Tamarind Leaf
Tamarind Leaf · ใบมะขาม（バイマカーム）
Tamarindus indica
“The tangy leaf”
| Thai name | ใบมะขาม |
|---|---|
| Species | Tamarindus indica |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Part used | Leaf |
| Aroma | Fresh, with a gentle sourness |
What is tamarind leaf?
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a deciduous tree in the legume family, called "bai makham (ใบมะขาม)" in Thailand. Known for the sourness of its fruit, its leaves too carry a distinctive fresh tang and aroma — enjoyed in soups, salads, and herbal teas. Tradition records the young leaves being warmed and bound to the body as a fomentation for swollen joints and sprains, and being used to bathe sores, or to bathe someone with measles or an allergy.
Steaming tamarind leaf in op samun phrai fills the room with its distinctive fresh aroma. The local style of the scent spreading with the steam has long been enjoyed. In the Thai luk prakop compress, a formulation recorded in the peer-reviewed literature includes the leaves at about 10%.
Used to add tang to soups and stir-fries, and in herbal teas and baths. Its light sourness and fresh aroma add an accent to daily life.
Note: this page introduces the traditions and culture around the plant. It does not guarantee any effect.
📖 Read the Journal article on this herb →