Medicinal Benefits of Traditional Rice Varieties!

Publication Date: June 2018

India is home to over two hundred thousand traditional rice varieties, each with medicinal properties. These rice types are generally easy to digest, alleviate constipation, and strengthen the nerves. Here are some of the notable varieties and their health benefits:

1. Karunguruvai: Cures skin diseases and enhances yogic power.
2. Mappillai Samba: Rich in protein, fiber, and minerals; strengthens nerves and boosts male fertility when consumed as rice water.
3. Kattuyanam: Antioxidant properties make it a remedy for heart diseases and suitable for type 2 diabetics.
4. Annamazhagi: Sweet rice that soothes all bodily systems, reduces heat, and provides comfort.
5. Iluppaipoo Samba: Treats ailments caused by excessive heat, thirst, and related conditions.
6. Kavuni Rice: Commonly served at weddings, helps relieve heel pain when consumed as porridge.
7. Sivappu Kavuni Rice: Ideal for making sweets and dishes like idli, appam, and paniyaram; boosts immunity and promotes fetal health.
8. Salem Sanna: Recommended for pregnant women to ensure smooth childbirth and improve energy levels. Helps counteract dog bite venom.
9. Poongar Samba: Boosts lactation in breastfeeding mothers.
10. Kattuchamba Rice: Strengthens the immune system.
11. Senginikkar Rice: Suitable for patients recovering from illnesses, promotes overall health.
12. Panangkattuk Kudavaalai Rice: A staple for laborers, as it enhances strength and immunity.
13. Karudan Samba: Immunity booster, suitable for both main dishes and sweets.
14. Thanga Samba: Regular consumption enhances complexion and immunity.
15. Kallundaisamba: Strengthens the shoulders, providing power comparable to wrestlers, and improves verbal expression.
16. Kadaichamba: Treats fevers and improves strength and virility.
17. Kaalan Samba: Strengthens the body, alleviates certain types of arthritis, and promotes overall well-being.
18. Kichili Samba: Increases strength, energy, and overall vitality.
19. Kurunjamba: Cures bile issues, eliminates skin diseases, and enhances virility.
20. Kaivarai Samba: Provides strength and overall health, alleviates arthritis.
21. Seethabogam: Improves digestion, vitality, and enhances virility.
22. Punugu Samba: Provides tranquility, beauty, and strength.
23. Manakkattai: Cures all skin diseases and heals wounds.
24. Mani Samba: Reduces frequent urination; strengthens both children and the elderly.
25. Malligai Samba: Known for its delicious taste and provides strength and wellness; cures skin conditions and reduces body heat.
26. Milaguchamba: Stimulates appetite and cures arthritis and other ailments.
27. Mai Samba: Reduces heat and treats vomiting and inflammation.
28. Valaithadi Samba: Treats stomach bloating, indigestion, and skin conditions.
29. Vaalan Rice: Alleviates lethargy and weakness, enhancing beauty and body wellness.
30. Moongil Rice: Bamboo rice, produced every 40 years, strengthens the body and fights diseases.
31. Old Rice: Highly recommended for children and the elderly, as it cools the body and treats certain respiratory and digestive conditions.
32. Kaar Rice: Strengthens muscles and enhances physical appearance, leaving the skin smooth.
33. Kunduchamba: Relieves dry mouth but may cause skin conditions.
34. Kundrumani Samba: Boosts virility and strengthens the body.
35. Seeraga Samba: Sweet-tasting, it aids digestion and strengthens immunity.
36. Korai Samba: Cools the body, alleviates heat-related issues, and regulates excessive urination.
37. Eerku Samba: Delicious and improves eyesight.
38. Thooyamalli Rice: Known for its pearly white appearance and contains all the beneficial properties people seek in rice, including boosting immunity.

Dr. M. Vimalarani, Dr. K. Velmurugan, Agricultural Science Center, Kattupakkam, Kanchipuram – 603 203.