We’ve all experienced that bloated feeling or rumbling stomach, which comes with indigestion. A healthy digestive system is vital to our well-being and consists of the gallbladder, digestive tract, pancreas, and liver. It breaks down food and nutrients so that your body can use them for cell repair, growth, and energy.^[1][Your Digestive System & How it Works](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works“Your Digestive System & How it Works”). National … Continue reading And if you have indigestion, you might experience discomfort or pain in your upper abdomen, a feeling of being too full after a meal, bloating, gas, or heartburn. What you eat and drink has a significant impact on your digestion. So fatty, spicy, acidic, or greasy foods, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and fizzy drinks, can be problematic in excess. As can smoking and stress. Health problems like

• gallbladder inflammation,
• gastritis,
• irritable bowel syndrome,
• lactose intolerance,
• peptic ulcers,
• stomach cancer and
• infections can also cause indigestion.^[2][Symptoms & Causes of Indigestion](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia/symptoms-causes“Symptoms & Causes of Indigestion”). National … Continue reading

What Is Digestion According To Ayurveda?

Ayurveda describes the force of metabolism and digestion as “Agni.” Agni is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food. It converts food into energy which conducts all the critical functions in our body. It is, therefore, considered the cause of strength, oja (vitality), health, prana (life energy), nourishment, teja (energy), and lustre. It is the very base (mool) of life. If agni doesn’t function properly and metabolism is disturbed, it can result in ill health. Indigestion or “Ajirna” is thought to lead to the formation of “Ama” – a toxin that builds up due to improper digestion – and circulates through the body, causing disease.^[3]Agrawal, Akash Kumar, C. R. Yadav, and M. S. Meena. “Physiological aspects of Agni.” Ayu 31, no. 3 (2010): 395. ^[4]Shriwas, Rashmi, Sanjay Shukla, Rupendra Kumar Chandrakar, and Harikrishna Shrivas. “ETIOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF MOST COMMON DIGESTIVE DISORDER AJIRNA (INDIGESTION).” International Journal … Continue reading

What Are The Causes Of Indigestion?

Various factors such as

• drinking too much water after your meals,
• having an unhealthy diet,
• overeating,
• improper sleep,
• emotional disturbances, and
• the suppression of natural urges such as vata (flatus), nidra (sleep), and purisha (stool)

are thought to cause indigestion.^[5][Ajirna (Indigestion)](https://www.nhp.gov.in/ajirna-indigestion_mtl“Ajirna (Indigestion)”). National Health Portal. The science of ayurveda recommends healthy habits like having a wholesome and fibre-rich diet, avoiding irregular food habits, overeating, and irregular sleep, etc., to keep your digestive system healthy. Keeping your mind free from anxiety and worries is also beneficial. Medicinal spices such as pepper and ginger and formulations such as hingwastaka churna, lavanaabhaskara churna, gandharvahastadi kashaya, etc., are also used in ayurveda to treat indigestion.^[6][Ajirna (Indigestion)](https://www.nhp.gov.in/ajirna-indigestion_mtl“Ajirna (Indigestion)”). National Health Portal.

How Does Kokam Help Fight Indigestion?

Kokam (Garcinia Indica), a spice traditionally used to improve digestion, can be helpful. According to Ayurveda, kokam is amla (sour) and madhur (sweet) in taste and has the quality of being ruksha (dry) and guru (heavy to digest). Due to its sour taste, it is also considered ushna (hot). But when it is made into a juice by adding sugar or jaggery, this property changes, and it functions as a cooling juice. Ayurveda uses this spice for treating a range of conditions such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, ulcers, IBS, worm infestations, etc.

Benefits Of Kokam

1. Kokam Can Protect Against Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers can result in indigestion as well as significant abdominal pain and heartburn. Infection by – Helicobacter pylori – a bacteria, is the most frequent cause of this condition. But factors like the frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, radiation treatment, drinking excessive alcohol, and stress can increase your risk of getting ulcers.^[7][Peptic ulcer](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000206.htm “Peptic ulcer”).National Institutes of Health. Garcinol, a compound present in kokam, is effective against Helicobacter pylori.^[8]Chatterjee, Archana, Taharat Yasmin, Debasis Bagchi, and Sidney J. Stohs. “Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori in vitro by various berry extracts, with enhanced susceptibility to … Continue reading But that’s not all. When rats were exposed to other ulcer-causing agents, such as a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, alcohol, and HCL, it was observed that the administration of kokam extracts reduced the development of ulcers.^[9]Deore, Amol Bhalchandra, Vinayak Dnyandev Sapakal, Neelam Laxman Dashputre, and Nilofer S. Naikwade. “Antiulcer activity of Garcinia indica linn fruit rinds.” Journal of Applied … Continue reading So, kokam may help prevent indigestion by tackling one of its root causes – stomach ulcers.

