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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Summer-Heat Clearing, Hepato-Protective & Gentle Osmotic Aperient Sovereign (健脾开胃 / 生津止渴消暑解酒润肠通便消食化积 — 东南亚解暑开胃第一酸浆 / 天然酒醉解毒与肝胆清热药王 / 传统佳木与南洋料理之母)

    酸豆 / 罗望子 / 酸角 / 亚参 / 印度枣 / 木罕 — Tamarindus indica L. (syn. Tamarindus occidentalis)

    Pinyin: Suāndòu / Luówàngzǐ / Suānjiǎo · Malay: Asam Jawa / Asam / Asam Batang / Imli / Tamr Hindi · Family: Fabaceae (豆科 / 云实亚科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Cold (微寒 / 凉)

    Flavor

    Sour, sweet, astringent, subacid (大酸、甘、微涩、微凉)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Tamarind (Asam Jawa / Suan Dou / Luowangzi / Imli). Cinnamon-brown pods with dark sticky sour pulp. Supreme Monarch of Liver-Cooling and Hangover Elixir (Air Asam Jawa): extinguishes summer heatstroke thirst, neutralizes alcohol intoxication, lubricates bowels.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Rinse mouth with clear water after drinking concentrated Tamarind beverages (protects dental enamel from tartaric acid). High culinary, dietary, and pediatric safety profile. Safe in pregnancy and lactation.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute alcohol intoxication and morning-after hangover nausea (accelerating acetaldehyde oxidation), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), functional hypochlorhydric indigestion, and mild habitual constipation.

    Quality Markers

    Tartaric Acid (酒石酸) >= 10.0%-18.0% (world's richest plant source), Citric Acid >= 4.0% & Tamarindienal (HPLC ChP/BP standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Potassium bitartrate and tartaric acid exert an osmotic gradient in the colon, drawing water to soften hard stools and stimulate peristalsis. 2. Natural fructose accelerates hepatic ADH/ALDH2. 3. Vagal secretagogue stimulation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN AIR ASAM JAWA LIVER-COOLING ELIXIR: 25 to 35 g pulp kneaded in 200 mL warm water, strained, mixed with raw honey (or Gula Melaka) and ice; drunk chilled for summer heat or hangover. Gentle laxative paste: 40 g pulp mashed with honey at bedtime.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Summer Heatstroke & Rehydration Duo with Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass tea). 2. Alcohol Hangover & Bilious Nausea Draught with fresh ginger.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only