Kamarkas is an incredibly healthy herb that can provide a wealth of health benefits for men and women alike. Keep reading to know more about the fascinating Kamarkas benefits, nutritional value, side effects, and uses!
Table of Contents
What Is Kamarkas?
Kamarkas is a gum obtained from the stem of the Palash tree or flame of the forest (Butea monosperma), native to the South Asian regions of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc. Kamarkas gond is reddish-black in color, has a uniquely sharp, pungent taste, and lacks any noticeable odor.
Kamarkas Nutrition Facts
The nutritional value of 1 teaspoon of Kamarkas powder is mentioned in the table below:
| Calories | 2 kCal |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Vitamin K | 10% of the daily value (DV) |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.1% of the DV |
| Calcium | 1% of the DV |
| Manganese | 1% of the DV |
| Iron | 1.1% of the DV |
Kamarkas gond is a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and K. Moreover, it contains magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and folate that contribute to better health. The presence of beta-carotene, phenolics, tannic acid, gallic acid, and flavonoids in Kamarkas is a testament to its remarkable antioxidant properties. Additionally, Kamarkas gond also contains Kinotannic acid, alkaloids, and anthraquinones.
Health Benefits of Kamarkas
1. Fights Skin Aging
You will be surprised to know that Kamarkas possesses superb anti-oxidant properties that can impart anti-aging effects by protecting the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. The unique combination of its many beneficial nutrients can help your skin glow naturally, making it appear more youthful and radiant.
2. Natural Hair Growth
How does Kamarkas benefit the hair? Kamarkas provides various benefits for hair health, such as boosting healthy hair growth and preventing the premature graying of hair. If you want long and strong hair, you can try soaking some Kamarkas in water and then rinsing your hair with the prepared solution. Among other benefits, it can help you get rid of dandruff and help you achieve naturally strong, thick, and luscious locks!
3. May Help Treat Diabetes
Are you diabetic? Then Kamarkas may be a remedy worth looking into. This magical herb is known to improve insulin sensitivity, support glucose absorption, and regulate glucose levels. Kamarkas can, therefore, help you control your blood sugar levels and go about your day worry-free.
4. Kamarkas For Oral Health
Healthy teeth and gums are something we all dream of. However, as we age, our teeth can get damaged due to cavities, and gums can start to bleed. For boosting your oral health and preventing such issues, using Kamarkas may be beneficial. Its anti-bacterial properties make it ideal to use coupled with toothpaste or mouthwash. Kamarkas can help kill bacteria that cause cavities and help keep your pearly whites healthy to preserve a beautiful smile. Additionally, Kamarkas may also be effective against issues such as mouth ulcers.
5. Aids Digestion
Taking Kamarkas can promote healthy digestion and keep health problems such as diarrhea and constipation at bay. It can help prevent loose motions and be used as an effective deworming agent in individuals facing such gastrointestinal concerns. Some also believe there may be some potential for Kamarkas to help prevent stomach cancer; however, more research is needed to support these claims.
6. Effective Against Back Pain
Body aches and pains got you down? Then, give Kamarkas a shot. This healthy herb can give the muscles and joints much-needed strength and get the body back in shape. Its remarkable properties can be good for people facing recurring back pain issues.
7. Wound Healing And Anti-Poison Effects
Kamarkas has also shown potential in wound healing and may also be used to treat ulcers. It may be used as a remedy to remove snake poison; however, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this.
8. Kamarkas For Cough Relief
Coughing can be quite annoying and bothersome to deal with. As a natural remedy, kamarkas can help you get rid of your coughing woes naturally and may also be used to provide relief in conditions such as tuberculosis.
Kamarkas Benefits For Women’s Health
1. Pregnancy Benefits
Women who are pregnant often experience body aches and pains. In this regard, Kamarkas can be a valuable herb to reduce pain in the body, especially waist pain. Therefore, it may be worth adding to your pregnancy diet. Remember that prior consultation with your gynecologist is important before using herbs such as Kamarkas to mitigate the risk of potential adverse effects.
2. Post-Delivery Benefits
After delivery, mothers can feel back pain, muscle pain, and body aches as well. Kamarkas can aid in alleviating such pains and restore muscle strength and body shape.
3. Benefits During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding or nursing mothers can also benefit from the use of Kamarkas as it may help improve milk quality, which ensures the health of the baby. Although it’s safe for nursing mothers, you should always consult a healthcare provider before the use of such herbs when breastfeeding.
Kamarkas Benefits For Men’s Health
1. Boost Memory and Cognition
This brain-boosting herb can help men get their “braniac” mode on by supercharging their cognitive health, improving memory, and helping them stay alert. For these reasons some even go as far as to suggest it as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease although no concrete research study exists on this subject thus far.
2. Prevent and Manage High Cholesterol
Kamarkas may also be beneficial for individuals facing high cholesterol issues. It is believed to work by increasing your HDL (Good) Cholesterol levels and reducing LDL (Bad) Cholesterol levels. This way it helps you manage your cholesterol and keep it under control.
How to Use Kamarkas Gond?
There are various delicious ways to incorporate Kamarkas into your diet. You can use it in the following ways:
- Add it to Panjeeri (a sweet dish) to make it more tasty and nutritious
- Enjoy Kamarkas Laddus by mixing Kamarkas with wheat flour, milk, sugar, dry fruits, and coconut
- Make Kamarkas Ka Halwa (a dessert) and enjoy it as a light and sweet snack
- Kamarkas powder can be consumed with warm water or milk with added sweeteners like honey for enhanced taste
Are There Side Effects Of Kamarkas?
Kamarkas is a herb that is safe to consume for most individuals and does not have any severe reported side effects. However, individuals who have diabetes, cancers, or digestive disorders should consider using herbal remedies with caution even though their effects seem promising. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before using Kamarkas in such cases. Moreover, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also get approval to use Kamarkas from a doctor prior to its use. Lastly, some individuals may be allergic to Kamarkas and should refrain from its use as it can lead to health issues.
Kamarkas In English
“Kamarkas, known as Flame of the forest, Gond Chunia, Palash Gondh, or Dhak in English, is derived from the Hindi words Kamar (waist) and kas (tightening), which literally translates to ‘waist tightening.'”
Conclusion
Kamarkas is a wondrous herb that has many potential health benefits for both men and women. If you are considering its use, try to consume it in moderation. It is ideal to cook it first rather than consuming it raw. Take advantage of this nutritious herb by adding it to your diet and see the profound impact it can have on your overall health!
