Dried Fruits And Flowers – Qualities, Health Benefits

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD
A text by name Bhojana kutoohalam written by vaidya Raghunatha soori explores some specific qualities, actions and health benefits of dried fruits, flowers and vegetables.

Introduction

Some of the fruits are dried and used along with food.
Such practices where the fruits and vegetables are dried or fried and used are called Karcharya in Ayurveda dietetics.
Read related – Eating Etiquette: Healthy Eating Rules

It is summarized and explained here below-

Classical reference

Some dried vegetables

Dry and fried Brinjal (egg plant) –
Brinjal is undoubtedly a common vegetable of practice.
Here the author specifies the usage of dried brinjal or the brinjal which is fried with sesame oil.
It is appreciated to be a good appetizer. So, in tastelessness, nausea etc it can be used.
Read – Why Eggplant Is Bad For Skin Diseases?

Dried Bitter gourd – Momordia charantia Linn.
The fruits of bitter gourd are made into slices and dried under shade. Further this is fried with suitable oil and consumed. As per the need few add salt or pepper also. This is effective to pacify the complaints like cough, hernia etc.
Read Bitter gourd benefits

Shushka Brihati and Kantakari – (Dried)
Even though it is not common, in few South Indian states both of these are used as vegetables. Few prepare its pickle also.
But dried fruit usage is not found in routine practice. The author specifies that the fruits if consumed by drying or frying with ghee or oil it acts as carminative, increase vatapitta dosha and pacifies Kapha and Vata Dosha.
Read related – 5 Dates Fruit Remedies: Milkshake, Laddu For Energy, Stamina

All kinds of dried and fried vegetables-
Dried vegetables are not appreciated by most of the people. The classical texts suggest us to take these fruits and vegetables so as to relieve the emaciation or leanness, constipation and vatic disorders.
Read related – The Best Health Advice That I Would Give To Everyone

Shushka Chirbhata fruit – Dried fruit of Chirbhata
The matured fruits of Chirbhata are taken and dried under shade.
These are fried with sesame oil or mustard oil (in Maharashtra practice).
This is used in the condition of indigestion caused due to the excess intake of liquids,increases the flavor of eatables and acts as appetizer, carminative and light for digestion.
Read Can Fruits Be Consumed With Meals As Per Ayurveda?

Shushka and sneha bhrishta kasara phala – Dry and fried fruit of Kasara
The dried fruits of Kasara are taken either by frying with suitable oil or by cooking. It can also be cooked after frying. This acts as carminative and appetizer. It has bitter mixed sour and pungent taste and hence it may provoke Pitta in few individuals. However, it is good in Vatakaphaja conditions.

White arimeda fruit – Dried fruits of Shweta arimeda – Acacia suman Linn.
Fruits of Shweta khadira is not commonly used. As it is appreciated in diabetic conditions as well as in urinary disorders it can be practiced. For this purpose the fruits are dried or partially dried fruits are fried with oil and used.

Above knowledge can be extended to few more such vegetables. Also few of the vegetables which are usually thrown or wasted due to its less demand, if value added or just dried and kept they can be used appropriately. The food and nutritional departments can work hand in hand with Ayurvedic people and much can be dug out from the hidden treasures of Ayurvedic texts.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most of the dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Contact Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Easy Ayurveda Video Classes

Buy Online Video Courses

Buy Easy Ayurveda Books

Ebooks

error: Alert: Content is protected !!