Herb · Asia
East Indian arrowroot
Curcuma angustifolia
Traditionally attributed effects: cooling, soothing, nutritious; for dysentery, painful urination, gonorrhoea, typhoid, ulcers of the intestines and bladder; substitute for arrowroot.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Starch 12–24 g, as a thin gruel (like barley water).
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Tavakshiri. A fine starch (tikhur) is obtained from the rhizome and eaten in India during fasting, in milk porridge for the sick and for diarrhoea.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Cooling, soothing, nutritious; for dysentery, painful urination, gonorrhoea, typhoid, ulcers of the intestines and bladder; substitute for arrowroot.
Preparation and amount
Starch 12–24 g, as a thin gruel (like barley water).
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.