Miracles of Kathuru Murunga (Sesbania grandiflora)

Kathuru Murunga (Sesbania grandiflora)

Kathuru Murunga (Sesbania grandiflora)  belongs to the Fabaceae family and is one of the leafy vegetables eaten in Sri Lanka and Asia. It can be commonly found in almost every Sri Lankan home garden and the common variety is one with white flowers. It is consumed as different dishes. Some of them are Mallum with fresh coconut and also with Maldives fish as a delicious curry.

As we know, it is considered a medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that Sesbania can be used to control pitha and kaapa dosha. It is believed to be healthier food which can improve eyesight and also good for the hair. Some other benefits of consumption are good for the skin, boosting immunity, preventing Alzheimer’s disease and also lowering blood pressure, and keeping arteries flexible.

Leaves

The leaves of Kathu Murunga can be used to treat sinuses, fever, and respiratory problems. The leaves have the properties of anti-bacterial, germ-killing, and poison cleaning as it has vitamin E. Also, it can be used as a coolant to our body and a worm-killer, and also a constipation reliever. Ancient Sri Lankans had used Kathu Murunga as a worm-killer before the Western worm pills. It is recommended for indigestion and digestive-related problems traditionally. The juice of the leaves can be used to treat nausea, gout and itchiness, and leprosy. The crushed leaves also used to treat sprains and bruises. Regular consumption of Kathuru Murunga will prevent weak bones and arthritis. The Kathuru Murunga leaves can improve mental health as well by maintaining the equilibrium of the mind.

It is believed that Kathuru Murunga has a secret to improving the milk production of breastfeeding mothers. So Kathuru Murunga leaves are boiled and fed to the mothers.

 The leaves are also used as fodder for livestock ( cattle ), and also as green manure. It is used as an energy booster and laxative. Also, it seems to increase milk production in cows as well.

Image copyrighted DiAgri

Flowers

The flowers are large ( 7-9 cm ). But the Grandiflora variety has white flowers and the Coccinea variety has rose or pink flowers. The petals of both varieties curved down and away from the flowers. The flowers are mixed with butter and eggs and deep-fried to make snacks in Sri Lanka. The flowers are also used in different dishes like salads and curries. Kathuru Murunga flowers are rich in Calcium, Iron, and vitamins of A and B. Flowers are used in beauty products as it has anti-ageing ingredients like tannin and vitamins. It has the ability to heal and reverse wrinkles by increasing collagen production.

Other than leaves and flowers bark, seeds, roots, and resins so on have medicinal value.

Kathuru Murunga - Image Copyrighted DiAgri