Panicum sumatrense(Poaceae) Little Millet

Panicum sumatrense (Little Millet)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Panicum sumatrense

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Panicum

Related Herbs from the same family:(Refer to the list under Paspalum scrobiculatum, as the family is the same. Key related herbs include Cynodon dactylon, Oryza sativa, and Hordeum vulgare.)

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Panicum sumatrense | English: Little Millet | Sanskrit: Sama, Kangu | Hindi: Kutki, Sawan | Tamil: Samai | Telugu: Samalu | Kannada: Same | Malayalam: Chama | Marathi: Sava, Halvi | Bengali: Sama | Odia: Suan |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Cooling, Diuretic, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, Galactagogue.

Medicinal Parts:The dehulled grains are the primary part used for food and medicine.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Dietary Fiber: Rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Its actions are Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and it promotes digestive health.

B-Vitamins (especially Niacin and B6): Essential for metabolic functions. Their action supports Nervous System health and energy metabolism.

Minerals (Iron, Calcium, Potassium): Supports its role as a Nutritive Tonic and Electrolyte Balancer. Potassium contributes to its Diuretic effect.

Antioxidants (Phenolic Acids): Provides Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory benefits, protecting against chronic diseases.

Phytosterols: Plant compounds that can help reduce cholesterol absorption, contributing to its Hypolipidemic property.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Medoroga (Obesity, High Cholesterol)

Formulation: Little millet as a rice substitute.

Preparation & Use: The grain is cooked and eaten as a staple. It is particularly used during fasting (upvaas) in India, providing sustenance without heavy digestibility.

Reasoning: Its high fiber content and low glycemic index make it an ideal grain for managing blood sugar and weight.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue)

Formulation: Little millet porridge.

Preparation & Use: A sweet or savory porridge made from little millet is given to nursing mothers to support healthy milk production.

Reasoning: It acts as a light yet nutritive tonic, providing essential nutrients and calories required for lactation without causing digestive heaviness.

Daha (Burning Sensation) & Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Little millet gruel.

Preparation & Use: A thin gruel (pej) made from little millet flour is consumed during fevers or in summer to cool the body and provide easy-to-digest nutrition.

Reasoning: Its Sheeta (cooling) potency helps balance Pitta and reduces internal heat and burning sensations.

Vata-Pitta Shamaka (Balances Vata and Pitta)

Formulation: Little millet as a regular dietary component.

Preparation & Use: It is considered a tridoshic grain in moderation, but particularly good for balancing Vata and Pitta due to its Madhura (sweet) taste and Sheeta (cooling) potency.

Reasoning: Its unctuous (Snigdha) and heavy (Guru) qualities pacify Vata, while its cooling nature pacifies Pitta.

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

Little millet is used in a wide variety of dishes, from porridge to biryani.

Sama Khichdi for Fasting or Light Diet

Purpose: A satiating yet light meal for digestive rest or during religious fasting.

Preparation & Use:

• Wash and cook little millet with potatoes and peanuts.

• Season with rock salt, cumin, and ghee.

• A complete, balanced fasting meal.

Little Millet Sweet Porridge for Lactating Mothers

Purpose: To support lactation and provide energy.

Preparation & Use:

• Cook little millet in milk until soft.

• Add jaggery, cardamom, and dry fruits.

• Consume warm.

Little Millet Salad

Purpose: A high-fiber, nutritious meal.

Preparation & Use:

• Cook and cool little millet.

• Mix with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

• Dress with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

7. Disclaimer:Panicum sumatrense is a safe and nutritious food grain. As with any high-fiber food, it should be introduced gradually to prevent digestive discomfort. It is generally well-tolerated. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

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

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• The Wealth of India

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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

1. Echinochloa frumentacea (Barnyard Millet)* Species: Echinochloa frumentacea | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Echinochloa* Similarities: Both Little and Barnyard millet are among the smallest millets and are quintessential fasting foods in India. They share a very low glycemic index, high fiber content, and cooling properties, making them excellent for diabetes and Pitta conditions.

2. Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo Millet)* Species: Paspalum scrobiculatum | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Paspalum* Similarities: As discussed earlier, both are high-fiber, nutritive millets used for blood sugar management and as strengthening foods. They are often used interchangeably in traditional diets.

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