names of Mango

Mango, being one of the most beloved fruits globally, has different names across various languages. Below are the vernacular names for mango in different languages:

• Hindi: Aam, Amb, Amba, Amra
• English: Mango
• Tamil: Maambalam, Maankai
• Kannada: Maavinahannu
• Malayalam: Amram, Manga, Mao, Mava
• Urdu: Abanj, Amba
• Persian: Amba, Ambeh
• Arabic: Abanj, Abnig, Shajratul-Anbaj
• Telugu: Amramu, Cutamu, Maamidi, Maavidi
• Marathi: Aamba, Am, Amba

Sanskrit Synonyms of Mango

Mango, known as Amra in Sanskrit, has numerous synonyms reflecting its various characteristics and significance in different aspects of nature, culture, and health. Here are some of the notable Sanskrit synonyms for mango:

• Sahakara – One that works in harmony or partnership (reflecting its complementary qualities in Ayurveda).
• Keereshta – The best or most beloved among fruits.
• Madhavadruma – The tree of the god Madhava (Vishnu), symbolizing its sacred and divine status.
• Bhringabheeshta – The most loved by bees, referring to the nectar-rich flowers that attract bees.
• Parapushta – The tree that nourishes and supports other life forms.
• Madodbhava – Born of intoxication, symbolizing the pleasure or euphoric sensation the fruit gives when consumed.
• Makanda – The tree with large, magnificent fruits.
• Pikabandhava – The beloved of the cuckoo bird, symbolizing its connection to nature’s melody.
• Rasala – Juicy, referring to the rich and juicy flesh of the fruit.
• Atisaurabha – Having an extremely aromatic fragrance, particularly its flowers.
• Chaitravriksha – A plant that blossoms in spring (Vasanta) season.
• Madhuphala – The sweet fruit, especially when it ripens.
• Amla Phala – Sour fruit, referring to the unripe mango which is tangy and tart.
• Vanapushpotsava – Densely covered with flowers, referring to the profusion of mango blossoms during flowering.
• Suphala – The fruit that is abundant and fruitful.
• Madhushchuta – The fruit of sweetness, symbolizing its delightful, sweet taste when ripe.
• Madhuphala – Another synonym that emphasizes the sweetness of the mango when ripened.
• Seedhurasa – Having the essence or juice of the seed, referring to the juice-rich nature of the fruit.
• Madhvavasa – The aroma of sweetness, referring to the sweet fragrance that emanates from the ripe fruit.
• Madhuli – A synonym emphasizing the sweet essence of the fruit.
• Vasantadoota – Messenger of the spring season, referring to the mango tree’s flowers blooming during the onset of spring.
• Vasantapadapa – A tree whose leaves sprout during the spring season (Vasanta), signifying its seasonal significance.
• Kamashara – A natural aphrodisiac, symbolizing the mango’s reputation in enhancing passion and vitality.
• Kamanga – The beloved of Kamadeva, the god of love, highlighting the fruit’s connection to love and desire.
• Manmathalaya – The home or residence of Manmatha (god of love), linking mango to attraction and fertility.
• Sumadana – The fruit of pleasing aroma, symbolizing its sweet fragrance.
• Kama Vallabha – The beloved of Kama, the god of desire, further emphasizing its aphrodisiac qualities.
• Kokilotsava – The celebration of the nightingale birds, referring to the habit of nightingales sitting and singing on the mango tree.
• Kokilabandhu – The tree that is a companion to the koel (nightingale) bird, symbolizing harmony with nature.

Common Types of Mango and Their Ayurvedic Properties

1. Alphonso Mango (Hapus)

• Taste (Rasa): Sweet, occasionally slightly sour
• Qualities (Guna): Heavy (Guru), unctuous (Snigdha), and heating (Ushna)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata and Pitta, may mildly increase Kapha
• Unripe Fruit (Apakvaphala): Can aggravate all three doshas (Tridoshakaraka)

Actions:

• Ripe Fruit: Aphrodisiac (Vrishya), cardiotonic (Hridya), strength-promoting (Balya), improves complexion (Varnya), stimulates appetite (Ruchya), nourishing (Brimhana)
• Unripe Fruit: Appetite-stimulating (Ruchya)
• Pharmacological Actions: Cardiotonic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, hepatoprotective, antitumor

