ACCORDING
to Charaka, foremost exponent of Ayurveda, Centella asiatica
belongs to the group of herbs that help maintain youthful vigour
and strength. Called Vallarai in Tamil, it improves the mind's
receptive capacity. It is capable of improving a person's memory
power, physical strength, voice, complexion and digestive power.
The herb can be made into different chutneys and eaten by
diabetics and those who suffer from anaemia. Extracts of the
plant are being used in the commercial production of face creams
and anti-wrinkle creams.
Vallarai
should not be confused with Brahmi (Bacopa monieri). Vallarai
has been studied extensively and most of the properties have
been borne out by research.
The plant grows naturally on
the banks of streams and ponds and near rice fields.
It can be grown without much
effort at home. Plantlets can be planted in the garden or in a
large pot that is placed in the shade. The plant requires
profuse watering. It gives off tender creeper-like shoots, which
will soon cover the pot. The leaves can be harvested within
three months.
The leaves can be dried and
powdered. A quarter teaspoon can be taken daily as a general
tonic by adults.
Chutneys can be prepared by
sauteing two or three handfuls with a little oil and grinding it
with a teaspoon of roasted urad dhal, roasted mustard seeds, one
red chilli (or two pepper corns) and a little tamarind. The
leaves can also be used in sambar. They can be cut and added to
wheat flour while making chapattis. The leaves are slightly
bitter.
Vallarai can be got from your
greens vendor, but wash it well before use.
The herb can be propagated by
cutting the new shoots which have roots attached to them and
transplanting them in a new pot.
For saplings and further
information contact: The Medicinal Plant Development Area,
Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Pulleri,
Chengalpattu. or Centre for Traditional Medicine and Research,
Chennai. Telephone: 4415993, 4405583
E-mail:
phyto@vsnl.net
Herb95@hotmail.com
The writer is Chairperson,
T.N. Pollution Control Board
Text and picture by SHEELA RANI CHUNKATH
