Bombay arrowroot

The scientific name of Bombay arrowroot: is Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.

Name of Bombay arrowroot in different languages:-

English: East Indian Arrowroot, Narrow-leaved turmeric

Sanskrit: Tavakshira, Navajo, payaksira, gavayodbhava

Hindi: Tikhur तिखुर

Tamil: Ararut kilangu, Kuva, Ararut-kizhangu

Malayalam: Manjakoova-മഞ്ഞക്കുവ, Kuva-കൂവ

Plant description:

Bombay arrowroot is a perennial herb belonging to the ginger family, erect in rhizomes, which can grow up to 1.5 meters. leaves are long and tapered on both ends, arranged oppositely, and a violet or dark blue line in the center, 30 to 50 cm long and 15 to 20 cm wide. It is a flowering plant, with modest and small spiked inflorescences Flowers are funnel-shaped within tufts of pink terminal bracts with boat-shaped and encase the entire perianth of the flower. Flowering is at the beginning of the monsoon season June to August, The flower is about 1 centimeter long and hairy, and Rhizomes are the useful plant part that can harvest after the leaves disappear. Rhizomes are about 20 mm in diameter and 50 mm long.

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Lanceolate	Margin-Entire	Venation-parallel

Useful plant parts:

Rhizomes

Medicinal uses of Bombay arrowroot

It is used in the Ayurveda treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, colitis, burning sensation, sexual debility, tuberculosis, asthma, and vitiated pitta dosha.
It is considered a good nutritive, and used as a diet for chronic diseases, during the convalescence period. It is well suited for infants and can be given instead of breast milk. It may be given as cooked jelly and added with sugar, lemon juice, fruit jellies, essences, etc.

Ayurvedic uses of Bombay arrowroot

1. Digestive Aid: Arrowroot powder is known for its digestive properties. It is considered light on the digestive system and is used to alleviate issues like indigestion, acidity, and gastritis.
2. Diarrhea and Dysentery: In Ayurveda, arrowroot is used to manage conditions like diarrhea and dysentery due to its binding properties. It helps to firm up loose stools.
3. Cooling Effect: It is considered cooling in nature, which makes it useful in conditions of excess heat in the body, such as fever or inflammation.
4. Rehydration: Arrowroot is often recommended in cases of dehydration, as it can be easily digested and is soothing to the digestive tract.
5. Nutritional Support: It is a good source of carbohydrates and provides some essential nutrients. It can be used as a dietary supplement in cases of convalescence or weakness.
6. Skin Conditions: Arrowroot can be applied topically to soothe skin conditions like rashes, burns, and insect bites. It has a soothing effect on irritated skin.
7. Respiratory Disorders: In Ayurveda, arrowroot is sometimes used in formulations to manage respiratory conditions like cough and asthma.
8. Weight Management: Due to its easily digestible nature, arrowroot can be included in the diet of individuals who are underweight or have difficulty gaining weight.
9. Joint Pain: It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be used in Ayurvedic formulations for managing joint pain and inflammation.
10. As a Thickening Agent: Arrowroot is used as a natural thickening agent in cooking. It can be used in soups, sauces, and puddings as a healthier alternative to cornstarch.
11. Detoxification: Some Ayurvedic practitioners believe that arrowroot may help in detoxifying the body, although this is not a widely recognized use.

Chemical content:

Curdione,  curcumol, tetramethylpyrazine, and neocurdione

Medicinal Properties:

Anti Bacterial, anti-fungal

Bombay arrowroot is used as an ingredient to prepare Ayurvedic medicines like:-

• Dadimashtaka Choornam
• Sithopaladi Choornam
• Chavyana Prasham
• Drakshadi lehyam 
• Shatavari Gulam
• Marma Vattu

Learn more: 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12212100

Tags:

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