Paspalum scrobiculatum(Poaceae) Kodo Millet

Paspalum scrobiculatum (Kodo Millet)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Paspalum scrobiculatum

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Paspalum

Related Herbs from the same family:

Cynodon dactylon (Durva/Dhub): A sacred grass in Ayurveda, used primarily for its hemostatic (stops bleeding), wound-healing, and diuretic properties. It is a key ingredient in formulations for managing diabetes and skin disorders.

Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane/Ikshu): The stem juice is used in Ayurveda as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, and aphrodisiac. It is also processed into various medicinal preparations like Jaggery (Guda) which is used in many formulations.

Oryza sativa (Rice/Dhanya): Specifically, red rice (Rakta Shali) is highly valued in Ayurveda as a nutritive, strengthening, and easily digestible grain that balances Vata and Pitta.

Hordeum vulgare (Barley/Yava): Considered one of the most important dietary staples in Ayurveda for managing obesity, diabetes, and urinary disorders due to its light, dry, and cooling properties.

The Poaceae family, also known as the grass family, is the most economically important plant family, providing the world's staple food crops. Many members are not just food but also hold significant medicinal value in traditional systems.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Paspalum scrobiculatum | English: Kodo Millet | Sanskrit: Kodrava | Hindi: Kodon | Tamil: Varagu | Telugu: Arikelu | Kannada: Harka | Malayalam: Varaku | Marathi: Kodra | Bengali: Kodo | Odia: Kodua |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Astringent, Cooling, Diuretic, Hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering), Hypolipidemic (cholesterol lowering), Antioxidant.

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 (High Insoluble Fiber): The high fiber content is a key medicinal component. Its actions are Hypoglycemic (slows sugar absorption), Hypolipidemic (binds to cholesterol), and Laxative (adds bulk to stool).

Polyphenols and Flavonoids: These compounds act as potent Antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative stress and reducing inflammation (Anti-inflammatory).

Phytates and Tannins: While often considered anti-nutrients, in moderation they contribute to the Antioxidant capacity and may have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Minerals (Iron, Calcium): Supports its role as a Nutritive Tonic, helping in building blood (hemoglobin) and bone strength.

Complex Carbohydrates (Slowly Digestible): Provides sustained energy release, which is crucial for its Hypoglycemic property, preventing blood sugar spikes.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Sthoulya (Obesity)

Formulation: Kodo millet as a rice replacement.

Preparation & Use: The whole grains are cooked and consumed as a staple food in place of rice. It is a traditional food for communities and individuals managing blood sugar and weight.

Reasoning: Its high fiber content and complex carbohydrates lead to a low glycemic index, providing sustained energy without spiking blood sugar levels.

Daha (Burning Sensation) & Trishna (Excessive Thirst)

Formulation: Cooked kodo millet gruel.

Preparation & Use: A thin, easily digestible porridge (pej) is made from kodo millet flour and consumed.

Reasoning: Kodo millet is considered to have a cooling (Sheeta) potency in Ayurveda, which helps pacify Pitta dosha and alleviate symptoms like burning sensation and excessive thirst.

Grahani (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) & Vibandha (Constipation)

Formulation: Kodo millet as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation & Use: Regular consumption of the whole grain helps regulate bowel movements due to its high insoluble fiber content.

Reasoning: The fiber adds bulk to the stool and promotes healthy peristalsis, relieving constipation. Its astringent property may also help in firming loose stools in certain types of Grahani.

Brimhana (Nutritive Tonic) without increasing Meda (Adipose Tissue)

Formulation: Kodo millet as a daily food.

Preparation & Use: It is consumed as a nourishing grain by convalescing individuals, providing strength and essential nutrients without the high caloric load of refined grains.

Reasoning: It is a rich source of protein, minerals, and energy, making it an excellent strengthening food that does not contribute to weight gain.

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

Kodo millet is a versatile grain used similarly to rice.

Kodo Millet Khichdi for Digestive Health

Purpose: A light, nutritious, and balanced meal for weak digestion or convalescence.

Preparation & Use:

• Soak 1 cup of kodo millet and 1/2 cup of split yellow moong dal for 30 minutes.

• Cook with turmeric, ginger, and ghee until soft and mushy.

• Consume with a pinch of rock salt.

Kodo Millet Porridge (Pej) for Pitta Imbalance

Purpose: To cool the body and alleviate burning sensations or excessive thirst.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry roast kodo millet flour until it emits a nutty aroma.

• Add water slowly while stirring to make a thin, lump-free gruel.

• Cook for 10-15 minutes. Can be consumed plain or with a little jaggery.

Kodo Millet Upma for a Healthy Breakfast

Purpose: A high-fiber, energizing start to the day.

Preparation & Use:

• Cook kodo millet grains until fluffy and set aside.

• In a pan, prepare a tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and vegetables.

• Add the cooked millet, mix well, and serve hot.

7. Disclaimer:Paspalum scrobiculatum is generally safe and highly nutritious when consumed as a food. In some cases, the grain can be contaminated with a fungus (Acremonium spp.) that may cause toxicity (Kodua Poisoning) if consumed in large quantities, but this is rare with commercially available, properly processed grains. As with any high-fiber food, introduce it gradually into the diet to avoid temporary bloating. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist before making significant dietary changes.

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

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

• The Wealth of India - A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials & Industrial Products

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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

1. Panicum sumatrense (Little Millet)* Species: Panicum sumatrense | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Panicum* Similarities: Both are small-grained millets with high fiber content, making them excellent for diabetes management and as a light, nutritive food. They share similar culinary uses and are considered cooling and easy to digest.

2. Setaria italica (Foxtail Millet)* Species: Setaria italica | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Setaria* Similarities: Like Kodo, Foxtail millet is a ancient grain with high nutritional value and a low glycemic index. Both are used in traditional systems as a strengthening food that does not aggravate Kapha or cause weight gain.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x-