2. Dasheri Mango

• Taste (Rasa): Sweet with a slightly tangy undertone
• Qualities (Guna): Light (Laghu), unctuous (Snigdha)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata, may slightly increase Kapha and Pitta if consumed in excess
• Unripe Fruit (Apakvaphala): Aggravates Pitta and Vata

Actions:

• Ripe Fruit: Improves digestion (Dipana), builds strength (Balya), promotes appetite (Ruchya)
• Unripe Fruit: Increases digestive fire but can cause acidity
• Pharmacological Actions: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

3. Langra Mango

• Taste (Rasa): Sweet with slight citrus or sour undertones
• Qualities (Guna): Light (Laghu), slightly dry (Ruksha)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata and Kapha, mildly increases Pitta if unripe
• Unripe Fruit (Apakvaphala): Can aggravate Pitta

Actions:

• Ripe Fruit: Supports digestion (Dipana), nourishes tissues (Dhatu pushti), improves complexion (Varnya)
• Unripe Fruit: Appetite-stimulating (Ruchya), drying effect
• Pharmacological Actions: Digestive stimulant, antimicrobial, antioxidant

4. Banganapalli (Safeda) Mango

• Taste (Rasa): Mildly sweet, less fibrous
• Qualities (Guna): Heavy (Guru), unctuous (Snigdha)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata, mildly increases Kapha
• Unripe Fruit (Apakvaphala): Can disturb Pitta and Vata

Actions:

• Ripe Fruit: Stamina-promoting (Balya), moistening (Snigdha), builds ojas
• Unripe Fruit: Stimulates digestion but can cause bloating if overused
• Pharmacological Actions: Antioxidant, energy-boosting, hepatoprotective

5. Kesar Mango

• Taste (Rasa): Sweet with aromatic undertone (saffron-like)
• Qualities (Guna): Unctuous (Snigdha), slightly heavy (Guru)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sweet
• Effect on Doshas: Balances Vata and Pitta, may mildly increase Kapha
• Unripe Fruit (Apakvaphala): Can aggravate Pitta and Vata

Actions:

• Ripe Fruit: Aphrodisiac (Vrishya), promotes vitality (Rasayana), improves skin glow (Varnya), nourishing (Brimhana)
• Unripe Fruit: Digestive stimulant (Dipana), mildly heating
• Pharmacological Actions: Antioxidant, rejuvenating, antimicrobial

6. Raw Mango (Kairi / Amchur)

• Taste (Rasa): Sour (Amla), astringent (Kashaya)
• Qualities (Guna): Light (Laghu), dry (Ruksha), heating (Ushna)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Sour
• Effect on Doshas: Aggravates Pitta and Vata, increases dryness and acidity
• Unripe Fruit (Apakvaphala): Increases Pitta, can be sharp and irritating

Actions:

• Unripe Fruit: Appetite-stimulating (Ruchya), promotes digestion (Dipana), used in pickles/chutneys
• Pharmacological Actions: Antimicrobial, carminative, digestive stimulant, antioxidant

Parts Used & Dosage in Medicinal Use of Mango (Mangifera indica)

Parts Used:

• Stem Bark (Tvak): Astringent, used in diarrhea, bleeding disorders, and inflammation
• Leaves (Patra): Antidiabetic, antimicrobial, used in respiratory conditions and wound healing
• Flowers (Pushpa): Astringent and cooling, useful in diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary disorders
• Seed Kernel (Bīja or Beejavant): Anthelmintic, astringent, and useful in intestinal worms and dysentery

Medicinal Use of Mango in Ayurveda: Parts Used and Typical Dosage

The mango tree (Mangifera indica), revered in Ayurveda for its wide-ranging therapeutic properties, offers more than just its delicious fruit. Various parts of the tree — including the bark, leaves, flowers, and seed kernel — are used in classical and modern Ayurvedic medicine for treating a variety of ailments. Each part has specific properties and indications, and they must be used in appropriate dosages to ensure safety and efficacy.

1. Stem Bark

The stem bark of the mango tree is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in the treatment of diarrhea, bleeding disorders, and inflammation.

• Form: Decoction (Kwatha), Powder (Churna)

Typical Dosage:

• Decoction: 25–50 ml, once or twice daily
• Powder: 3–5 grams, typically taken with warm water or honey

2. Leaves

Mango leaves are highly valued for their antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial actions. They are often used in managing blood sugar levels and respiratory conditions.

