From a herb that acts as an antiseptic to one that can be used in salads, here are five weeds that we often throw without knowing their importance.
Hogweed
Synonyms: Bengali- Punarnava, Hindi- Punarnava
Boerhavia diffusa L. is a widely recognized medicinal plant that possesses numerous pharmacological properties. It is frequently ingested as a leafy vegetable and has been traditionally employed to address various health issues such as heart diseases, hypertension, jaundice, kidney problems, and inflammation.
Leaves and seeds can also be consumed after cooking. Punarnava can be ingested in tablet form as it functions as a diuretic and aids in the prevention of kidney stones.
It is beneficial for individuals with arthritis and diabetes. Moreover, it has the ability to treat urinary tract infections, excessive menstruation, fibroids, and blood clotting in women. Punarnava is renowned for its ability to combat obesity, making it a popular ingredient in many herbal slimming formulas available in the market.
This potent herb aids in the elimination of excess fluids from the body while ensuring that essential potassium and electrolytes are retained. Consequently, punarnava effectively promotes weight loss. Additionally, it possesses gentle laxative properties.
Waterhyssop
Synonyms: Bengali- Brahmi, Hindi- Baam
The leaves possess edibility, making them suitable for consumption either in their raw form as part of mixed salads or when cooked as a vegetable. Brahmi is highly regarded as a valuable herb, primarily due to its advantageous impact on the nervous system.
Waterhyssop
Brahmi, also known as Bacopa monnieri, is a perennial herb native to tropical regions. It is commonly utilized in Ayurvedic medicine and thrives in wet environments such as rice fields. Stem cuttings are utilized in cultivating this plant, which serves as a remedy for epilepsy, asthma, ulcers, tumours, gastroenteritis, ascites, enlarged spleen, anaemia, inflammations, and leprosy. Brahmi powder, when consumed with milk, has the potential to enhance brain functions significantly.
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This is due to its antioxidant properties, which shield brain cells from harm caused by free radicals. Its remarkable cognitive-enhancing abilities make it an exceptional memory booster and brain tonic for children.
Carry Me Seed
Synonyms: Bengali- Bhuin amla, Hindi- Bhui aonla
Phyllanthus amarus, a small herb renowned for its medicinal properties, is widely utilized across the globe. This plant holds significant importance in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, particularly in addressing issues related to the stomach, genitourinary system, liver, kidney, and spleen. With its bitter and astringent taste, it serves as a stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge, and antiseptic.
Carry Me Seed
The entire plant is employed in treating conditions such as gonorrhea, menorrhagia, and other genital affections. Moreover, it proves beneficial in managing gastropathy, diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, ophthalmopathy, scabies, ulcers, and wounds.
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The entire plant must be washed and crushed completely. Then, add a small amount of cumin and pepper before boiling with water. Make sure to boil it adequately. Finally, mix in milk and jaggery or sugar to create a Kashaya drink.
Pepper elder
Synonyms: Bengali- Luchipata , Hindi- Not available
Peperomia pellucida, also known as shiny bush, is a frequently found succulent annual herb that grows alongside roads and in uncultivated land. Historically, this plant has been used for its diverse ethnomedicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Pepper Elder
Research has shown that Peperomia pellucida possesses antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli.
The succulent leaves and shoots have the potential to be consumed in salads, utilized as a potherb, or prepared as greens. Additionally, these leaves can be steeped to create a refreshing tea.
Fiddlehead
Synonyms: Bengali- Dhekishak , Hindi- Lingad
Matteuccia struthiopteris, also known as ostrich fern, fiddlehead fern, or shuttlecock fern, is a plant species that goes by various names. Fiddlehead ferns are the youthful, delicate, tightly coiled new growth stems of a fern plant, typically from the ostrich fern. These spiralled shoots are called fiddleheads due to their distinct resemblance to the head of a fiddle (violin).
Fiddlehead
They develop naturally, indeed, similar to many things discovered in the wilderness, they require some attention during the cooking process. It is believed that they contain a slightly poisonous substance that, if not cooked correctly, may lead to stomach issues for certain individuals. However, do not worry, as they can endure a rather lengthy cooking time gracefully, requiring only a brief boiling session before being cooked.
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Dhekir saag, rich in manganese, aids in regulating blood sugar levels and addressing various health issues. It is beneficial for treating Anemia by stimulating the production of new red blood cells, thereby boosting hemoglobin levels. Additionally, it is a good source of copper and iron, essential for the formation of blood cells.
