Indian Arrow Root Powder

Indian Arrowroot is attractive ginger with stout underground rhizomes which lie dormant in winters. In early spring the flowers are produced before the leaves. Very colorful bracts make this a showy species. The shape and color of the bracts are very variable. The inflorescence lasts in full bloom on the plants for about three weeks and more. Good for cut flower use with a vase life of 10 days and more for fresh-cut blooms. Leaves grow to about 2ft tall and die down in autumn. This species is found in the Eastern Himalayas and inhabits bright open hillsides and woods. In Manipur, pagodas made using these flowers, are considered a delicacy.

Internal Benefits of  Koova podi (Indian Arrow Root):- 

• In some parts of India Indian Arrow Root (Curcuma Angustifolia/East Indian arrowroot) is used as weaning food for babies. The starch which is obtained from the rhizomes is given to babies three-four times a day after boiling in water or milk. This preparation is given as a traditional food for babies. Sometimes it is used as a replacement for mother’s milk.
• The starch has a cooling effect on the body. It gives relief in irritation and inflammation. It is given to heal peptic ulcers and in the treatment of dysentery. It is also used as a tonic and nutritious food in weakness, chronic diseases, jaundice, and excessive thirst.
•  It is nutritive and is used as an agreeable, non-irritating diet in certain chronic diseases, during convalescence from fevers, in irritations of the alimentary canal, pulmonary organs, or of the urinary apparatus.