Home › Catalogue › Taro (Arbi / Manaka)
Taro (Arbi / Manaka)
Colocasia esculenta
ସାରୁ (Saru)अरबी (Arbi)Manaka
- Family
- Araceae
- Origin
- Southeast Asia & Indian subcontinent
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Habitat
- Both
About the Plant
Stout perennial tuberous aquatic herb; massive peltate cordate long-petioled leaves with velvet coating, and yellow spathe surrounding spadix.
Traditional Uses
Internal hemorrhage, stomatitis, hair fall, and body ache
Parts Used
Tubers, leaves, petioles
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Madhura, Kashaya
- Guna: Guru, Snigdha
- Virya: Sheeta
- Vipaka: Madhura
Health Benefits
- Rich in potassium and micronutrients, soothes digestive tract, and treats hemorrhoids
Precautions
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate raphides; cause intense throat itching unless cooked with acid (tamarind)
Interesting Facts
Giant leaves possess extraordinary water-repelling hydrophobic microstructures ('Lotus effect')