Plum
Plum
Plum is a sweet and juicy summer fruit which is also known as Aalu Bukhara.
Adding plums to your daily diet might help prevent constipation as they are rich in dietary fibers. It is also good for bone health and assists in managing osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Plum also helps lower cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation as it contains potassium that helps relax the blood vessels and enhance the flow of blood. This might help keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Plums might also be good for diabetics as they have blood sugar lowering property.
Applying the paste of Plums on the skin might help in wound healing as well as skin softening. It also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties due to which it prevents infections and improves skin appearance[1-3].
Adding plums to your daily diet might help prevent constipation as they are rich in dietary fibers. It is also good for bone health and assists in managing osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Plum also helps lower cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation as it contains potassium that helps relax the blood vessels and enhance the flow of blood. This might help keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Plums might also be good for diabetics as they have blood sugar lowering property.
Applying the paste of Plums on the skin might help in wound healing as well as skin softening. It also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties due to which it prevents infections and improves skin appearance[1-3].
What are the synonyms of Plum?
Prunus domestica, Alubukhara, Albokhala, Arukum, Peach, Aluppukarappalam, Alpagodapandu, Aru bakhada, Arukam, Garden plum, Prune plum, Plum tree, Barkuk, Shaftalu
What is the source of Plum?
Plant Based
Benefits of Plum
1. Poor digestion
Plum helps to improve the appetite as well as the function of the digestive system by increasing Panchak Agni (digestive fire) . This is due to its Deepan (appetizer).
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Dip it in honey and have it once or twice a day after meals for improving digestion.
2. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Plums helps in controlling high cholesterol because of its Ama reducing property. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Dip it in honey and have it once or twice a day for better results.
3. Joint pain
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain. Plum helps to manage joint pain because it has Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Make Plum chutney.
b. Take ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your need.
c. Have it along with your meals.
4. Overweight
Plum prevents overeating since it is rich in insoluble dietary fibers. It gives a feeling of fullness for a longer period due to its Guru (heavy) property.
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Dip it in honey and have it once or twice a day for better results.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Plum helps remove Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Have it once or twice a day.
Plum helps to improve the appetite as well as the function of the digestive system by increasing Panchak Agni (digestive fire) . This is due to its Deepan (appetizer).
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Dip it in honey and have it once or twice a day after meals for improving digestion.
2. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Plums helps in controlling high cholesterol because of its Ama reducing property. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Dip it in honey and have it once or twice a day for better results.
3. Joint pain
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain. Plum helps to manage joint pain because it has Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Make Plum chutney.
b. Take ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your need.
c. Have it along with your meals.
4. Overweight
Plum prevents overeating since it is rich in insoluble dietary fibers. It gives a feeling of fullness for a longer period due to its Guru (heavy) property.
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Dip it in honey and have it once or twice a day for better results.
5. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to an accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells and impairs the function of insulin. Plum helps remove Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. This thus helps control high blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Take some fresh Plums as per your need.
b. Cut it into thin slices.
c. Have it once or twice a day.
Precautions when using Plum
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
1. Plum can cause hyperacidity if taken in excess amount. This is due to its Guru (heavy) and Ushna (hot) properties.
2. Plum should be avoided if you have a history of kidney stone. As Plum has high content of oxalate that can increase the occurrence of kidney stones.
2. Plum should be avoided if you have a history of kidney stone. As Plum has high content of oxalate that can increase the occurrence of kidney stones.
How to use Plum
1. Plum Fruit
a. Eat 2-3 fresh Plum or as per your taste.
b. Have it preferably after meals once or twice a day.
2. Plum Churna
a. Take 3-4 fresh Plums.
b. Clean them with water.
c. Allow them to dry under sun to remove moisture content completely.
d. Cut them into small pieces or grate them for easier grinding.
e. Discard the seeds.
f. Grind it in a mixer without adding water to make Plum Churna.
g. Take ¼-½ teaspoons of Plum Churna.
h. Chew or swallow it with water preferably after meals.
i. Use this remedy to get rid of indigestion.
j. Readymade Plum Churna is also available in the market.
3. Plum Chutney
a. Take 1 cup dried Plum and 1.5 cup water.
b. Add 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder.
c. Add 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1/2 cup sugar.
d. Add salt to taste.
e. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of this Plum chutney or as per your need.
f. Have it along with your meals.
g. Ready made Plum Chutney is also available in the market.
a. Eat 2-3 fresh Plum or as per your taste.
b. Have it preferably after meals once or twice a day.
2. Plum Churna
a. Take 3-4 fresh Plums.
b. Clean them with water.
c. Allow them to dry under sun to remove moisture content completely.
d. Cut them into small pieces or grate them for easier grinding.
e. Discard the seeds.
f. Grind it in a mixer without adding water to make Plum Churna.
g. Take ¼-½ teaspoons of Plum Churna.
h. Chew or swallow it with water preferably after meals.
i. Use this remedy to get rid of indigestion.
j. Readymade Plum Churna is also available in the market.
3. Plum Chutney
a. Take 1 cup dried Plum and 1.5 cup water.
b. Add 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder.
c. Add 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1/2 cup sugar.
d. Add salt to taste.
e. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of this Plum chutney or as per your need.
f. Have it along with your meals.
g. Ready made Plum Chutney is also available in the market.