• Form: Powder, Fresh Juice (Swarasa)

Typical Dosage:

• Powder: 1–3 grams per day
• Fresh Juice: 5–10 ml per day

3. Flowers

The flowers of the mango tree are astringent and cooling in nature. Traditionally, they are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary tract issues.

• Form: Powder
• Typical Dosage: 1–3 grams daily

4. Seed Kernel

The seed kernel, often underutilized, has potent anthelmintic and astringent properties. It is useful in treating intestinal worms and chronic diarrhea.

• Form: Powder (Churna)
• Typical Dosage: 1–3 grams daily

Important Note:

While mango is widely consumed as a fruit, the medicinal use of its other parts should be approached with care. Dosages can vary based on age, constitution (prakriti), and condition being treated. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before beginning any herbal regimen involving mango tree components.

Unripe Mango: Ayurvedic Properties and Uses

Qualities (Guna & Rasa):

• Katu – Pungent
• Kashaya – Astringent
• Amla – Sour
• Rooksha – Dry in nature

Therapeutic Actions:

• Ruchya – Enhances taste; beneficial in anorexia and loss of appetite
• Vatasrakrut – Can vitiate Vata Dosha and disturb blood tissue
• Pittakrut – Increases Pitta Dosha

Uses of Sour Mango (Amla-Dominant Mango)

Therapeutic Effects:

• May Cause or Worsen Raktapitta: Sour mango, especially in excess, can aggravate Raktapitta, a condition associated with bleeding disorders like nasal bleeding, heavy menstrual periods, or internal hemorrhages. It is advised to avoid sour mango in individuals with a predisposition to such conditions, as it may worsen the symptoms.
• Asrakrut (Vitiates Blood): Sour mango has the potential to disturb the blood (Rakta) and vitiate its natural flow. This effect can manifest in conditions like inflammation, heat in the blood, or skin eruptions. It is especially potent when consumed in combination with hot or pungent foods.
• Kaphaprada (Increases Kapha): As a sour fruit, mangoes can increase Kapha, leading to heaviness, mucus production, and congestion in the body. This makes sour mango less suitable for individuals with a Kapha imbalance, as it can exacerbate symptoms like lethargy, excess mucus, and weight gain.
• Hrudya (Cardiac Tonic): Despite its sourness, sour mango is considered Hrudya or beneficial for the heart. It is said to act as a cardiac tonic, improving heart health, promoting circulation, and supporting overall cardiovascular function. The fruit’s cooling properties are also calming to the Pitta in the heart, providing relief from irritability or heat in the body.
• Varnakara (Improves Skin Tone and Complexion): Sour mango is traditionally believed to enhance skin tone and improve complexion. Its ability to detoxify the body, cleanse the blood, and balance the Pitta makes it particularly helpful for skin-related issues like acne, blemishes, or hyperpigmentation. It is also thought to bring a natural glow to the skin over time.
• Ruchya (Stimulates Taste and Relieves Anorexia): Sour mango stimulates the taste buds and promotes digestion, making it a helpful remedy for individuals suffering from anorexia or a lack of appetite. Its sour taste encourages the secretion of digestive juices, improving appetite and digestion, thus providing a natural remedy for conditions related to poor eating habits.
• Kantamayaghna (Useful in Throat Disorders): The sour properties of mango help soothe throat conditions, including sore throat, inflammation, or swelling. Its antimicrobial properties assist in fighting infections in the throat, while its cooling nature calms the irritation, providing relief in cases of laryngitis or other respiratory issues.
• Raktamamsabalaprada (Enhances Blood and Muscle Tissue): Sour mango is said to improve blood tissue (Rakta) and muscle tissue (Mamsa), promoting overall strength and immunity. It is traditionally used to help in the recovery from weakness, fatigue, or muscle atrophy. This quality makes it beneficial for post-illness recovery and muscle-building.

Sweet Mango: Benefits and Indications

Ayurvedic Properties:

