Keerai and its uses
Greens
(keerai as in Tamil) had been part of South Indian cooking for many years.
Keerai is good in nutrients. So it is often recommended by health care advisers
for all of us. It is considered an easily digestible food than flowers,
vegetables, and tubers. Though taking greens every day is a healthy habit, it
should not be taken at night. Taking greens at night can lead to formation of
gas in the stomach and other gastric inconveniences.
Care
should be taken in selection of greens. Greens with dark black patches should
be avoided as they may be contaminated with heavy metals. Also avoid
infected greens.
(Secret of Popeye: Spinach. I used to enjoy Popeye show when i was kid).
Pasalai keerai
This
is said to have blood cleansing properties. It strengthens the liver and
pacifies pitta. It is a well-known remedy for diseases related to the urinary
system. People with painful or difficult urination can benefit from taking
spinach on a regular basis. There are two types of pasalai keerai used in
Tamilnadu. One is kodi pasalai(Climbers) and the other one is tharai
pasalai(which is grown as a herbal plant).
Sirukeerai
This
greens belong to the amaranthus family. Singers can benefit from taking cooked
Amaranthus polygonoides regularly. This is found to preserve and improve their
voice. It also works wonders in the case of mouth ulcers and stomach ulcers.
Regular consumption of this greens also benefits those with hemorrhoids. Skin
conditions like scabies and eczema respond well to consumption of this herb.
Mulai
keerai
This
is a tasty green consumed extensively in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Recipes made of
this green are very tasty as well as healthy. It cools and energizes the body.
The more mature greens of this family is the ‘thandu keerai’. A very good blood
cleanser, this green is also strengthens the heart. It loosens stools and helps
treat painful and difficult urination due to increase in body ‘heat’.
Pulicha Keerai
Known
as gongura in Andhra Pradesh, there are numerous tasty recipes made using this
green. Consuming this green helps constipation, stomach ulcers and digestive
disorders.
Pannai keerai
Pannai
keerai has immense medicinal value. Regular consumption of this greens helps
ward off ulcerative colitis, stomatitis, sore throat and similar conditions.
This has a sweetish-sour taste and is found to be useful in treating eczema and
venereal diseases. It loosens the stool and helps in easy bowel movement.
Ponnanganni keerai
Ponnanganni
(Alternanthera Sessilis) is an excellent coolant. It neutralizes excessive
acidity in the body. It helps keep away bad breath. It is useful in treating
skin conditions like scabies, eczema etc and improves the skin tone and
texture. It is an excellent herb for hair growth. Application of coconut oil
boiled with ponnanganni leaves, shoeflower (hibiscus), arugampul helps in
luscious hair growth.
Manathakkali keerai
This
greens action on ulcers is well known. It has been very effective in treating
all types of internal ulcers, stomach and mouth ulcers. Taking this greens
twice or thrice a week keeps the body alkaline and takes care of acidosis,
which is considered to be the root cause of all modern diseases.
Thoodhuvalai keerai
This
green is an excellent remedy for people suffering from sinus related
conditions. Thoothuvalai leaves can be ground to a fine paste adding a bit of
tamarind and salt for taste. This paste is taken with hot rice twice or thrice
a week. This green has a tendency to increase ‘heat’ in the body and hence
should be taken in moderation.
Mint
Mint
is well known for its action on gas. It adds strength to the body and improves
digestion. Kashayam made of dried mint leaves is found to help with jaundice,
stomach aches, headaches, hiccups, nausea and vomiting. Dried and powdered mint
leaves can be used to treat mouth ulcers. It is also a well known breath
freshener.
