CHITTHIRAPPALA

FORGOTTEN EDIBLE LEAVES OF KERALA

VOL.II

Common names:

English:               Astma weed,

                             Cats hair,

Common spurge.

Hindi :                  Laldudhi

                             Bara dudhi.

Tamil:                  Ammam Paccharisi

Telugu:                Nanabalu.

Kannada:            Achchedia

Other names:

                             Palcheera

Nilapala

Kuzhinagapala.

Botanic name:   Euphorbia hirta

Family:                Euphorbiaceae.

                        Chithirappala is a Perennial ascending hairy, purplish, green herb with opposite, elliptic-oblong 1-1.25cm long leaves.

Chithirappala commonly found in waste lands and way sides.

It grows up to 30cm tall.

Flowers:

Inflorescence found in leaf axils in clusters.

Propagated by seeds. Seeds are capsule.

Medicinal properties:

Herb expectorant, anthelmintic (able to destroy intestinal worms), Used in bronchial affections, cough, asthma and in bowel complaints.

Culinary Use/ Recipe:

First cut Chithirappala Leaves in to small pieces mix it with grinded coconut, green chilli and salt as required and keep aside.

Heat coconut oil in a pan or Kadai.

Add the mustard seeds and fry till they crackle.

Then add finely cut Chithirappala leaves along with coconut, green chilli and salt.

Stir and sauté for a few minutes and serve hot.