• Kashayanurasa (Slight Astringency): Sweet mango has a subtle astringent taste, which contributes to its ability to tone the digestive system and balance excess moisture in the body, especially in cases of diarrhea or loose stools.
• Vataghna (Useful for Vata Disorders): Sweet mango is particularly effective in balancing Vata Dosha and is helpful in treating Vata imbalances like neuralgia, paralysis, constipation, and bloating. Its unctuous and cooling properties help soothe the dry, irregular, and cold qualities of Vata.
• Brumhana (Nourishing and Nutritious): Mangoes are nourishing and highly nutritious, offering energy and strength to the body. They are considered balancing for individuals who are weak, undernourished, or recovering from illness.
• Guru (Heaviness): The sweet mango is heavy in nature, making it ideal for those who need grounding and replenishment. Its heavy quality also supports the body’s ability to build tissues and gain weight, making it useful for individuals with low body weight or muscle mass.
• Pittavarodhi (Does Not Increase Pitta): Unlike many other fruits, sweet mango does not aggravate Pitta and can actually have a cooling and soothing effect on the Pitta-dominant individuals. This makes it suitable for those prone to acidity, heartburn, or inflammation.
• Shukravivardhana (Improves Sperm and Semen Quality): Sweet mango is known to promote fertility and reproductive health by increasing the quality and quantity of semen and sperm, thus aiding in male fertility.
• Balya (Strengthening and Immunity-Boosting): The fruit boosts strength and immunity, making it a potent tonic for physical resilience. It is especially beneficial for children, the elderly, or anyone who is physically weak or recovering from illness.
• Visthabhya and Ajeernakrut (Excessive Intake May Cause Constipation and Indigestion): While sweet mango is generally easy to digest, consuming it in excess can lead to constipation or indigestion. It is advisable to consume it in moderation, especially for individuals with a sensitive digestive system or those prone to overeating.
• Tarpana (Nourishing and Calming): Sweet mango is considered nourishing and calming for the body and mind. Its cooling nature provides a sense of relaxation and helps to hydrate the body, especially in hot climates.
• Kantikari (Improves Skin Quality): Consuming sweet mango is said to enhance the skin’s texture and appearance, providing a healthy glow and improving complexion. Its rich vitamins and antioxidants help fight skin aging, blemishes, and dryness.

Indicated for:

• Trushna (Excessive Thirst): Sweet mango is hydrating and helps to quench excessive thirst. It cools the body and replenishes lost fluids, making it ideal during the summer or for those experiencing dehydration.
• Shrama (Fatigue or Tiredness): Its nourishing and energizing qualities make sweet mango an excellent remedy for fatigue or tiredness. It helps rejuvenate the body, enhance vitality, and restore strength after exertion.

Mango Bark: Qualities and Therapeutic Uses

Qualities (Guna & Rasa):

• Grahi (Absorbent): Mango bark is absorbent and has the ability to bind and control excessive fluid, making it effective for conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It helps reduce fluid loss and brings balance to the digestive system.
• Kashaya (Astringent): The bark of the mango has a strong astringent property, which helps in tightening tissues and reducing inflammation. This makes it beneficial for treating conditions like loose stools, bleeding, and intestinal discomfort.

Effect on Doshas:

• Balances Kapha and Pitta Doshas: Mango bark is particularly effective in balancing both Kapha and Pitta doshas. Its drying, binding nature helps reduce excessive moisture (Kapha) and heat (Pitta) in the body, making it useful for conditions related to both doshas, such as inflammation and digestive imbalances.

Mango Root and Shoot: Qualities and Therapeutic Uses

Mango Root:

• Grahi (Absorbent): The mango root is absorbent and helps to bind the bowel, making it useful in managing diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It absorbs excess fluid and stabilizes the digestive process, particularly in conditions of loose stools.
• Kashaya (Astringent): The root has a strong astringent effect, which helps to tighten the tissues, reduce inflammation, and control excessive secretions. This makes it effective for treating conditions like diarrhea, bleeding, and intestinal discomfort.

Effect on Doshas:

• Balances Kapha and Pitta Doshas: The mango root is particularly useful for balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas. Its drying and cooling properties help to reduce excess Kapha (which can cause congestion and heaviness) and Pitta (which is often linked to inflammation and acidity). This makes it beneficial for managing digestive imbalances and inflammation.

Mango Young Leaf Shoots: Qualities and Therapeutic Uses

Qualities (Guna & Rasa):

• Ruchya (Improves Taste): Mango young leaf shoots are known to stimulate appetite and improve the taste in the mouth, making them useful in conditions like anorexia or lack of appetite. They encourage the desire to eat and help with digestive stimulation.
• Grahi (Absorbent): The young leaf shoots have absorbent properties that help bind the bowel and are effective in treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. They help control excessive fluid and normalize bowel movements.
• Kashaya (Astringent): The young leaf shoots have a strong astringent effect, which helps tighten tissues and reduce excess fluid or inflammation in the body, making them useful for conditions related to the gastrointestinal system.

