There are thousands of plant species that have been growing and thriving for centuries in India. Starting from the roadside to the Himalayas, the number is uncountable. Some are often common but people assume it to be a kind of weed, Yellow Fruit Nightshade is one of them. It's a prickly herb, commonly known as Kantakari or Rangaini has been a member of Ayurveda medicine since the beginning. It is very effective in respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough. They are slightly bitter in flavour but have a crunchy flavor and are mostly eaten in savory dishes. Mostly found in Asia and Australia, Kantakari belongs to the Solanaceae family. Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are the states where it is commonly found. It mostly grows on roadsides and in open spaces.
Recipe for Kantakari Curry:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. olive oil or coconut oil
- 10 Kantakari, stems trimmed and sliced into wedges
- 3 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 30 gm coconut milk
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp fresh basil leaves
- 1 capsicum, minced
Method:
1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add in onions, garlic and peppers.
3. Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes and then add in your Kantakari, salt, and curry paste.
4. Stir to coat. Allow to cook for 3-4 more minutes and then pour in the coconut milk. Stir.
5. Let the mixture simmer in the liquid for 10-15 minutes, until they are tender.
6. Top with fresh basil and serve with rice.
Benefits of Kantakari:
According to a leading health website, Kantakari is useful in treating:
1. Cough And Asthma:
It acts as an antitussive that reduces the cough reflex and maintains proper functioning of lungs and in asthma it helps in decreasing the swelling which prevents common cold and other respiratory allergies.
2. Liver Disorder:
It acts as an antioxidant that helps in regenerating new cells and maintains the proper functioning of liver. It also increases the metabolism of the liver.
3. Acidity:
This herb provides quick relief in acid reflux and provides relief in symptoms related to acidity such as heartburn, constipation, pain in the abdomen, flatulence etc.
4. Insect bite:
Kantakari acts as a pain killer that counteracts the pain. This herb also has an antibiotic property that kills the microbes and also reduces the allergic reaction. It relieves inflammation and reduces fever.
5. Gum problems:
This herb acts as an antibiotic that reduces plaque and kills the bacteria that builds up the plaque because plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums. Sometimes the gums get inflamed resulting in puffiness and bleeding. This herb helps the gums to reattach to the teeth and makes them strong as well as healthy.
Kantakari is a recommended medicine by Ayurvedic doctors. Its mild bitter and spicy flavor makes it worth trying. Its juice is also consumed with sugar and raw honey. It has got several health benefits but is still unrecognizable by the people.