Jamun (Black Plum)

Jamun or Black plum is an important summer fruit, associated with many health and medicinal benefits. The black plum is known to relieve stomach pain, carminative, anti-scorbutic and diuretic. Black Plum vinegar is good to reduce enlargement of spleen, diarrhoea, and those have urine retention problems. Jamum’s ployphenolic compounds are effective against cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, asthma and arthritis.

Botanical Name: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels
Local Name: Jamun, Java Plum, Black Plum, Jambul and Indian blackberry
Family: Myrtaceae
Ethnobotanical uses: Fruit syrup is very useful for curing diarrhea. It is stomachache, carminative and diuretic, apart from having cooling and digestive properties. Vit- C is able to regenerate other antioxidants such as vit- E. Fruits are used in making jam, jellies, squash, vinegar and ice cream for its beautiful and attractive purple colour.

Black Plum fruit and its leaves are good for diabetic patients. The black plum has anti-diabetic features. The fruit helps to convert starch into energy and keep your blood sugar levels in check. In the summer season, the sugar patient should eat Black Plum regularly because of its low glycemic index. It reduces the symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination and thrusting. The extract of bark, seeds, and leaves are too beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

Jamuns pack a high nutritional value as it boasts of a good amount of protein, fibreand it also contains phenol, tritepenoid, essential oils, asiri oils, jambosine, organic acid, oleanolic acid, tannin, anthocyanin, ellagic acid and flavonoids. It also has minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. Apart from these plums are also very rich in vitamin C with significant amounts of riboflavin, niacin, thiamine and vitamin B6.

Some of the amazing and surprising health benefits of this juice are given below:

• It is used to treat digestive disorders such as diarrhoea
• This juice along with curd is good against digestive problems.
• Teeth related problems can be solved by applying black Plum juice or by drinking it.
• Jamun juice is beneficial in treating of piles.
• Drinking of the fresh fruit juice helps in cough and asthma.
• Jamun juice enhances your immune system.
• It protects you from cold and acts as anti-aging agent.

Nutritional and Medicinal Value

Jamun is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is particularly known for its high content of Vitamin C, iron, and folic acid. The fruit is also famous for its low glycemic index, making it beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. In traditional medicine, Jamun is used to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes, digestive problems, and skin disorders.

Cultural Significance

In India, Jamun is often consumed fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and beverages. The seeds, leaves, and bark of the tree are also used in Ayurvedic remedies. The Jamun tree is considered auspicious and is often planted near homes and temples, symbolizing longevity and strength.

In Uttarakhand, Jamun trees grow naturally in the state’s hilly regions and are a part of the local food culture. The fruit is consumed during the summer months and is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Jamun farming contributes to the livelihood of farmers in the region, with the fruit being sold in local markets and sometimes processed into products like vinegar and wine.