Cashew is a tree that is native to Brazil. It also grows in parts of Asia and Africa. Its nut, also known as cashew, is commonly eaten as food. People also use the nut to make medicine. Cashew is used for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) ailments, skin problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Cashew contains chemicals that might work against certain bacteria. Some of the fats in cashew might help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.