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.
