Tanduliya (Tanduliya (Meghanada, Kandera, Tanduleraka))
Tanduliya (Amaranthus viridis) is a leafy green vegetable used in Ayurveda. It is known for its cooling and light properties and its ability to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is used in various culinary and medicinal applications.
Botanical name: Amaranthus viridis. Also known as: Tanduliya, Green Amaranth, Slender Amaranth, Tropical Green Amaranth, Pigweed, Prince of Wales Feather, Thotakura, Kuppacheera, Ban Note, Jungali Chaulayi, Keere Soppu.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Antidiabetic activity
Dosage
Specific dosages aren't well-defined, as traditional knowledge is often shared orally. For children, the dosage should be half or less than the adult dose and given under supervision. For lactating mothers, a small portion of sautéed greens (kura) with ghee is suggested once daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Pitta-hara
- Kapha-hara
- Raktadosha-hara
- Vishahara
Traditional uses
- Blood disorders
- Poisoning
- Inflammatory conditions
- Ulcers
- Digestive issues
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Cooking: The leaves, shoots, and tender stems can be eaten as a pot herb in sauces, soups, or cooked with other vegetables.
- Juice: Juice extracted from fresh leaves is used for treating diarrhea and hemorrhage.
- Decoction: A decoction of the young roots is used for respiratory complaints and asthma.
- Paste: Leaf paste can be applied externally to relieve burning sensations from skin diseases.
- Other Methods: The grain can be milled into flour or popped like popcorn. Roots can be boiled and used for various medicinal purposes. In tribal medicine, roots are boiled with ajwain for stomachaches.
Contraindications
- Consult a doctor if you're taking this herb alongside other western medicines, as some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with them. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, it's generally recommended to take the allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- Ayurvedic medicines should be used with an understanding of the original classical references, ingredients, and potential cautions. Indiscriminate use without thorough knowledge is discouraged.
- The leaves contain oxalic acid.
- Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of proper food combining for optimal digestion and health. Incompatible food combinations can lead to indigestion, fermentation, and the production of toxins.
Side effects
- Generally considered safe, but some may experience mild stomach upset or allergic reactions.
- Overcooling may occur in individuals with dominant Kapha dosha or weak digestion.
- High doses during pregnancy should be avoided due to potential purgative action.
- Like spinach, it contains oxalates, so individuals prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones may need to limit intake.
- Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in rare cases.
Interactions
- Amaranthus viridis isn't known for major interactions with common medications, but it's best to consult with a healthcare professional if you're taking blood thinners.
- It may impact digestion if taken in excess, potentially affecting the absorption of other medications.
- People on diuretics or hypoglycemic drugs should consult a practitioner, as Amaranthus viridis can have mild additive effects.
- If taking both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines, it is advised to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials specifically focused on *Amaranthus viridis* and oxidative stress in diabetes are limited. Some studies suggest that *Amaranthus viridis* extracts possess anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which could be beneficial in managing diabetes and related complications.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Pitta-hara
- Kapha-hara
- Raktadosha-hara
- Vishahara
Classical clinical indications
- Blood disorders
- Poisoning
- Inflammatory conditions
- Ulcers
- Digestive issues