Veldt grape -a medicinal herb often used as vegetable. -

Veldt grape is a calcium rich herb, often used as vegetable.

Veldt grape, whose botanical name is Cissus quadrangularis is a climbing plant in grape’s family. The plant has vitamins, minerals and carotenoids component which gives it a variety of health benefits. It is widely used for the treatment of fractured bones and Osteoarthritis. It is commonly known as devil’s backbone, adamant creeper, asthisamharaka, hadjod and pirandai. The species is native to tropical Asia, Arabia and much of Africa.

English name : Devil’s backbone, Veidt grape, Adamant creeper

Tamil name : Pirandai, Vajravalli

Kannada : Mangaravalli

Health benefits:

1. Keeps bone healthy: The plant contributes to the production of bone cells osteoblasts which enhances the growth of bones. The plant is therefore recommended as a cure for minor injuries. In the case of a fracture or swollen joints use of this creeper is recommended to hasten the healing process.

2. Prevents heart complications: This climbing plant has an effect on body metabolism. It regulates the amount of cholesterol in the body, consequently preventing many heart complications.

3. Reduces menstrual discomfort: It reduces uneasiness during the menstrual period by its ability to reduce a cramping which is one of the cause of distress.

4. Boosts immunity: One of the components of the plant is Vit-C, enhances the production of white blood cells. This includes enabling your body to fight pathogens.

5. Helps in weight loss: The plant enhances metabolism boosting the burning of excess fats in the body.

Recipes and methods of usage:

1. Veldt grape chutney: The stem part of veldt grape should be taken for peeling off the outer skin and fiber. Then cut this into several pieces for heating with either ghee or gingely oil. With that add dry chilly, tamarind and salt. For taste purpose, we can add little bit of coconut, mustard and toor dhal in fried form. Paste is ready which can be eaten with rice also.

2. Veldt grape leaf chutney: Veldt grape leaf 100gms, ginger, garlic, pepper, dry chillies, curry leaf, salt(required) to be taken. Grind all the ingredients after heating it with ghee or gingely oil. Now the chutney is ready to serve.

Veldt grape poultice for sprains and swollen joints:

Veldt grape poultice is very good for treating sprains and swollen joints. Take a cup of veldt grape. Grind it in a mixer with very little water and extract the juice. Take the juice along with a tbsp of tamarind paste, a tbsp of pure turmeric powder and warm it in a pan. Now test the temperature of the mixture and if it is hot, wait for it to come to lukewarm temperature. Apply this mixture over sprains, just like creams.