Mangosteen Description
The mangosteen description is a fun one! The mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical tree that originates from Indonesia. The tree itself grows from 20-80 feet tall. The tree’s bark is very dark brown, almost black looking. The tree grows slowly and takes about two years to read 12” in height. It has short, leather like evergreen leaves. When the tree blooms, its flowers are 12” wide and grow in clusters of 3-6 on the tips of the branches. The tree is ultra tropical, so it cannot tolerate temperatures below 40F or above 100F.
The mangosteen fruit is about the size of a tangerine and has a deep purple color when ripe. On the inside of the fruit, there is a translucent white flesh that is citrus flavored with a sweet and tangy peach like flavor and texture. The first fruit harvest from the tree takes place about 7-9 years after the tree has been planted, however usually it is more along the lines of 10-20. The fruit yield from the tree varies. The average is 500, but some trees produce as many as 5,000. Some trees lives for up to 100 years and will continually produce fruit until then.
The mangosteen is not related to a mango fruit.
Mangosteen Description: Mangosteen Fruit Benefits
The fruit has been used both topically and internally. The mangosteen is high in xanthones and each serving of the fruit offers 5g of fiber. The dark purple flesh of the outer rind (known as the Mangosteen pericarp) has been used as a dye in many communities.
The rind of the mangosteen has been used by grinding it down and applying the ground up fruit to the skin or by steeping it in water overnight and then drinking it like a tea. The rind has also been made into an ointment and applied directly to the fruit.
The xanthones in Mangosteens can help with:
- cartilage function
- joint function
- respiratory system
- intestinal health
- immune system
- gets rid of free radical
Mangosteen Description: Mangosteen Fruit as Anti Inflammatory
The xanthones in mangosteens are anti-inflammatory. Dr. Kenneth J. Finsand says, “This is probably the most famous use of all the qualities found in the mangosteen: it is by far the most powerful anti-inflammatory I have ever seen in 30 years of practice. Research has proven this to be true, along with folk medicine history.”
Mangosteen as an anti-inflammatory is terrific because it doesn’t cause a lot of the negative side effects one experiences from taking a prescribed medication.
Mangosteen for Sinus Problems
There was a study in Japan that reported mangosteens prevent histamine reactions that cause allergies and sinus problems. While many people have reported relief from sinus problems while eating the fruit or drinking it, the fruit itself has not been officially reported as an effective treatment.
Where to Buy Mangosteen:
- Sunsteen
- Xango
- Advance Physician Formulas
- California Academy of Health
