For years, I would behold a wild tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala) tree and mistake it for the much talked about neem tree.  Yes, the wild tamarind- a small leguminous tree-, looks little like the neem tree. I don’t know how the mix-up came about. I just know the mix-up occurred and that I was much younger then and should be forgiven. What the wild tamarind does look like is the…yes, you guessed it, the true West Indian tamarind tree.  Except that the wild tamarind is much smaller and its pods are thinner and it seems to be a bigger hit as fodder for animals. (I’ve seen goats and cows go wild over this tree.)  Also, the wild tamarind is pretty invasive- I’ve seen how quickly it can take over a newly cleared field and keep other plants at bay.

As far as medicinal uses go, my many memories of this tree are linked to bush baths and brews.  I remember people would complain of consistent back pain or a stubborn fever and they would be advised to take a “bush bath” of wild tamarind leaves. This “bush bath” was made by boiling a generous amount of the leaves in  just as generous amount of water.  Then this was poured into the bath and more water added- just enough to allow the person to soak his/her problem areas and yet keep the water warm.

I also have memories of standing by as a child and watching some frantic animal/livestock owner during some late evening boiling up some wild tamarind leaves. An ailing animal which wouldn’t stop groaning in pain would then find itself being slipped into a nice warm bath of wild tamarind leaves. The next morning, the animal would be skipping along and his/her owner would be sure that it was the wild tamarind that did it.

Bush bath aside, I also remember that some folks would take to drinking a brew made sparingly from wild tamarind leaves which was supposedly great for relief from gas, for “strengthening the heart” and for battling intestinal worms.

Disclaimer:

The contents of this page are meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Statements published here ought not to be taken as expert medical advice designed to treat/cure any diseases or health related conditions. Please talk to your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional if you need medical advice (Believe me, WE at RE:BELE would!)