Effect on Doshas:

• Balances Kapha and Pitta Doshas: Mango young leaf shoots help balance both Kapha and Pitta doshas. The drying, cooling, and binding properties help reduce excessive moisture (Kapha) and heat (Pitta), making it beneficial for digestive imbalances, excess fluid retention, and inflammation.

Mango Flower: Qualities and Therapeutic Uses

Qualities (Guna & Rasa):

• Balances Kapha and Pitta Doshas: Mango flowers help to balance both Kapha and Pitta doshas, providing relief from conditions associated with excess moisture (Kapha) and heat (Pitta). Their cooling nature makes them particularly useful for conditions of inflammation, irritation, and excessive fluid retention.
• Asrug Dushtihara (Detoxifies Blood): Mango flowers possess the ability to purify and detoxify the blood, helping to eliminate impurities and toxins (Ama). This makes them useful in treating skin diseases, infections, and inflammatory conditions related to vitiated blood.
• Sheeta (Cold): The flowers have a cooling property, which makes them particularly effective in treating conditions caused by heat, such as inflammation, fever, and heat-related digestive issues. They are also beneficial during hot weather to reduce body heat.
• Ruchikrut (Improves Taste and Appetite): Mango flowers stimulate the digestive system, improving the taste and functioning as a natural appetizer. This is especially useful in cases of anorexia or poor appetite.
• Grahi (Absorbent): Mango flowers have an absorbent quality, which helps in binding the bowel and controlling diarrhea. They are useful in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and loose stools, providing relief from excessive fluid loss.
• Vatala (Increases Vata Dosha): While mango flowers are beneficial for Kapha and Pitta, they may increase Vata dosha due to their drying and cooling properties. This makes them more suitable for individuals who are not Vata-prone or who need to balance the dry, cold, or light nature of Vata.

Indications for Mango Flowers:

• Atisara (Diarrhea, Dysentery): Mango flowers are commonly used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, helping to absorb excess fluid and stabilize bowel movements.
• Prameha (Urinary Tract Disorders, Diabetes): They are beneficial in managing urinary tract disorders and diabetes, supporting blood sugar regulation and promoting kidney and bladder health.
• Dushta Shonita (Vitiated Blood): Mango flowers help to detoxify the blood, making them useful in treating conditions associated with vitiated blood, such as skin diseases, infections, or toxic blood conditions.

Amchur Powder: Uses and Therapeutic Qualities

Preparation:

Amchur powder is made by removing the skin from unripe mangoes and then sun-drying them until they are fully dehydrated. The result is a powder with concentrated sourness and beneficial medicinal properties.

Qualities (Guna & Rasa):

• Amla (Sour): Amchur has a sour taste, which can stimulate the digestive fire (Agni) and help in the absorption of nutrients. It is often used to balance excess heat in the body or as a digestive aid.
• Swadu (Sweet): While sour in taste, amchur has a mild sweetness when digested, which makes it more digestible and nourishing, contributing to balanced digestion and helping to maintain proper metabolism.
• Kashaya (Astringent): Amchur also has an astringent property, which can help to tighten tissues and reduce inflammation. This makes it effective for conditions related to loose stools or digestive disturbances.

Therapeutic Effects:

• Bhedana (Useful in Constipation): Amchur powder helps relieve constipation due to its ability to stimulate the digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. Its sour nature acts as a mild laxative.
• Kaphavatajit (Balances Kapha and Vata Doshas): Amchur powder is known for its ability to balance Kapha and Vata doshas. It reduces excess moisture and heaviness (Kapha), while also helping to stabilize dryness and irregularity (Vata). This makes it useful for digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and constipation.
• Mango as a Fragrant Additive: Amchur powder can also be used as a fragrant additive in various dishes. Its unique aroma and sourness enhance the taste perception of food, adding complexity and flavor. When added to food ingredients, amchur enhances taste and digestive stimulation, particularly for Vata dosha, by alleviating its dryness and irregularity.

• Heavy and Digestive Impact: Although beneficial for balancing Vata, amchur is considered heavy, which may weaken the digestive fire (Agni) in some individuals, especially when consumed in excess. Therefore, it may aggravate Pitta and Kapha doshas, particularly in individuals prone to acidic conditions or excessive moisture.
• Balance in Consumption: To avoid overburdening the digestive system, it is best to use amchur in moderation. When paired with spices such as cumin, ginger, or fennel, amchur powder can act as a digestive aid without overwhelming the system.

