About Arrowroot
About Arrowroots
Arrowroot is a large, perennial herb found in rainforest habitats. It is cultivated for a starch obtained from the rhizomes (rootstocks) which is used as a nutritious food as well as medicine. In ancient times South American tribals used arrowroot to draw out toxins in people shot with poison arrows, hence the name “Arrowroot”. The cultivation of arrowroot was propogated in British colonies.
Classification
Plants and rhizoms of Maranta aurundinaceae
Plants and rhizoms of Curcuma angustifolia
Plants and rhizoms of Curcuma leucorrhizza
Common Uses
Natural Energy Drink
It refreshes and nourishes the body. In summer it is an excellent drink for all with a nostalgic flavour. It refreshes and nourishes the body. In summer body needs more water and electrolytes like Sodium and Potassium due to excessive perspiration.When we drink plain water we miss electrolytes and it may cause muscle cramps due to Hyponatremia and muscle weakness due to hypokalemia. People who work outside become fatigue due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Arrowroot porridge contain all electrolytes and it will help to correct the shortage and so it is a natural drink suitable in summer days.
Home Made ORS
Arrowroot porridge is widely used in diarrhea and vomiting as Oral Rehydration Solution to correct water and electrolyte imbalance. It corrects dehydration and replenish nutrients lost through vomiting and diarrhea. it is an excellent source of potassium. It is used in acute and chronic diarrhea. Vomiting associated with abdominal pain, fever, and other illness. In viral Hepatitis Arrowroot porridge is advisable to correct dehydration due to repeated vomiting. In Lactose Intolerance, it plays two roles, ie as a substitute for breast milk and as ORS
Baby food
Arrowroot as an Infant Food:-Arrowroot powder is a soft food for infants.It is nutritious and easily digesting food for them. The gastro intestinal systems of children is very delicate and arrowroot which is a easily digesting food is very suitable for them Arrowroot has been used as an infant formula in place of breast milk or to help the baby adjust after weaning.Arrowroot powder mixed with water is cooled into a jelly ike substances that are used for weaning infants.In olden days it has been used traditionally as a supplementary food.
Reproductive system
Arrowroots cools and nourishes the body.The cooling effect of arrowroot is very important in preventing uro-genital infections.It reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and prostatitis in male and pelvic inflammatory disease in female.People who lives in warm atmosphere may complaints of decreased sperm counts and infertility. Arrowroots cools the body hence improves the quality and quantity of semen. Indigenous arrowroot is being used traditionally to improve sexual pleasure and sperm count.It has been used as an indigenous medicine in the treatment of infertility.
Urinary system
It cools the body, reduces urinary symptoms like burning micturition, dysuria etc. Arrowroot powder has cooling effects on the body. It is used in Urinary Tract infection and Renal Stones. It prevents the risk of stone formation and reduces the symptoms of Urinary tract infections like burning micturition, dysurea and frequency. Arrowroot is a good remedy for diarrhea and many gastrointestinal ailments. In diarrhea and vomiting it corrects water and electrolyte imbalance. So it can be used in acute and chronic diarrhea, Viral Hepatitis and other cases of dehydration.
Detoxification
Indigenous arrowroots,belonging to family gingiberacea is rich in curcumin which plays a key role in the process of detoxification. Detoxification is a function of liver to remove varius toxins from the blood. The common toxins are drugs, alcohol and colors and flavors of foodproducts etc..
Energy Booster
It is a rich source of calcium, potassium, manganese phosphorus etc. Arrowroot contain various vitamins and minerals. It is a natural food supplement used as an energy booster. Arrowroot is very good for children who play and dance for long time. It gives high energy to players and athletes. Arrowroot keeps the body cool,nourished and energetic.
For pregnant women
Arrowroot powder is a good supplement of vitamins and minerals for women during Pregnancy period. It reduces risk of urinary infection and constipation. Arrowroot is an excellent drink for vomiting during early months of pregnancy , as it contains more electrolytes,vitamins and minerals. Fresh roots indeed are good source of folates.
For bedridden patients
Arrowroot is a supplementary diet for bedridden patients and convalescents because it contains low calorie,high electrolyte, vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of potassium. Arrowroot contain dietary fibers and is very useful to regulate bowel movement bowel movement It is widely used as a medicine by people having dietary restrictions.
Preparation of Arrowroot Porridge.
Boil one cup of water and add one teaspoon of Arrowroot powder, after mixing with some plain water. Add a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes. Add some sugar and milk as necessary.
Arrowroot Recipes
Beware of fake products !
Arrowroot is a costly food product,so there is high possibility of adulteration. Cornflour is sold as “arrowroot” in many places, because it has the same nature ofarrowroot and it is very cheap.
How to identify : It is very difficult to differentiate.
Cornflour and Arrowroot. Mix the powder in one cup of water and allow to
sediment for some time. Arrowroot powder will sediment completely in the bottom of cup leavinga clear column of water.Cornflour will sediment but the remaining water will be cloudy.
Lab test : Arrowroot is identified from other powders by various laboratory methods. Microscopy is the important test. We can easily identify starch cells.
OUR VISION
Better health and wellbeing for all , now and for future generations.
OUR MISSION
To inspire healthier communities by connecting people to real food.
OUR VALUES
Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.