Digera muricata(Amaranthaceae) False Amaranth

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Digera muricata

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: Digera

Related Herbs from the same family:Amaranthus tricolor (Lal Shaak, Thandu Keerai) - A very popular leafy vegetable across India, used for its high nutritional value and cooling properties.Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga) - A potent medicinal herb from the same family used for a wide range of conditions from asthma to facilitating childbirth.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Digera muricata | English: False Amaranth | Sanskrit: | Hindi: Latmahuria, Taeli-ki-bhaji | Tamil: Thoyya-keerai | Telugu: Chenchalia | Kannada: | Malayalam: | Bengali: |Marathi: |

3. Medicinal UsesDemulcent (soothing), Diuretic, Lithontriptic (breaks down stones), Refrigerant (cooling), Mild Laxative.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Like many edible Amaranthaceae members, its phytochemical profile supports its soothing and cooling properties.

Mucilage: The primary active constituent, responsible for the Demulcent and Mild Laxative actions. It soothes irritated mucous membranes in the urinary and digestive tracts.

Flavonoids: Provide Antioxidant support and contribute to the plant's potential Lithontriptic activity by inhibiting crystal formation in the kidneys.

Potassium and other minerals: Contribute to its Diuretic effect, helping to flush the urinary system.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses

Urinary Complaints and Lithontriptic

Formulation: Whole plant decoction or cooked greens.

Preparation & Use: The plant is cooked and eaten as a vegetable or a decoction is made from the fresh plant and consumed regularly to treat urinary difficulties, burning sensation during urination, and to help dissolve and prevent kidney stones.

Reasoning: The Demulcent property soothes the inflamed urinary tract, while the Diuretic action increases urine flow, helping to flush out small stones and crystals. The flavonoids may prevent stone aggregation.

Demulcent for Digestive Health

Formulation: Cooked vegetable.

Preparation & Use: The plant is consumed as a cooked green, often with buttermilk or lentils, to soothe an irritated stomach, relieve constipation, and act as a general cooling tonic for the body.

Reasoning: The Mucilage content adds bulk and softness to the stool, easing its passage, and coats the stomach lining, reducing irritation.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes

Digera muricata is primarily used as a delicious and therapeutic green vegetable, especially in North India.

Soothing Chenchalia Kura (Andhra-style Curry)

Purpose: A nutritive and cooling meal that supports urinary and digestive health.

Preparation & Use:Sauté onions, green chilies, and mustard seeds. Add chopped Digera muricata leaves and stems. Add turmeric and salt. Cook until tender. A little tamarind paste can be added for flavor. This creates a slightly mucilaginous, soothing curry eaten with rice or roti.

Urinary Health Decoction

Purpose: To relieve urinary tract irritation and support kidney function.

Preparation & Use:Take a handful of the fresh plant (leaves, stems, and roots if available). Boil in two cups of water until it reduces to one cup. Strain and drink this once a day for a short period as needed.

7. DisclaimerDigera muricata is safe when consumed as a food. However, individuals with known kidney stones should use it therapeutically only after consultation with a doctor to understand the size and nature of their stones. This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical care.

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

Wealth of India - Raw Materials Series

Local Food Plants of Nepal by K.K. Shrestha

9. Further study:

Basella alba (Malabar Spinach): Family Basellaceae. Shares the highly mucilaginous and demulcent nature, making it excellent for soothing the digestive and urinary tracts.

Amaranthus spinosus (Kanteli Chaulai): Family Amaranthaceae. A close relative and common wild edible, also used as a diuretic and laxative in traditional medicine, showing similar habitat and use.

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