Nalleru (నల్లేరు) in Telugu refers to the plant Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as:
- Hadjod (Hindi)
- Veldt grape (English)
- Asthisamhara (Sanskrit – meaning “bone joiner”)
- Pirandai (Tamil)
- Harjor (North India)
🌿 Nalleru (Cissus quadrangularis) – Overview
It is a succulent, vine-like plant commonly grown on fences or wild in rural India. In Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine, it is highly valued for bone healing, joint pain, digestion, and metabolic health.
✅ Top Health Benefits of Nalleru
1. 🦴 Bone Healing & Fracture Recovery
- Speeds up healing of fractures, sprains, and joint injuries.
- Increases osteoblast activity (bone-forming cells).
- Often given with milk or in herbal oils during bone injury recovery.
- Used in Ayurvedic bone tonic: Asthisamhara rasayana.
2. 🤕 Arthritis & Joint Pain
- Reduces joint inflammation and stiffness.
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic.
- Helps in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and back pain.
3. 🧬 Weight Loss & Metabolic Health
- Promotes fat metabolism and reduces abdominal fat.
- Some modern studies suggest anti-obesity effects.
- Traditionally used to improve digestion and detoxification.
4. 🩸 Menstrual & Reproductive Health
- Helps regulate irregular periods.
- In folk medicine, sometimes used for postpartum uterine toning.
5. 🌿 Gastrointestinal Support
- Treats indigestion, gas, ulcers, and loss of appetite.
- The juice or chutney is a common remedy for acidity and gut inflammation.
6. 🦷 Teeth and Gums
- Chewing the stem helps with gum bleeding, toothache, and oral infections.
🧪 Nutritional & Phytochemical Content
| Compound | Function |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant, supports healing |
| Calcium | Bone strength |
| Beta-sitosterol | Anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering |
| Ketosteroids | Promote bone growth |
| Carotenoids | Antioxidant |
| Resveratrol | Anti-aging, heart-protective |
🍽️ How to Use Nalleru
🔸 1. Chutney (Thokku / Pachadi)
- Steam tender stems, grind with tamarind, green chili, garlic, and salt.
- Eat in small amounts with rice to treat digestion and joint issues.
🔸 2. Juice
- Crush stem and filter juice.
- Take 10–15 ml daily with warm water or buttermilk.
🔸 3. External Application
- Stem paste mixed with turmeric and lime can be applied to swelling or sprains.
⚠️ Precautions
- Raw stem may irritate the throat; always cook/boil or add tamarind.
- Avoid during pregnancy (uterine stimulant effect).
- Use small quantities if trying it the first time.
- Too much can cause mild laxative effect.
Would you like:
- A traditional chutney recipe for Nalleru?
- Or a medicated oil preparation method for bone pain and swelling?