For centuries the traditional
medical healers of India, China,
Malaysia, Thailand the Philippines and Vietnam have employed
Mangosteen for its health benefits. In the last 150 years the
plant has been transported to Africa, the Caribbean, Australia
and South America where both researchers and medical practitioners
alike have studied and utilised its protective properties.
In India, Thailand and China, preparations
from the rind are used as antimicrobial and antiparasitic treatments
for dysentery and other forms of infectious diarrhoea.
The plant's astringent qualities are useful in preventing dehydration
and the loss of essential nutrients from the GI tract of diarrhoea
sufferers.
The Chinese
and Thais also take advantage of the mangosteen's antimicrobial
and antiseptic properties to treat infected wounds, tuberculosis,
malaria, urinary tract infections, syphilis and gonorrhoea.
It has long been recognised in Asia
that the Mangosteen has apperently powerful anti-inflammatory powers
and is reported to be effective in treating eczematous and other
hyperkeratotic skin conditions.
In the Caribbean, known as " eau de Creole ",
a tea made from Mangosteen is used as a tonic for fatigue
and malaise, universal
symptoms experienced by millions around the world..
Brazilians use a similar tea as a
de-worming agent and digestive aid.
In Venezuela, parasitic skin infections are
treated with poultices of the fruit
while Filipinos employ a fruit extract to
control fever.
