An age-old, nutrient-rich grain called ragi is responsible for shaping the agrarian milieu and culinary traditions of numerous ancient civilisations. Ragi is called finger millet in English. In India, its regional names include Ragi in Kannada, Hindi, and Telugu, Madua in Bengali, Mandia in Odia, Nachni in Marathi, and Kezhvaragu in Tamil. It is widely dispersed over many Indian states. Its medicinal effects are enormous in Ayurveda, the old Indian medicine. The ancient Ayurvedic texts extol the therapeutic prowess of ragi in effectively treating liver problems, preventing cancer, lowering blood pressure, and minimising hypertension or high blood pressure.
Assuming Ragi is a modern discovery basking in glory in recent times, you are mistaken. In India alone, its presence dates back over 2000 years. Furthermore, the mention of Ragi in Ayurveda as a medicinal ingredient backs the fact of its antiquity. Its English name, i.e., finger millet, derives from the look of the grain head, which consists of five spikes. As a result, it is similar to the five fingers linked to the palm.
Impact on Doshas
According to Ayurveda, Ragi fundamentally has a madhura rasa or sweet flavour. Laghu (light) and ruksha (dry) gunas (qualities) are inherent to it. It has heating power, or ushna virya, which balances the kapha (earth and water) and dosha (element). Additionally, it has an overpowering impact on the pitta (fire and water) and vata (air and ether) doshas. Likewise, Ayurveda says that ragi encourages the sattva and rajas mental states, harmonising and positive, thereby eradicating tamas or a melancholy mentality.
Ragi or finger millet, Image Source: Shutterstock
Reduces High Blood Pressure
Ragi's high dietary fibre content removes Ama toxins from badly processed foods. It keeps them from clogging arteries, veins, and capillaries by preventing them from adhering to these blood vessels. By facilitating the free flow of blood and nutrients to and from the heart, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is alleviated.
Treats Liver Impairment
Antioxidants, abundant in ragi, enable the fast elimination of damaging free radicals from the body, particularly in the liver and gallbladder. The bodily tridoshic states are balanced this way, and all undesired fatty buildups are eliminated from the body, maintaining optimal liver function.
Recedes Depression Symptoms
Ragi, which has neurotransmitter-regulating capabilities, dramatically enhances the good state of mind or sattva. This has a remarkable effect on elevating moods, improving intellect, and treating depression-related brain symptoms. It also reduces tiredness and tamas.