Canna indica (Cannaceae)Canna Lily

Canna indica var Yellow King Humbert

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Canna indica

Family: Cannaceae

Genus: Canna

The Cannaceae family, though limited in genera, is significant for its ornamental value, edible starch sources, and traditional medicinal applications across tropical and subtropical regions.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Canna edulis (Achira): A closely related species cultivated primarily for its large, edible rhizomes rich in starch. It is native to South America and highlights the family's significance as a food source.

• Canna glauca: An aquatic species, demonstrating the adaptability of the genus. While not a major medicinal herb, it underscores the family's ornamental and ecological diversity.

• Note: The Cannaceae family is small and monogeneric (containing only the genus Canna). Therefore, all related plants are within the same genus. This family is closely allied to the ginger (Zingiberaceae) and banana (Musaceae) families, sharing similar tropical habitats and rhizomatous growth.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Canna indica | English: Indian Shot, Canna Lily, African Arrowroot | Sanskrit: Sarvajaya, Devakeli, Krishnatandula | Hindi: Kardal, Sarbajaya, Keli | Tamil: Kalvazhai, Sembu | Telugu: Kevvapu, Ganneru | Kannada: Kaela hoo, Kardali | Malayalam: Kattuvazha, Keli | Marathi: Kardal, Pivla-kardal | Bengali: Sarvajaya, Sarbajoya | Spanish: Caña de Indias, Achira | French: Balisier comestible, Canna d'Inde | Portuguese: Biri, Canna-da-Índia | Philippines: Tikal | Sri Lanka: Buthsarana |

3. Medicinal Uses:Diaphoretic (promotes sweating), Diuretic, Febrifuge (reduces fever), Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent (soothes membranes), Mild Laxative, Anthelmintic (expels worms), Vulnerary (wound healing).

Medicinal Parts:Different parts of the Canna indica plant are used for distinct purposes in traditional medicine.

• Rhizomes (Rootstock): The primary medicinal part. Eaten cooked for nutrition, and used in decoctions for fever and as a diuretic.

• Seeds: Extremely hard, used as beads (rosary peas). In medicine, they are ground into a powder for their diuretic and anthelmintic properties.

• Leaves: Used topically as a poultice for wounds and skin inflammations. The leaf sap is sometimes applied directly.

• Flowers: Used in decoctions for menstrual irregularities.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Starch (Canna Edulis Starch): The rhizome is rich in easily digestible starch granules. Its action is primarily as a Nutritive and Demulcent, providing energy and soothing the gastrointestinal tract.

Tannins: Present in the rhizome and leaves. Their actions include Astringent (drying secretions), Anti-inflammatory, and Wound Healing properties when applied topically.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds: Found throughout the plant. Their actions include Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Diuretic effects, supporting the plant's use in fever and inflammation.

Alkaloids (in seeds): The seeds contain trace alkaloids contributing to their Anthelmintic and potential diuretic effects. Caution is advised due to potential toxicity.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Sotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Rhizome decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the fresh or dried rhizome is consumed to induce sweating and break fevers, particularly in malarial and other febrile conditions. It is also used for internal inflammation.

Reasoning: Its Diaphoretic and Diuretic properties help eliminate toxins and heat through sweat and urine, while its Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce systemic inflammation.

Vrana (Wounds) & Skin Infections

Formulation: Fresh leaf poultice or rhizome paste.

Preparation & Use: The leaves are warmed and applied as a poultice, or the fresh rhizome is grated into a paste and applied directly to wounds, ulcers, boils, and skin infections to draw out pus and promote healing.

Reasoning: The Astringent tannins contract tissue and reduce oozing, while the Anti-inflammatory and potential antimicrobial properties cleanse and soothe the wound bed.

Krimi (Worms) & Mutrakrichra (Dysuria)

Formulation: Seed powder.

Preparation & Use: The very hard seeds are ground into a fine powder. In small, controlled doses, this powder is administered with water or honey to expel intestinal worms. A seed decoction is also used as a diuretic for painful urination.

Reasoning: The bioactive compounds in the seeds have an irritating effect on parasites (Anthelmintic). The diuretic action helps flush the urinary tract.

Nutritional Support & Digestive Soothing

Formulation: Cooked rhizome.

Preparation & Use: The starchy rhizomes are boiled, roasted, or baked and eaten as a vegetable, especially during times of food scarcity. They are considered easily digestible and are given to those with weak digestion or convalescing from illness.

Reasoning: The high starch content provides sustained energy, and its Demulcent quality soothes irritated mucous membranes in the gut.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Canna indica serves as both a famine food and a medicinal plant.

Fever-Reducing Rhizome Decoction

Purpose: To manage fevers and associated body aches.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean and slice 20-30 grams of fresh rhizome.

• Boil in 3 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink warm in small sips. May induce sweating.

Topical Leaf Poultice for Boils

Purpose: To ripen and draw out pus from boils or abscesses.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 2-3 large, clean Canna leaves.

• Warm them slightly over a flame or in hot water to soften.

• Apply directly over the affected area and bandage loosely. Replace every 4-6 hours.

Edible Boiled Rhizomes

Purpose: As a nutritious, starchy food.

Preparation & Use:

• Clean and peel the rhizomes thoroughly.

• Boil in water until soft (like potatoes).

• Can be mashed, added to soups, or seasoned as a side dish. The starch is also sometimes extracted.

7. Disclaimer:

While the rhizomes of Canna indica are generally considered edible when cooked, the plant's other parts, particularly the seeds, should be used with great caution. The seeds have reported toxicity and should only be used in minute doses under expert guidance. The plant's medicinal use for fever or infections is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause by a medical professional. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid medicinal use. As with any wild plant, proper identification is crucial to avoid confusion with toxic look-alikes. This information is for educational and academic purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Wealth of India: A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials and Industrial Products (Raw Materials Series)

• Indian Medicinal Plants by Dr. K.R. Kiritkar and Dr. B.D. Basu

• Handbook of African Medicinal Plants by Maurice M. Iwu

• Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West by Gregory L. Tilford

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Curcuma longa (Turmeric, Haridra)

• Species: Curcuma longa | Family: Zingiberaceae | Genus: Curcuma

• Similarities: Both are rhizomatous plants where the underground stem is the primary medicinal/culinary part. Both have significant anti-inflammatory and wound-healing applications. Turmeric's curcumin and Canna's tannins serve similar tissue-healing and anti-inflammatory roles, though turmeric is far more potent and well-studied.

2. Maranta arundinacea (Arrowroot)

• Species: Maranta arundinacea | Family: Marantaceae | Genus: Maranta

• Similarities: Both are sources of easily digestible starch extracted from their rhizomes. Arrowroot starch is a classic demulcent and nutritive food for convalescents, infants, and those with digestive sensitivities, mirroring the use of Canna rhizomes as a famine food and digestive aid.

3. Plantago major (Broadleaf Plantain)

• Species: Plantago major | Family: Plantaginaceae | Genus: Plantago

• Similarities: Both are common plants (often considered weeds) with potent wound-healing properties used in folk medicine worldwide. The fresh leaf of both is applied as a poultice to draw out infection, soothe inflammation, and accelerate healing of cuts and boils.

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