Having originated in Southeast Asia, the whole mangosteen fruit has long been revered for its taste, but its healing properties make it doubly amazing. Historically, the whole fruit was used to treat people both topically and internally. This was done by either a) grinding the rind down and applying it directly to the skin or b) steeping it in water overnight and drinking the resulting mangosteen tea. It has been used to restore intestinal health for centuries, as well as treat other conditions.
In the book Fruits of Warm Climates, Dr. Morton calls particular attention to the importance of mangosteen rind in traditional preparations. She recorded that the mangosteen rind was sliced, dried, powdered and then administered. Often times it was made into an ointment and applied topically on the skin.