2. Kokam Can Act Against Indigestion-Causing Bacteria

Helicobacter pylori don’t just cause stomach ulcers. It can also lead to gastritis (inflammation in the stomach lining) and even stomach cancer. These diseases can throw your digestive system off. But the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial kokam works against this germ.^[10]Panda, Vandana Sanjeev, and Prashant Dhondiraj Khambat. “In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Garcinia indica fruit rind (Kokum) in rats.” Biomedicine and Aging Pathology 2, no. 5 … Continue reading ^[11][Symptoms & Causes of Indigestion](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/indigestion-dyspepsia/symptoms-causes“Symptoms & Causes of Indigestion”). National … Continue reading ^[12]Chatterjee, Archana, Taharat Yasmin, Debasis Bagchi, and Sidney J. Stohs. “The bactericidal effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus, garcinol and Protykin® compared to clarithromycin, on … Continue reading

3. Kokam Can Protect Your Liver

The liver is an essential part of your digestive system. It produces bile, the digestive juice that helps break down fats.^[13][Your Digestive System & How it Works](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works “Your Digestive System & How it … Continue reading It’s well known that alcohol consumption can harm your liver. Did you know that kokam offers protection against the effects of alcohol? According to a study, it not only reduced levels of enzymes that are markers of liver damage but also increased antioxidants depleted due to alcohol. The antioxidant properties of kokam are thought to be responsible for its protective effect.^[14]Panda, Vandana, Hardik Ashar, and Sudhamani Srinath. “Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Garcinia indica fruit rind in ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rodents.” … Continue reading No wonder then that kokam syrup has traditionally been used as a protective tonic for the liver against damage caused by alcohol!

4. Kokam Can Ease Anxiety

Both modern medicine and ayurveda recognize anxiety and stress as contributory factors with respect to indigestion. Research indicates that kokam can be helpful in easing anxiety. It has been found that mice exhibit behaviours that signal a lessening of anxiety when they’re administered kokam extracts. It is thought that a compound known as hydroxycitric acid is responsible for this anti-anxiety property. This compound improves the release of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. And low levels of serotonin are linked to anxiety.^[15]Patel, Manish, Bhavesh Antala, Chandana Barua, and Mangala Lahkar. “Anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Garcinia indica in mice.” International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP) 7, … Continue reading So when you feel a stomach-churning bout of anxiety coming on, reach for a glass of cool kokam sherbet!

How To Use Kokam?

Kokam is used in food preparations in a variety of ways:

1. Use It In Curries

• The dried kokam peel has a sour taste and is often used in curries. It’s also known as the Malabar tamarind.

2. Make A Refreshing Sherbat (Juice)

• Soak dry kokam in water and strain it.
• Cook the pre-soaked kokam with roasted cumin powder, sugar, black salt, cardamon, and regular salt. Then, add the kokam water back in and bring it to a boil.
• Once the mixture cools, you can strain it and use this concentrate to make a sherbet.

According to Ayurveda, kokam juice balances pitta (associated with the element of fire) and has a cooling effect. So serve chilled on hot summer days!

3. Make Kokam Syrup

• Add cut and de-seeded fresh kokam fruit and sugar in equal measure in a clean glass jar.
• Close the jar and keep it under sunlight for 4-5 days; the sugar will melt and be syrupy.
• Strain the syrup. You can eat the leftover pulp as is or use it in curries. Note that it is mildly laxative in nature, so use discretion and do not overconsume.
• A tablespoon can be had daily as is or mixed with water and roasted cumin seed powder.
• Cumin powder helps digest kokam.

4. Make An After-Meal Drink

• Add coconut milk, kokam water, and spices like garlic, mustard seeds, salt, cumin, asafoetida, etc., to prepare a tasty drink that you can have after meals to support digestion.

Go ahead, get creative with this unique spice!

Precautions While Using Kokam

Here are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind while using kokam

• While there is insufficient information on whether kokam is safe for pregnant or lactating women, it is best to consult your doctor before consuming kokam in any form.
• While kokam has been used in food safely for ages, herbal supplements derived from a closely related tree known as Garcinia Cambogia have been linked to cases of liver damage. Consult your doctor before using any herbal supplements.^[16][Garcinia Cambogia](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garcinia-cambogia“Garcinia Cambogia”).National Institutes of Health.

FAQs

Q1. Can I drink kokam juice on empty stomach?

Yes. You can have kokam juice any time of the day but having it on an empty stomach is the most beneficial. So have a glass of kokam juice diluted in water first thing in the morning. You can add jaggery to make it more delicious.

Q2. Can I drink kokam at night?

Yes. You can consume kokam juice any time of the day. Kokam provides instant energy, so it might keep you active and awake longer. The best time is to have it first thing in the morning.

Q3. Can we drink kokam daily?

Yes. You can have kokam juice or kokam syrup daily. The best time for kokam juice is during the hot summer months to give energy, counter dehydration, and cool your body. Drink kokam juice once every morning on an empty stomach or kokam syrup twice daily after meals.

Q4. What does kokam do to the body?

Kokam is a natural cooling agent and provides instant energy and hydration during hot summer days. It heals digestive issues like stomach ulcers, acidity, and gastritis. It is beneficial for liver health and offers protection against the effects of alcohol. It also increases serotonin levels, which is a feel-good hormone keeping your mood cheerful while keeping anxiety and stress at bay.

Q5. Who should avoid Kokam and When?

Though there is no scientific evidence, pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid kokam. If taken in larger quantities, it could affect your blood pressure levels. Avoid drinking kokam and milk together. To get the best benefits of kokam, you should take it first thing in the morning.