DAHASAMANI

(HERBAL DRINKING WATER)

This is medicated herbal water which, in Kerala, is preferred instead of water with Biriyani or any rich food……. Dahasamani promotes easy digestion, is a natural thirst reliever, is excellent for cooling the body & purifies blood…….. It is usually available in local markets……. It is prepared by mixing dry ginger, coriander seeds, cloves, cardamom, sandalwood, puncture vine, vetiver, mimosa catechu, sapanwood.

This mixture of herbs is added to drinking water……. Boil 5 litres of water in a pan…… Add 1 tsp of Dahasamani….. Boil away….. The herbs bestows a beautiful deep pink colour to the water…….. Remove from heat……. Strain……. This can be drunk throughout the day.

If the mixture contains sapanwood (pathimukham) more, then the resultant drink is attractive pink…..

And if the mixture contains mimosas catechu (karingali) more, then the resultant drink is brownish colour…..

COURTESY : Mini Mahesh

NOTE : The said importance of the ingredients …….

Dry ginger (Chukku – in Malyalam) : Lowers cholesterol….. Helps to relieve diarrhoea, stomachache, flatulence, indigestion, etc.

Coriander seeds (Malli) : Helps in improving indigestion, flatulence, diarrhoea…… Controls bad cholesterol, blood sugar….. Assists digestion, etc.

Cloves (Grambu) : Heals tooth decay & bad breath …… Used for treating digestive & respiratory disorders, etc.

Cardamom (Elakka) : Aids digestion….. Cures digestive disorders, etc.

Sandalwood (Candanam) : Being a coolant, it is very useful in gastritis…… Relieves burning sensation in hands & feet……. Used as an antiseptic, etc.

Puncture vine (Njerinjil) : Used as diuretic, aphrodisiac…… Aids in relieving nerve disorders…. Soothes nerves….. Purifies blood….. Provides relief from acidity, constipation, etc.

Vetiver (Ramacham) : Used for making medicated drinking water which aids digestion….. Purifies blood….. Relieves excessive sweating……. Removes bad body odour …… Helps relieve stress, etc.

Mimosa catechu (Karingali) : Used for treatment of sore throat, diarrhoea, etc.

Sapanwood (Pathimukham) : Helps in quenching thirst….. Is antioxidant, antibacterial, diuretic….. Purifies blood….. Cures respiratory ailments, jaundice,etc.