How wonderful it is to be in the midst of nature and have the reassurance that you are in safe hands because Mother Nature provides curative, healthy and medicinal properties that will heal you of all your ailments… Well, in Sri Lanka there are thousands of plants that will come to your rescue, in need of a medical emergency. These herbs have been tried and true for generations and we hope you find this information useful on your trip to the beautiful island. The ones on this list are amazing additions to your daily meals, and you could incorporate it into your diets, to maximize the health benefits.
Hathawariya:
A local version of the beloved Asparagus globally recognized for its health properties, Hathawariya goes under the scientific name of Asparagus racemosus. It is an armed, climbing undershrub with woody terete stems, and young delicate stems. The flowers are white, fragrant and simply beautiful in a charming war. The roots of Hathwariya are bitter, with a hint of earthy sweetness and have cooling and emollient properties. The plant is known to help with nervous disorders, diarrhea, inflammations, burning sensations, cold and coughs as well as fatigue. It is best enjoyed in the form of Kola Kanda, which is a porridge.
Welpenela:
Welpenela is known as Winter Cherry in english, and is scientifically classified as Cardiospermum halicacabum. It has a distinct balloon shape, and will satisfy the whimsy in you if you are a plant enthusiast. Like Hathwariya, this is also usually consumed as porridge, at breakfast time. It is a well-reputed aphrodisiac, and improves vigor. It is also great for your skin and does wonders on gut health, and neurological disorders.
Gotu Kola:
Pegged as the herb of longevity, gotu kola has been all the rage for the past hundred generations in Sri Lanka. It’s used a lot in ayurvedic medicine for its curative properties. It goes under the scientific classification of Centella asiatica. If you grew up in Sri Lanka and wasn’t forced to eat gotu kola mallum by your maternal figures, did you ever really live? This sweet, herbal deliciousness is well known for its health properties such as the capability to improve cognitive function, treat Alzheimer’s disease, and even reduce stress levels and anxiety. It alleviates symptoms of depression and insomnia while giving you perfectly smooth skin. All the reasons and more as to why you should make sambol, juice or even porridge out of this miraculous herb.
Kathurumurunga:
Known as Ceylon Scarlet Wisteria, Kathurumurunga belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Asia and is widespread in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This fast-growing tree is commonly found in the backyard of many Sri Lankan households and boasts many parts of the tree that are used in traditional cuisine. The flower is used in curries as well as sambol, the leaves are fragrant and make for delicious sambal and go well with crab curries (just as well as Moringa does). The leaves are used as a cure for fever, sinus, and respiratory problems. You can even enjoy it as a delicious tea which has antibiotic properties.
Kiri Anguna:
Kiri Aguna Kola or scientifically called as Tylophora pauciflora is a kind of leaf which is also edible and is the perfect addition of green around your lunch table. It can be a mallum, salad or even a stir-fry, edible leaves play a major role in Sri Lankan cuisine. Kiri Aguna kola is popular as a healthy leaf which is also good for many ailments and conditions including diabetic. Use your favorite salad ingredients and condiments to make your own version of a kiri anguna salad at home. It’s an acquired taste, but you’ll get there.
Kowakka:
Also known as Ivy Gourd, or from its scientific name Coccinia grandis. You can find these plants in the woodland, forest borders and clearings, sea level to 800metres or more. It may help in the prevention or treatment of a diverse range of health conditions, from diabetes and high cholesterol to high blood pressure and obesity. You can enjoy it in the form of sitrfry or a mallum with your rice and curries.
Photos sourced from Forest and Kim Starr
