Tamarind - other uses

Tamarind pods, seeds and wood are put to other uses besides food and crafts. They are used to make some cosmetics, paints, varnishes and fuels.

Skincare and cosmetics

Traditionally extracts of tamarind fruits and leaves have been added to body lotions. They have also been added to deepen the colour of turmeric- or henna-based red hair dyes. Tamarind extracts are added to face masks, lip balms, body butters and soaps.

Paints

Photo of tamarind seed packet.
Oil from tamarind seeds can be used to make paints and varnishes.

Tamarind seed oil is used in a similar way to linseed oil. It is suitable for making paints and varnishes.

Fuel

The wood burns at a high temperature so is frequently used as a fuel in the ovens of brick factories which require high temperatures.