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Purple Yam (Ratalu / Pindalu) - Tree / Plant
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Purple Yam (Ratalu / Pindalu)

Dioscorea alata

ଖମ୍ବ ଆଳୁ (Khamba Alu)रतालू (Ratalu)Pindalu
Family
Dioscoreaceae
Origin
Southeast Asia
Plant Type
Climber
Habitat
Outdoor

About the Plant

Vigorous climbing twining herbaceous vine with winged quadrangular stems; opposite large cordate-sagittate leaves, and underground large starchy purple-fleshed tubers.

Traditional Uses

General emaciation, piles, bleeding disorders, and physical weakness

Parts Used

Underground tuberous rhizome

Ayurvedic Properties

  • Rasa: Madhura
  • Guna: Guru, Snigdha
  • Virya: Sheeta
  • Vipaka: Madhura

Health Benefits

  • Provides abundant prebiotic dietary fiber, regulates gut transit, and builds physical strength

Precautions

Must be peeled and thoroughly cooked to break down insoluble calcium oxalate raphides

Interesting Facts

Cultivated extensively across the tropics as a premier starchy staple root and vegetable