Upodika (Upodika (Potaki, Malava, Amritavallari, Upavishtaka, Dodika))
Upodika, known as Basella alba, is a leafy green vegetable used in Ayurveda for its cooling, unctuous, and aphrodisiac properties. It is traditionally used to alleviate intoxication and support digestive health.
Botanical name: Basella alba. Also known as: Ceylon spinach, Indian spinach, Malabar Spinach, Red vine spinach, Vine spinach, Poi, Urok Shumbal, Valchi Bhagi, Vasalakkirai, Kodippasali, Koá¹ippacaḷi, Pasalai keerai, Vasalakirrai, Basale, Basale soppu, Potaki, Manthagaali, Mandakaali, Manmadakaali, Upodike, Upodaki, Velbendi, Mayalu, Pothi, poi-mopal, Vasalaccira, Upodika, Potika, Pui Shaak, Puishak, Nawi-nawk, Vel niviti, Espinaca de Malabar, Espinaca basela, Espinaca blanca de Malabar, Espinaca de la China, Indisk spenat, Malabarspenat, Bachhali, Erra allubaccali, Phak pang, Phak plang, Phak plang yai, Po deng chai, Pazu, Mong toi, Mung toi.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Antimicrobial activity
Dosage
Fresh Leaf Juice: 20–30 ml twice daily, mixed with honey, for cooling Pitta and easing heartburn. Dried Leaf Powder: 1–2 grams (½ teaspoon) with warm water or ghee in the morning to relieve constipation. Leaf Decoction: Boil 10–15 grams fresh leaves in 200 ml water until reduced by half; strain and drink once daily for general tonic effect. Topical Paste: Crush fresh leaves, apply to minor cuts, burns, and rashes, cover with a clean cloth 1–3 times daily. Leaf Juice: 10-20 ml
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Madhura (Sweet)
- Virya: ["Shita (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Madhura (Sweet)"]
Benefits
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
- Balya (Strengthening)
- Pittahara (Balances Pitta)
- Madakari (Intoxicant, can also alleviate intoxication when properly prepared)
Traditional uses
- Mada (Intoxication)
- Daha (Burning sensation)
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Cooking: The leaves and tender stems are edible and can be cooked like spinach. Blanching or steaming are recommended. It's used in various recipes like curries, stir-fries, and stews.
- No-cook Juice: Lightly crush washed seeds, strain the extract, and add water, mint, and sweetener.
- Seed Syrup: Cook seeds with sugar and water in a pressure cooker, strain, and dilute to serve.
- Topical: Crush fresh leaves for paste or mix leaf juice with ghee/butter for burns.
Contraindications
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, contact dermatitis has been reported with topical application. It's advisable to test a small area before extensive use.
- Medication Interactions: Due to its high vitamin K content, Basella alba might reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications like warfarin. If you are taking anticoagulants, consult with a healthcare professional before use.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Excessive consumption of the mucilage-rich leaves may cause bloating or mild diarrhea in some individuals.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should limit their intake to small servings of cooked leaves. High mucilage content could potentially alter gut motility. Avoid concentrated extracts.
- Children: Children under five years old should only consume lightly cooked Basella alba in soups and be monitored for any allergic reactions.
- Bleeding Disorders: Individuals with bleeding disorders should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using Basella alba therapeutically, as its high vitamin K content may interfere with their condition.
Side effects
- Allergic Reactions: Rare cases of contact dermatitis with topical use. Test on a small area first.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Excessive mucilage may cause bloating or mild diarrhea if ingested in large amounts.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Limit intake to small food quantities; avoid concentrated extracts. High mucilage content could alter gut motility.
- It may cause intestinal gas and stomach ache in some people.
- Indian spinach processed along with sesame seed paste may cause diarrhea.
Interactions
- Medication Interactions: High vitamin K content could reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulants like warfarin.
- Hormones: May interact with testosterone and estrogen.
- Caution is advised if you have a bleeding disorder or are on anticoagulants, due to the high vitamin K content.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials suggest potential benefits of Basella alba for migraine, hepatoprotection, antiulcer activity, and wound healing. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
- Balya (Strengthening)
- Pittahara (Balances Pitta)
- Madakari (Intoxicant, can also alleviate intoxication when properly prepared)
Classical clinical indications
- Mada (Intoxication)
- Daha (Burning sensation)
- Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)