Indications:

• Indigestion & Bloating: Amchur can help in improving digestive strength and reducing bloating or gaseous discomfort caused by Vata imbalances.
• Acidity and Heartburn: Due to its sour taste, amchur can stimulate saliva production and gastric juices, helping to relieve acidity and heartburn when taken in moderate amounts.
• Weight Management: Amchur’s balancing effect on Kapha makes it useful in weight management by stimulating digestion and reducing fatigue or sluggishness.

Mango Seed Kernel: Uses and Therapeutic Properties

Mango Seed:

• Kashaya (Astringent): The mango seed has a strong astringent quality, which makes it useful in tightening tissues, reducing inflammation, and helping control excessive fluid in the body. It is especially beneficial for conditions like diarrhea and digestive disturbances.
• Slightly Sour and Sweet: The seed has a mild sour and sweet taste profile that aids in balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas, while also stimulating the digestive system.

Indications for Mango Seed:

• Chardi (Vomiting): The mango seed can help reduce nausea and control vomiting (Chardi). It has cooling and digestive-stabilizing properties that calm the stomach and prevent vomiting caused by Pitta imbalances or digestive irritation.
• Atisara (Diarrhea, Dysentery): Due to its astringent nature, mango seed is very effective in treating diarrhea and dysentery (Atisara). It helps to bind the bowels and reduce excess fluid, promoting the recovery of the digestive system.
• Hrudayadaha (Burning Sensation in the Chest): Mango seed is used to relieve burning sensations in the chest, often caused by acid reflux or gastric irritation. Its cooling properties help calm the internal heat and soothe discomfort in the chest area.

Mango Oil: Qualities and Therapeutic Uses

Mango Oil:

• Kashaya (Astringent): Mango oil has an astringent quality, which can help tighten tissues and reduce inflammation. It is useful for wound healing and skin conditions, promoting the regeneration of skin cells and preventing infections.
• Swadu (Sweet): The oil has a slightly sweet taste when applied internally or used in a medicinal context, which enhances its nourishing and soothing effects, particularly for dryness or irritation.
• Tikta (Bitter): Mango oil also has a bitter taste, contributing to its detoxifying properties. It can be beneficial for digestive health, helping to cleanse the system by promoting digestion and reducing excess heat (Pitta).
• Mukharogahara (Useful in Oral Disorders): Mango oil is effective for treating oral disorders such as mouth ulcers, bad breath, and gum infections. It can be used as a gargle or applied directly to the mouth to promote oral health, soothe irritation, and improve breath freshness.
• Rooksha (Dry): The oil has a drying effect, making it useful in treating conditions related to excess moisture or congestion in the body, particularly in Kapha-dominant conditions.
• Sugandhi (Good Smell): Mango oil has a pleasant fragrance, which enhances its appeal as both a medicinal and cosmetic product. Its aromatic properties are known to have a calming and uplifting effect on the mind and body.
• Pacifies Kapha and Vata: Mango oil helps balance Kapha and Vata doshas. It is especially useful for calming Vata-related dryness and Kapha-related congestion or heaviness. Its properties help restore balance to the digestive and respiratory systems.

External Application of Mango Oil:

• Wound Healing & Bleeding: Mango oil, when applied topically, is helpful during excessive bleeding, injuries, and wounds. It can be combined with the dried powders of mango bark, flowers, leaves, and seed kernel for faster healing. The astringent properties help to stop bleeding and promote wound healing.
• Bone Healing: The oil from unripe mangoes, particularly due to their sour and sweet taste, can promote bone healing in fractures. This is attributed to the oil’s anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties, which help stimulate the healing process.

Therapeutic Benefits of Ripe Mangoes and Mango Oil:

• Nourishes Tissues (Dhatus): The ripe mangoes are sweetish in taste and vipaka (post-digestive effect), which makes them nourishing for the tissues (Dhatus). The nutritive properties of mango oil help strengthen the body, supporting overall health and immune function.
• Alleviates Tridosha Imbalances: Ripe mangoes help in balancing the three doshas (Tridosha), especially Pitta. They have a cooling effect on the body, which helps in reducing excess heat and inflammation.
• Supports the Five Senses: Mangoes, and by extension mango oil, provide sustaining strength to the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), boosting vitality and sensory health.
• Relieves Thirst and Loss of Taste: Mangoes, due to their pleasant taste, are effective for individuals suffering from parched tongue, thirst, and loss of taste. Mango oil’s cooling and moisturizing properties help to hydrate and rejuvenate the body.
• Aphrodisiac and Virility Promoting: Mangoes are renowned for their aphrodisiac properties, which enhance virility and sexual performance. Mango oil, being rich in nutrients and minerals, helps to boost energy levels and enhance sexual health.