Benefits of Plum
FAQs about Plum benefits
1. Skin Dryness
Plum helps to remove dryness and prevent roughness in the skin due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Plum.
b. Add coconut oil and apply on the affected area.
c. Let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water to get rid of skin dryness.
2. Wound
Plum helps in quick healing of wound when applied on the affected area. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Plum.
b. Add coconut oil and apply on the affected area.
c. Repeat once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
3. Skin infection
Plum helps to cure skin infections like ringworm because of its antimicrobial activity. This is due to its Amla (sour) nature. It helps to prevent infection when applied on the affected area.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Plum.
b. Add coconut oil and apply on the affected area.
c. Repeat once or twice a day to get rid of skin infection.
Plum helps to remove dryness and prevent roughness in the skin due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Plum.
b. Add coconut oil and apply on the affected area.
c. Let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water to get rid of skin dryness.
2. Wound
Plum helps in quick healing of wound when applied on the affected area. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Plum.
b. Add coconut oil and apply on the affected area.
c. Repeat once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
3. Skin infection
Plum helps to cure skin infections like ringworm because of its antimicrobial activity. This is due to its Amla (sour) nature. It helps to prevent infection when applied on the affected area.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Plum.
b. Add coconut oil and apply on the affected area.
c. Repeat once or twice a day to get rid of skin infection.
Precautions when using Plum
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Plum paste should be used with rose water or honey if your skin is hypersensitive due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
How to use Plum
1. Plum Fresh Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Plum fresh paste.
b. Add Gond powder and water to form a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area and let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day for effective wound healing.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Plum fresh paste.
b. Add Gond powder and water to form a paste.
c. Apply on the affected area and let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day for effective wound healing.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Plum is a rich source of potassium, phosphorus and vitamin C. These constituents are helps in controlling constipation, improves digestion and appetite and helps in boosting immunity.
Modern Science View
Fresh Plum is easily available in the market. Consuming it in the form of fruit is the best way to gain its maximum benefits. However there are other forms available in the market such as churna and candies.
Modern Science View
Yes the skin of Plum is edible. But if you want to eat them raw along with the skin, it is advisable to dip in boiling water for around 15 seconds.
Modern Science View
Dried Plums are called prunes. But the prune fruit comes from a different type of plant than Plums. Unlike Plums, prunes have pits that can be easily removed from the flesh. While Plums are consumed fresh, prunes are mostly dried or made into prune juice. Dried prunes and prune juice has laxative effects.
Modern Science View
Yes, dried Plums can cause diarrhea if taken in large amount. This is due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Modern Science View
Plum is good to eat during pregnancy as it helps to improve the bone formation of fetus. Plum is rich in antioxidants which inhibits bone resorption (bone destruction) and stimulates bone formation by mineralasing them[3].
Modern Science View
Dried plums are a rich source of polyphenols, when consumed may inhibit the process of breakdown of bone tissues. It also inhibits the formation of inflammatory mediators that causes pain and inflammation in arthritis[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Plum is good for postmenopausal women as it is rich in potassium and vitamin K.
Both increases the synthesis of mediators that are responsible for bone formation[3].
Both increases the synthesis of mediators that are responsible for bone formation[3].
Modern Science View
Dehydrated or dried Plums have numerous health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber and thus helps in managing constipation. Dried Plums have a prebiotic effect, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. They are also rich in minerals like potassium, boron, copper, and antioxidants so they contribute to bone health, improves heart health and protects against cancer[5][6].
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available about the role of Plum in weight loss. But Plum gives a feeling of fullness due to its high fiber content. It reduces the craving of taking food frequently and thus assists in weight loss[5].
Ayurvedic View
Eating Plum helps to manage weight because it gives a feeling of fullness if taken before food. This is due to its Guru (heavy) property. It helps to control overeating because it takes time to digest and thus helps in weight management.
Ayurvedic View
Plum is very good for the skin as it helps to remove dryness and prevent roughness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) property. Plum also helps in quick healing of wound and scars because of its Ropan (healing) nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Plum is good for hair. It is useful to control dandruff on the scalp. This is because Plum has Snigdha (oily) property. It reduces excessive dryness and flaky skin when applied on the scalp. Plum also promotes hair growth due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Aloo Bukhara.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Ul Islam N, Amin R, Shahid M, et al.A multi-target therapeutic potential of Prunus domestica gum stabilized nanoparticles exhibited prospective anticancer, antibacterial, urease-inhibition, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.BMC Complement Altern Med.2017;17:276.
- Monsefi M, Parvin F, Farzaneh M.Effects of Plum Extract on Skeletal System of Fetal and Newborn Mice.Med Princ Pract.2013;22(4):351–356.
- Khanna S, Jaiswal KS, Gupta B. Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis with Dietary Interventions.Front Nutr.2017;4:52.
- Sapuntzakis MS.Dried Plums and Their Products: Composition and Health Effects–An Updated Review.Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.2013:53:1277–1302.
- Barrett DM, Somogyi L, Ramaswamy HS.Processing Fruits: Science and Technology, Second Edition.CRC Press.2004.527.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.