Just last week, I spent two days living through a dull stomach pain trying to think what may have triggered it. I was surprised as I was avoiding outside food due to the pandemic and current situation. A few minutes spent online reading up on stomach aches and their potential causes left me even more surprised. Apparently, when you are stressed your body amps the production of certain hormones. These can over-stimulate the body and cause constipation, stomach cramps, nausea and other abdominal disorders. Research has not only identified stomach pain as a consequence of Stress, it has also discovered a direct connection between the brain and the gut. As such, a major portion of the global population inevitably goes through similar situations at some time. To tackle this potential side-effect of Stress, we at Amrutam present to you the Marodfali Churna.
About Marodfalli
Marodfali aka Helicteres isora is a small tree found throughout India and Southern Asia. Rajasthan, Punjab, Bengal and Bihar have a particularly dense Marodfali presence. The tree is identified as Avartani in Sanskrit, which loosely translates to Rotating or Twisting due to the Screw-like shape of the fruits. It has another slightly less known Sanskrit name, Mriga-Shinga which literally translates to Deer’s Horn. Known to native English speakers as the Indian Screw Tree, Marodfali has been used in Ayurveda to treat abdominal disorders, snake bites, worm infestations and purify the blood. Modern research has attributed additional medical properties to the Ayurvedic herb which are mentioned below:
- Anti-Oxidant Activity
- Anti-Cancer Activity
- Anti-Bacterial Activity
- Prevents Liver damage
- Anti-diarrheal activity, etc.
Marodfali is also said to boost the immune system, improve sexual drive and activity, rejuvenates the body, and helps in weight management. The tree itself is short and has a greyish-white bark. Red flowers bloom on the tree and turn blue as they age and mature. The fruits of the Marodfali tree are slender and spirally twisted pods with seeds within them. Ayurvedic formulations use the bark, roots, fruits and seeds of this medicinal plant. As per Ayurveda, Marodfali has Rasa (astringent taste), Vipaka (pungent taste after digestion) and Virya (cooling effect) Gunas (properties). Ayurvedic texts describe it as a Katu Vipak herb, that which expresses its effect post-digestion. Furthermore, the consumption of the plant helps in placating aggravated Kapha and Pitta Doshas.
Recipes using Marodfali
According to our forefathers, the shape of a plant was indicative of its effect on the human body. As the shape of the Marodfali fruit resembles the intestine, its effects are mainly centered on the treatment of abdominal problems. We at Amrutam have collected a few recipes that best utilize this miracle herb and can be made in a short period. The recipes are cures that treat a range of ailments and mostly requires commonly available kitchen ingredients. So buckle in and get ready for a roller coaster of tastes!
Recipe 1: Buknu Masala
Buknu Masala is a spice mix that is quite popular in parts of Uttar Pradesh. The mix serves as a spice while cooking and can also be served along with paranthas or chaat. The recipe requires the following ingredients:
- Plain salt - 250 grams
- Black salt - 125 grams
- Saindha salt - 50 grams
- Turmeric powder - 75 grams
- Badi Harad - 50 grams
- Small Harad - 50 grams
- Baheda - 50 grams
- Dry amla - 50 grams
- Cumin seeds -25 grams
- Carom seeds - 25 grams
- Fennel - 25 grams
- Brown cardamom - 25 grams
- Black pepper - 25 grams
- Saunth - 25 grams
- False Black Pepper - 20 grams
- Marod phali - 20 grams
- Green cardamom - 10 grams
- Edible Nausadar - 10 grams
- Asafoetida - 5 grams
- Mustard oil - 100 grams
Heat some Mustard Oil in a pan. Fry the Badi Harad, Saunth, Turmeric Powder and Baheda on low flame for 2-3 minutes in the pan. Similarly, fry the Small Harad for 1 Minute and remove it. Dry Roast the Amla on another pan for 2-3 minutes and remove it. In the same pan, dry roast the Marodfali and False Black Pepper for 2 minutes. To this add the Cumin seeds, Fennel and Carom seeds and roast for 1 minute. Finally, add the Asafoetida to the mix and roast for 1 more minute before removing the spices from the pan. The last step is to grind and mix all the ingredients. Grind the roasted and fried ingredients separately before mixing them. Add the Salt, Pepper and other spices while grinding. Your homemade Buknu Masala is ready for use!
How to Use: Buknu Masala can be used as a spice while cooking your favorite curries or it can be served along with food as a seasoning. This delicious spice mix pairs well with hot Aloo Paranthas and Chaat!
Purpose: This delicious recipe is chock full of healthy and healing herbs that boost immunity, prevent sickness and revitalize the body. The Marodfali in the mix is especially beneficial in curing digestion related problems.
Recipe 2: Marodfali Ear Drops
This recipe is quite simple to make. It clears the ears and restores proper functioning. The recipe requires castor oil and a few fruits of Marodfali. Crush the fruits and heat it for 5 minutes in the Castor oil. You can also use Marodfali powder instead of the fruit. Strain the pulp out and use the oil as ear drops!
How to Use: The ears drops should be poured dropwise into each ear. Do not use more than 2-3 drops for each ear at once. Clean your ear and the surrounding areas with a damp cloth before using the drops. After pouring the drops into your ear, gently press the ear protrusion to force the drops into the canal.
Purpose: Blocked ears are a major distraction and annoyance that disrupts your daily life. The Marodfali ear drops are a quick and simple solution to this problem.
Recipe 3: Marodfali Decoction for Gastric Problems
The main highlight of Marodafli’s action lies within the Gastric system. The herb can remedy most gastric ailments. For preparing this decoction take 5 grams of Marodfali Churna in about 100 ml of water. Boil the water till it comes down to 25 ml. The decoction is ready for use. One can also add honey to enhance the taste.
How to Use: Consume two spoonful of the decoction in a day when you are facing any gastric ailments.
Purpose: The Marodfali Decoction effectively treats and cures most gastric problems.
Recipe 4: Marodfali Skin Paste
In addition to helping with gastric problems, Marodfali also exhibits potent skin healing properties. When it comes to Marodfali, simple is the way to go. To make the paste, crush Marodfali leaves into a thick paste and apply over the infected or affected skin.
How to Use: Before applying the paste, clean the infected or damaged skin with a damp cloth. Gently apply the paste over the skin and allow it rest for half an hour before washing it off.
Purpose: Mardofali contains several active ingredients that enhance cellular functioning and exhibits anti-oxidant activity. These constituents assist the body in the healing process and the anti-bacterial nature of the herb protects open wounds from infections.
Recipe 5: Marodfali Root-Turmeric Paste
Similar to the previous recipe, the Marodfali Root-Turmeric Paste is a great way to restore your skin to its prime state. The recipe requires fresh Marodfali roots and Turmeric Powder. If you do not have access to fresh roots, you can use Marodfali Churna as a replacement. Grind the two ingredients together and that’s it! The paste is ready for use.
How to Use: Before applying the paste, clean the infected or damaged skin with a damp cloth. Gently apply the paste over the skin and allow it rest for half an hour before washing it off.
Purpose: In addition to Marodfali, the paste also contains Turmeric which has potent healing and anti-bacterial properties making it well suited for skin-based applications.
The father of Medicine Hippocrates is quoted to have said “Nature itself is the best physician”. Finding cures to our problems in nature is beneficial not just for us and our bodies, but also for the planet and the ecosystem in the longer run. That in itself is a pretty compelling reason to turn to natural and Ayurvedic medicines. We hope you enjoy making these recipes and check with us later for more on the same!
Reference 1: Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Avartani (Helicteres isora Linn.): A review
