Mango, description and medicinal properties

The mango tree is widely cultivated for its fruit, the mango, but it is also a medicinal plant with many properties, notably to treat diabetes.

Habitat du Manguier

The mango tree is a tree native to southern Asia that grows in the tropics, in regions between 0 and 700 m in altitude.

Beyond that, its fruiting tends to be reduced.

A dry season of two to three months favours the start of flowering.

Description of the Mango Tree

The mango tree can reach 35 to 40 metres in height.

The bark is smooth, dark grey-brown to black.

Its leaves are alternate, whole, oblong and pointed, and are evergreen.

They can be 15 to 35 cm long and 6 to 16 cm wide.

Their colour is an orangey pink when they first grow and then changes to a bright dark red before turning dark green at maturity.

The reddish-white flowers are small and grouped in terminal clusters from 10 to 40 cm long.

They have five petals, 5-10 mm long, five sepals and five stamens. The superect ovary contains a single ovule.

In mid-spring, after the end of flowering, it takes three to four months for the fruit to ripen.

Description of the Mango

Green mangoes

The fleshy fruit is an oblong drupe attached to a long stalk, varying in size depending on the variety, from 10 to 25 cm long and 7 to 12 cm in diameter, weighing from 500 g to 2.5 kg.

The smooth, thin, fairly resistant skin is green, yellow or scarlet (depending on the variety) with varying degrees of green and red, purple or pink spots (on the side exposed to the sun) when ripe.

The rather large, flattened stone contains a single, large seed (4 to 7 cm long by 3 to 4 cm wide and 1 cm thick) which adheres to the flesh.

It is covered with more or less developed fibres in the flesh, depending on the variety.

Its shape can be round, oval or kidney-shaped. Its flesh is more or less unctuous, juicy, sweet and fragrant depending on the variety, and is often sweet like that of the peach, hence its nickname of "tropical peach".

The medicinal properties of the mango tree

Medicinal properties of the fruit, the mango

Mangoes are rich in carotene and contain many B vitamins, vitamin B2, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins E and K.

100g of mango contains an average of 52 calories and provides the 11-20 % of daily carbohydrate requirements.

100g of ripe mango contains 40-60mg of vitamin C and 100 micrograms of vitamin A.

Unripe mangoes, on the other hand, are much richer in vitamin C but contain much less vitamin A and carbohydrates.

Alkalination : Mangoes contain tartaric acid, malic acid and citric acid which help to alkalise the body.

View: Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin A and flavonoids such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, which help maintain good eyesight.

Properties of mango bark

The bark is a natural remedy for diarrhoea and contains a high level of tannin.

A 10 cm piece of bark boiled in a litre of water, to be drunk 2 to 3 times a day is an excellent remedy for simple diarrhoea.

This preparation can also be used to clean wounds, burns and mouth sores.

Medicinal properties of mango leaf

Mango leaves are highly beneficial to health, being rich in vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and minerals.

They can treat many problems such as fever, diarrhoea, insomnia, varicose veins, asthma, bronchitis and colds.

These leaves can reduce your blood pressure and strengthen your blood vessels.

An infusion of two to 3 young leaves is a West Indian remedy for reducing fever and fighting urinary tract infections.

The leaves are also effective against many respiratory problems. For example, sipping mango leaf tea can help relieve symptoms of acute bronchitis and asthma.

Mango leaves are also used to treat colds, coughs and even sore throats.

Mango leaf tea can be of great help to people with high levels of stress as well as those struggling with anxiety.

You can also calm the mind and relax the body by adding fresh mango leaves to your bath water!

They are also good for people with diabetes, mango has a low glycaemic index (41-60) and will not raise your blood sugar.

Preparation of mango leaves for diabetes

Here is a recipe recommended for people with diabetes:

Pick 10 to 15 tender young mango leaves and boil them in the equivalent of a large glass of water and leave them overnight.

In the morning, strain the mixture and drink it before eating.

For best results, you should drink this preparation for two to three months.

You can also dry the leaves and grind them.

Then take half a teaspoon of this mango leaf powder twice a day.

Mango in Thailand

In Thailand, mangoes are more often eaten green than ripe.

There are many varieties of mango, but the most popular are those that produce low-acid green fruit.

Green mango is often eaten as an aperitif, with a mixture of sugar, salt and chilli powder.

Ripe mango is best enjoyed with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Glutinous rice with mango and coconut milk

People in the north-west of the country, such as the Thai Yai, also eat the young leaves of the mango tree, rolled up and lightly boiled.

See also :

Medicinal plants in Thailand: Thai names and properties

Dengue can be treated with papaya leaf juice!

Source: wikipedia.org ; leral.net Photos: Mango tree 1: Eigenes Werk; Mango tree 2: Pierreto; Mango leaves:  anhnhidesign