Download Balimbing (Averrhoa carambola Linn.)

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BALIMBING
(Averrhoa carambola Linn.)
a. Branch of plant with flowers; b. Top views of six and five-angled fruits; d. Fruit
BALIMBING, Averrhoa carambola Linn., of the
Oxalidaceae family is a native of tropical America and
occurs in cultivated and semi-cultivated farms
throughout the Philippines as well as in the other
tropical countries.
There are numerous local names given to refer to this
particular species. It is called BALIMBIN in Tagalog;
BALINGBING in Bicol and Cebu-Bisaya; DALIGAN in
Ilocano; GALURAN, GARULAN or DALIHAN in
Ibanag; GALAÑGAN in Panay-Bisaya; GARAHAN in
Bisaya; MALIMBIN in Samar-Leyte Bisaya; SIRINATE
in Tinggian and BALIMBING in Sulu, Bicol and
Tagalog.
Therapeutically, almost every part of balimbing can be
administered to cure various types of ailments. The
leaves in decoction are purposely good for the
inflammation of the throat, the mouth and for ulcers. It
is likewise given to arrest vomiting. When crushed, it is used as a poultice on the
abdomen of women who are about to give birth and it alleviates rheumatic complaints.
An infusion of the flower is used to remedy tonsillitis. When pounded, it is used to
relieve sharp bowel pains. The use of roots is common among women delayed in their
menstrual periods.
The fruits are refreshing and are powerful in loosening bowels. It prevents diarrhea,
fever and swelling of the skin. It stimulates the appetite and regulates the flow of saliva.
It is used in washing clothes to remove spots and stains.
This is a small tree which is around 6 meters high with compound smooth pinnate leaf
made up of 5 to 11 pairs of ovate leaflets. The small, slightly bell-shaped flowers have
purple petals with white margins. The stamens, which are purple at the base, occur in 2
whorls, the outer being made up of 5 short ones without anthers while the inner portion
is composed of 5 normal stamens. The fleshy and juicy fruit varies from green to yellow
and the seeds have outer coverings.
Hermes G. Gutierrez
National Research Council of the Philippines
Bicutan, Tagig, Metro Manila
October 1, 1980
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The fruit of the plant has been examined and found to be rich source of oxalic acid,
vitamins B and C, iron and potassium oxalate. Further analysis showed that the leaves
accounted for the presence of alkaloid which are also found in the stem, and in the
seeds were saponin, tannin, glucosides and formic acids.
Balimbing is extensively used on account of its medicinal and economical nature, the
preparation may differ, depending on how it will be administered. Malaysians use
crushed leaves or shoots as a treatment for chicken pox; expulsion of ringworm; eases
headache; and remedy for fever.
In Tonkin, the flowers are asserted to expel parasite within the intestinal tract.
The Chinese and the Annamites use it in the form of eyewash against infections. A
decoction prepared from crush seeds stimulates menstrual flow and the secretion of
milk, when taken in large doses. It bring about miscarriage. However, it is excellent in
relieving asthma and a disease characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes by
bile pigments.
Hermes G. Gutierrez
National Research Council of the Philippines
Bicutan, Tagig, Metro Manila
October 1, 1980