Kanavalai

🌿 Botanical Name:  Commelina benghalensis 

🌿Herbal Uses of Kanavalai

1. Respiratory Health

   • Expectorant: Helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract and treat respiratory infections.

   • Cough Relief: Used for persistent coughs, especially those caused by colds, bronchitis, or asthma.

   • Asthma: Can help in managing asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving airflow.
     
     

2. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief

   • Arthritis: Known to alleviate joint inflammation and pain related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

   • Muscle Pain: Provides relief from muscle pain and stiffness, potentially helping with post-workout soreness.
     
     

3. Digestive Health

   • Stomach Soother: Aids in digestion and alleviates issues like indigestion and bloating.

   • Appetite Stimulant: Promotes appetite and relieves symptoms of nausea.
     
     

4. Fever Reduction

   • Antipyretic: Used as a natural remedy to reduce fever, often when combined with other herbs.

   • Sweat-inducing: Promotes sweating, which helps in breaking fevers.
     
     

5. Anti-Microbial and Antioxidant Properties

   • Antibacterial & Antifungal: Kanavalai has mild antimicrobial properties, often used for treating minor infections.

   • Antioxidant: Contains compounds that may help neutralize free radicals in the body, potentially reducing oxidative stress.
     
     

6. Detoxification

   • Liver Health: Known to support liver function and may assist in detoxifying the body.
     
     

7. Menstrual Health

   • Pain Relief: Helps in reducing menstrual cramps and improving menstrual cycle regularity.
     
     

8. Wound Healing

   • Topical Use: Can be used externally for treating minor wounds and cuts due to its antiseptic properties.

🌱Plant Description

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Height: 2 to 4 feet (60–120 cm)

• Structure: Upright growth habit with a woody base, branching stems.

• Leaves: Broad, ovate, and lance-shaped with a dark green color, and a slightly fuzzy texture.

• Flowers: Small, purple or violet, with a star-shaped arrangement.

• Fruits: Small, green or yellow berries that turn orange when ripe (although it is rare for this plant to fruit in cultivation).

🌱Propagation

• By Seeds or Cuttings: Kanavalai can be propagated from seeds or by taking stem cuttings that root easily in moist soil.

🗓️Harvest Time

• Typically harvested 8–12 months after planting. The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant, but the berries can be harvested when ripe. The plant is typically harvested during the dry season.