Setaria italica(Poaceae) Foxtail Millet

Setaria italica (Foxtail Millet)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Setaria italica

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Setaria

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: Setaria italica | English: Foxtail Millet | Sanskrit: Priyangu, Kangu | Hindi: Kangni, Kakum | Tamil: Thinai | Telugu: Korra | Kannada: Navane | Malayalam: Thina | Marathi: Kang, Rala | Bengali: Kaon | Odia: Kanghu |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Astringent, Diuretic, Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, 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 in insoluble fiber. Its actions are Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and it promotes bowel regularity.

Antioxidants (Flavonoids like Quercetin): Provides strong Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects, protecting against cellular damage.

Amino Acids (Lysine): An essential amino acid that is often limited in other cereals. Its action supports Protein Synthesis and Tissue Repair.

Minerals (Iron, Calcium): Supports its role as a Nutritive Tonic for bone health and anemia.

Phytosterols (Beta-Sitosterol): Contributes to the Hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) property of the grain.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Sthoulya (Obesity)

Formulation: Foxtail millet as a staple grain.

Preparation & Use: The grain is used to make rice, porridge, or upma. It is a traditional choice for those needing to manage weight and blood sugar.

Reasoning: Its high fiber content and slow digestion help in maintaining stable blood glucose levels and provide a feeling of fullness.

Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Foxtail millet gruel.

Preparation & Use: A cool gruel made from foxtail millet flour is consumed to alleviate conditions of bleeding hemorrhoids or excessive heat in the body.

Reasoning: Priyangu (Foxtail millet) is specifically mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for its Stambhana (astringent) and Sheeta (cooling) properties, which help in checking bleeding and reducing heat.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Ashmari (Kidney Stones)

Formulation: Foxtail millet as part of the diet.

Preparation & Use: Regular consumption is believed to support urinary tract health and may help in preventing the formation of stones.

Reasoning: Its diuretic property helps in flushing out the urinary system, and its cooling nature soothes inflammation.

Brimhana (Nutritive Tonic) for Children and Elderly

Formulation: Foxtail millet porridge.

Preparation & Use: A soft, well-cooked porridge made with milk and jaggery is given to children and the elderly as an easily digestible strengthening food.

Reasoning: It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, providing balanced nutrition that is easy on the digestive system.

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

Foxtail millet is a versatile grain used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Thinai Kanji (Foxtail Millet Porridge) for Strength

Purpose: A nourishing porridge for convalescence or as a healthy breakfast.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry roast foxtail millet until aromatic.

• Pressure cook with water and milk until soft.

• Add jaggery or salt according to taste.

Korra Rice for Daily Meals

Purpose: A healthy rice alternative.

Preparation & Use:

• Cook foxtail millet grains with a 1:3 grain-to-water ratio.

• Fluff with a fork and serve with sambar, dal, or curry.

Foxtail Millet Laddu for Energy

Purpose: A nutrient-dense energy ball.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry roast foxtail millet flour and mix with melted jaggery, ghee, and nuts.

• Shape into laddus (balls). A great snack for children and adults.

7. Disclaimer:

Setaria italica is a safe and wholesome food. Those with thyroid conditions should consume it as part of a varied diet, as like all millets, it contains goitrogens which can interfere with thyroid function if consumed in extreme excess. It is generally safe when eaten as part of a balanced diet. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary 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. Panicum miliaceum (Proso Millet)* Species: Panicum miliaceum | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Panicum* Similarities: Both Foxtail and Proso millet are ancient grains with high antioxidant content and low glycemic indices. They are both excellent for heart health, diabetes management, and as gluten-free nutritive tonics.

2. Eleusine coracana (Finger Millet)* Species: Eleusine coracana | Family: Poaceae | Genus: Eleusine* Similarities: While Finger millet is exceptionally high in calcium, both it and Foxtail millet are powerhouse grains for managing diabetes and providing sustained energy. They are both considered strengthening and are staples in many traditional cultures.

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