Agathi Keerai or Humming bird tree leaves are wonderful medicinal spinach usually grown in a hot climate. Its scientific name is sesbania grandiflora.It is also called as in August tree leaves in English, Aghastya in Hindi , Agathi in Tamil, Vangasena,Agasti in Sanskrit, Agase,Agache in Kannada and Aagatti, Atti in Malayalam.
AGATHI LEAVES IN ANCIENT TEXTS
Agathi leaves are quoted in our ancient Indian texts like Charaka samhita and Sushruta samhita. Their healing properties are specified in the books like the Thiravukkarasu, the Arunachalakkavira and the Thirukkural. The Siddha medicine says that it is enriched with 63 medicinal properties that protect our body. Abhidanachudamani or Raja Nighantu, an Ayurveda book by Narhari Pundit describes Agathi leaves into four categories based on the colour of flowers – Sita (white), Peeta (yellow), Neela (blue) and Lohita(red).
NUTRITION AND TEXTURE
Agathi keerai is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron and calcium. It is known for its medicinal properties and is believed to have various health benefits. The leaves are slightly bitter when raw but turn mild and pleasant after cooking. They have a soft texture similar to spinach when cooked.
UNREVEALED SECRETS OF – AGATHI LEAVES
Agathi leaves are named after the great Sage Agastya who adored this healing enhanced herb. The great Agastya,the father of the Siddha system of medicine, who practiced Herbal Rasayanas in the lovely Himalayas, held an affection for the plant. The Agastya flower bloom on the day when the Agastya star can be seen in autumn season.
RELIGIOUS AUSPICIOUSNESS
In some regions, agathi keerai is associated with specific religious rituals and beliefs, symbolizing auspiciousness and purity. Its consumption is believed to cleanse the body and mind, aligning with the concept of purity (shuddhi).It may be offered in temples or used in rituals as part of cultural practices passed down through generations.
WHY – AGATHI LEAVES – AFTER FASTING ?
Fasting is one of the earliest, least expensive and most effective methods of natural cure of diseases. One of the ancient Indian sayings, “Langanam Parama Oushadam”, means fasting is the best medicine and part of nature cure in Indian medicine since olden days. Agathi leaves are taken after the religious fasting of Ekadashi and Amavasya. Fasting diets often emphasize nutritious foods that provide energy and essential nutrients despite limited ingredients. Agathi keerai is valued for its vitamins and minerals, making it a good choice to maintain nutrition after religious fasting.
AGATHI LEAVES – HEALTH BENEFITS
-The agathi leaves can be consumed in the form of either a juice, or cooked spinach. The thin stem of the plant is used as an ingredient of medicines in siddha and Ayurveda.
– The term ‘Agathi’ refers to ‘fire inside’, it will ignite and balance the fire inside all organs and equalize the blood circulation throughout the body. It acts as a cleansing agent also.
-Agathi leaves are known to aggravate Pitta dosha, calms down aggravated Vata dosha and clears out excess Kapha dosha.
– Agathi Keerai, an omnipotent spinach, is capable of curing not only physiological but also psychological problems of human beings.
-It reduces body heat, heals the wounds and is a sure remedy for mental depression and other illnesses.
-Agathi leaves are rich in Vitamin E, have the properties to kill germs, bacteria, and clears poison. The leaves are rich in Vitamin A and are very good for the eyes.
-Regular addition of this wonder leaves in the diet benefits all diabetes to repair the damaged cells of pancreas and control blood sugar spikes
-Agathi leaves have been used extensively in Ayurveda for treating several ailments including migraine, sinusitis, fever and respiratory woes
-Immense amounts of calcium, iron and vitamins in agathi leaves are valuable in fortifying the bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis
-The flowers are valuable in curing headache, night blindness and cataracts
– Agathi spinach will facilitate easy digestion
– Will cure acidity related problems
– Urination and stools elimination will be proper
-Stomach ulcer will be cured
– Foot sore and other wounds will be cured by the essence of this spinach
– The flowers can be used as edible fries. This will cure giddiness, eye-sore, yellowish urination etc.
– It is a boon to the smokers who want to give up smoking. The toxic element will be cleared through stools.
-A food combination of agathi spinach flower with pepper, cumin, garlic and onion in cooked form will take care of heart palpitation, inflammation, kidney related diseases including cancer
-This vegetarian and gluten-free supplement helps to enhance energy metabolism and is known to improve hair strength and to promote healthy, glowing skin.
– Agathi leaves helps to enhance energy metabolism and improve hair strength and to promote healthy, glowing skin.
– A handful of agathi leaves boiled in plain water or rice water, if taken weekly once treat problems like loss of appetite, indigestion, dullness and tired. It has the ability to remove the poison in the body.
PRECAUTIONS
Agathi keerai produces negative effects too, even though, it has many uses, daily intake of the leaves has been associated with gut problems. It is advisable to take agathi leaves two to three times in a month. For instance, when Siddha medicine or other medicins is being taken, the agathi keerai should be avoided least it should nullify the effect of medicine on the body. Sometimes it this will cause skin disorder with the itching sensation. Likewise, agathi keerai and chicken will not go together; so also one should refrain from taking agathi keerai. If agathi leaves combines with any already taken alcoholic drink; it would create cardiac related issues.
THE FINAL WORDS
Agathi leaves are the best sources of Vitamin A, Calcium and Phosphorus among all the green leafy vegetables. Ayurveda strongly vouches for these leaves as the best dietary way to promote bone health and immunity. Overall, agathi keerai’s presence in ancient Hindu texts highlights its multifaceted role in traditional medicine, culinary practices, and cultural symbolism within Indian society, reflecting its longstanding importance in both practical and spiritual contexts.