Kathurumurunga: The healing herb
by Shari Jayawardhana
Kathurumurunga (agathi in Tamil) which is known as Sesbania
grandiflora belongs to the bean family, Fabaceae. It is native to
tropical Asia and is widespread in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia,
Indonesia, and the Philippines. This fast-growing tree is commonly found
in the backyard of many Sri Lankan households. The light shade of its
canopy does not block sunlight, allowing the growth of other plants.
 Kathurumurunga Mallum and Sambol are culinary favourites among many
Sri Lankans. Bundles of this leafy green are sold in markets and
supermarkets around the country. The leaves can measure up to 30 cm in
length with 5-15 paired elliptical leaflets that are three cm in length.
The bark of this species is light grey and the wood is soft and white.
The fruit is a thin pod which can be up to 60 cm long with 15-50 seeds.
All parts of the Kathurumurunga tree have healing properties including
the leaves, flowers, bark and root.
Leaves
According to Sri Lankan native treatment, the leaves are used as a
cure for fever, sinus, and respiratory problems. It acts as a coolant
and a worm-killer. The leaves are rich in Vitamin E and have the
properties to kill germs, bacteria, and clear poison. The Kathurumurunga
leaves can be made into a delicious tea which has antibiotic properties.
The juice of the leaves is used for the treatment of nausea, gout,
and itchiness and leprosy. The crushed leaves of the tree are also used
for the treatment of sprains and bruises. It is also considered as
native treatment for epileptic fits. The leaves of the Kathurumurunga
are also used as fodder for livestock, and also as green manure. The
leaves used as an energy-booster and a laxative. It is also a
disinfectant for the mouth and throat. Regular intake of Kathurumurunga
leaves helps in the prevention of weak bones and arthritis. Constipation
and burning sensation in the body can be controlled by taking these
leaves. Kathurumurunga leaves are boiled and given to mothers of
new-born babies for healthy breast feeding. It is often recommended for
indigestion and other digestion related problems. It is also known to
restore the equilibrium of the mind.
Flowers
The flowers of Sesbania grandiflora are large (7-9 cm long); however,
the two varieties of Kathurumurunga flowers are unquestionably
different. Grandiflora variety has white flowers and the coccinea
variety has rose pink or red flowers. The standard petals in both
varieties are usually upright and curved down and away from the flower.
In Sri Lanka, the flowers (white) make a tasty snack when dipped in
batter and fried. The flowers are mixed into curries, tempered in oil or
used in salads and soups. They are rich in calcium, iron as well as
Vitamins A and B.
The flowers are used as a key ingredient in anti-ageing skin care
products because it is rich in tannins and nutrients that re-activate
the skin's ability to heal wrinkles while increasing collagen
production. Sesbania grandiflora flowers are known to have been used in
Sri Lankan traditional medicine to cure headaches and stuffy noses.
A few drops of the juice made from the Sesbania grandiflora flower
are put into the eyes to eliminate dullness in vision.
Roots and bark
The powdered root of the tree is applied as a medical dressing to
relieve fever and rheumatic swellings. It is also used for the treatment
of Malaria. The juice of the root is given with honey to relive catarrh.
The bark was used for the treatment of smallpox before its eradication.
It is also used for the treatment of scabies, thrush and for stomach
disorders among babies.
The bark of the Kathurumurunga tree is boiled with water and the
content is filtered to get a decoction, which can be consumed for
treating diabetes and fever. This liquid is also used as a medicine to
treat diarrhoea, dysentery and gastric troubles.
Wood from the tree can be used to make floating fish nets, firewood,
paper and fuel. Kathurumurunga sambol is local cure for those with mouth
ulcers.
Sri Lankan plants of medicinal value such as Kathurumurunga are
increasingly used to manufacture value added products. Currently, Sri
Lanka exports the fresh Kathurumurunga leaves in bulk to Western
countries which have a large Sri Lankan population, including UK and
Canada. The dehydrated leaf is packed and sold overseas. This herbal
leaf is also used to manufacture dietary supplements that aid in wound
healing and clear ulcers. Sri Lanka has the potential to develop various
blends of herbal tea using Kathurumurunga.
The white flower of the medicinal plant can be used to create
anti-ageing cosmetic products. It is recommended that more resources are
directed towards conducting scientific research and publication on the
health benefits of this ancient, local healing herb. |
