Ipomoea aquatica (Convolvulaceae) Water Spinach

Ipomoea aquatica (Water Spinach)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ipomoea aquatica

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Ipomoea batatas (Sweet Potato): A nutritive root and leaf vegetable.

· Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi): The premier brain tonic of Ayurveda.

· Ipomoea digitata (Vidari): A rejuvenative and galactagogue tuber.

The Convolvulaceae family spans from potent neurological herbs to highly nutritious staple foods.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ipomoea aquatica | English: Water Spinach, Swamp Cabbage, Kangkong | Sanskrit: कालाशाक (Kalashaka), जलभिनी (Jalabhini) | Hindi: कलमी साग (Kalami Sag), नरिप्पू (Narippu) | Tamil: வல்லாரை (Vallarai) | Telugu: తూటకూర (Tootakura) | Kannada: ಹೆಬ्बत्तಳೆ (Hebbattale) | Malayalam: വള്ളിക്കീര (Vallikeera) | Bengali: কলমি শাক (Kolmi Shaak) | Chinese: Kōngxīncài (空心菜) | Thai: ผักบุ้ง (Pak boong) | Filipino: Kangkong |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Cooling (Sheetavirya), Demulcent, Laxative (mild), Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic, Galactagogue, Detoxifying.

Medicinal Parts:

The tender stems and leaves are used as both food and medicine.

· Leaves and Stems: Consumed as a vegetable.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Phenolic Compounds & Flavonoids: Provide potent Antioxidant activity, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Mucilage: Gives the plant its Demulcent and soothing quality, beneficial for the digestive tract.

Dietary Fiber: Contributes to its Laxative and Hypoglycemic effects by slowing glucose absorption and adding bulk.

Alkaloids (in seeds): The seeds contain lysergic acid alkaloids and are considered Psychoactive and Toxic; only the leafy greens are used for consumption.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Pitta Shamaka (Pacifies Pitta) & Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Formulation: Leaf juice or cooked vegetable.

Preparation & Use: The fresh juice of the leaves or the cooked vegetable is consumed to reduce internal heat (Pitta), manifesting as acidity, skin rashes, or nosebleeds.

Reasoning: Its cooling nature (Sheeta Virya) and demulcent properties help soothe inflammation and calm Pitta dosha.

Vishtambha (Constipation) & Agnimandya (Low Digestion)

Formulation: Cooked vegetable with ghee or spices.

Preparation & Use: Eaten as a regular part of the meal to promote easy bowel movements and support healthy digestion without aggravating Pitta.

Reasoning: The fiber and mucilage add bulk and soften the stool, while its light nature does not overly burden digestion.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue) & Dhatuvardhaka (Nutritive)

Formulation: Vegetable in the daily diet of nursing mothers.

Preparation & Use: Commonly prescribed in postnatal care as a leafy green to support milk production and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Reasoning: Acts as a light, cooling, and nutritive tonic that supports the fluid and nutrient requirements of lactation.

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

It is a staple leafy green vegetable across Southeast and South Asia, stir-fried, added to soups, or used in curries.

Cooling Kalami Saag (Stir-fried Water Spinach)

Purpose: A delicious way to pacify Pitta in summer.

Preparation & Use:

· Heat oil, add cumin seeds, garlic, and green chilies.

· Add chopped water spinach stems first, then leaves.

· Stir-fry quickly until wilted. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.

Pitta-Reducing Leaf Juice

Purpose: For acute burning sensations or skin eruptions.

Preparation & Use:

· Blend a handful of fresh leaves with 1/2 cup of water.

· Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of the juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey. Use occasionally, not daily.

7. Disclaimer:

Ipomoea aquatica leaves and stems are very safe and nutritious when consumed as a vegetable. However, the SEEDS are PSYCHOACTIVE and TOXIC, containing lysergic acid alkaloids similar to LSD precursors. They must never be consumed. The plant may absorb heavy metals if grown in contaminated water, so source from clean farms. As a mild hypoglycemic, those on diabetes medication should monitor blood sugar. This information is for educational purposes.

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

· Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

· Chinese Medicinal Herbs by F. Porter Smith

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

1. Spinacia oleracea (Palak/Spinach)

· Species: Spinacia oleracea | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Spinacia

· Similarities: Both are dark leafy green vegetables used as nourishing, cooling foods rich in iron and vitamins. They share demulcent and mild laxative properties and are used to build blood (Rakta Dhatu).

2. Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla (Chard/Swiss Chard)

· Species: Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Beta

· Similarities: Another nutritive leafy green with a cooling energy, often used interchangeably in cooking. Both provide mineral-rich nourishment and support detoxification.

3. Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni, Gotu Kola)

· Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella

· Similarities: Both are creeping plants that thrive in wet conditions and are consumed as leafy greens. While Mandukaparni is a potent Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic), they share cooling, detoxifying, and wound-healing properties.

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