Tamarind, also known as Imli, is a hardwood tree known scientifically as Tamarindus indica. The tree produces pods that are filled with seeds and a juicy pulp that is green in colour and sour to taste. As the fruit ripens this juicy pulp becomes a paste like texture that is then slightly sweet and sour to the taste.

The pulp of Tamarind pods is an ancient Ayurvedic ingredient used to polish and detoxify the skin because of its high content of Vitamin C. It gently polishes the skin to give a smooth golden sheen. In ancient times, the paste of Tamarind was also applied on wounds to treat them due to its immunity boosting and anti-microbial properties.