Medicinal Insights by Sushruta and Other Physicians:

• Strength and Vitality: Sushruta and other ancient Ayurvedic physicians vouch for the virility-promoting, strength-enhancing, and digestive qualities of ripe mangoes. They highlight the cooling and nourishing properties of mangoes and their ability to promote overall well-being and health.
• Variety in Mangoes: The juice of different varieties of mangoes, although they may differ in taste and smell, still retain the core properties of enhancing strength, vitality, and digestive health.

Ayurveda Medicines with Mango as an Ingredient

Mango, particularly its seeds and other parts, is widely used in Ayurvedic formulations to treat a variety of conditions. Here are some Ayurvedic medicines that include mango as a key ingredient:

1. Katakakhadiradi Kashayam:

Mango seed is used as a key ingredient in this traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is primarily used in the treatment of diabetes. The properties of mango seeds help to regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support overall metabolic health. This formulation is commonly used to manage the symptoms of diabetes and to promote glucose metabolism.

2. Nyagrodhadi Churna:

This medicinal powder is used in the Ayurvedic treatment of urinary disorders and diabetes. Mango is part of this formulation, and it is specifically beneficial in balancing the Pitta dosha, which is often responsible for urinary issues and excess heat in the body. The churna also helps in improving kidney function, detoxifying the body, and supporting the digestive system.

3. Patrangasav:

Mango seed kernel is an important ingredient in this herbal tonic. Patrangasav is primarily used to treat gynecological conditions, particularly heavy menstrual bleeding, leucorrhea (white discharge), menstrual irregularities, and fevers. The astringent properties of the mango seed kernel help to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce excessive bleeding, and support the reproductive system by strengthening and toning the uterus.

4. Brihat Gangadhar Churna:

This Ayurvedic medicine contains mango seed and is used for the treatment of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders. The mango seed helps to bind the stool, reducing the frequency of diarrhea and soothing the intestinal lining. It also helps to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, providing relief from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroenteritis.

Side Effects of Mango

While mangoes are incredibly beneficial, excessive consumption—especially of sour mangoes—can lead to some undesirable side effects:

1. Mandanala (Weak Digestion Strength): Overconsumption of sour mangoes can weaken the digestive fire (Agni), causing poor digestion and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
2. Vishamajwara (Recurrent, Chronic Fever): Excessive intake of sour mangoes, especially during the hot season, may lead to imbalanced heat in the body, triggering recurrent fevers or chronic inflammatory conditions.
3. Raktamaya (Blood Vitiation Disorders): Sour mangoes can aggravate Pitta dosha, leading to blood disorders such as skin diseases, rashes, and bleeding disorders (e.g., nosebleeds or heavy menstruation). It may also cause acne or pimples in some individuals due to Pitta excess.
4. Baddhagudodara (Constipation and Bloating): The astringent nature of sour mangoes can cause constipation, bloating, and discomfort in the abdomen, particularly in individuals with a sensitive digestive system.
5. Nayanamaya (Eye Disorders): Excessive intake of sour mangoes may lead to eye irritation, dryness, or redness, especially in individuals prone to Pitta-related eye conditions (e.g., conjunctivitis or eye inflammation).

How to Counter the Side Effects

To mitigate the negative effects of consuming too many sour mangoes, the following remedies are recommended:

• Ginger Water: Drinking ginger water helps stimulate digestion and balance the heat in the body. Ginger has pungent and digestive properties, which can restore digestive fire (Agni) and counter the bloating or discomfort caused by sour mangoes.
• Cumin Seeds with Sochal Salt (Sauvarchala Lavana): A mixture of cumin seeds and Sauvarchala Lavana (special salt) helps reduce the effects of excess sourness. This combination helps soothe the digestive tract, ease constipation, and balance the doshas, especially Pitta.

These remedies can help restore balance if the side effects of mango consumption occur, ensuring that you can continue enjoying the fruit in moderation.

The mango tree stands as a remarkable example of nature’s generosity, offering a wide range of benefits through its various parts. Beyond its sweet and flavorful fruit, the tree’s leaves, bark, and seeds provide valuable health and medicinal properties.