यो उष्ण प्रदेशमा ५-७ फिट अग्लो, ३-५ फिट त्रिभुजाकार पात, फलमा दाना रातो हुन्छ । यो तितो र मीठो दुई प्रकारमा हुन्छन् । मीठो मानकन्द सुपाच्य, पौष्टिक, मूत्रल, मृदुविरेचन, रक्तसङ्ग्राहक मानिन्छ । यसको कलिलो पात सागले पुरानो कब्जियत र अर्शमा हित गर्छ । यसको कन्द
Thulo Karkalo, known scientifically as Alocasia
macrorrhizos, is a large herbaceous plant native to tropical regions. It is
commonly cultivated in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania for its
ornamental, culinary, and medicinal uses. This plant, also called "Giant
Taro," grows well in warm, humid environments, often reaching heights of
5–7 feet, with its broad triangular leaves spanning 3–5 feet.
Introduction
Thulo Karkalo has significant cultural and practical
importance. Traditionally, it is grown as a food crop and used in various
herbal remedies. The plant is recognized for its starchy corms, edible when
properly cooked, and its ability to thrive in diverse conditions. However, the
plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if not
adequately prepared before consumption.
Characteristics
- Growth:
Upright perennial herb, growing up to 7 feet tall.
- Leaves:
Large, triangular, or heart-shaped with prominent veins.
- Corm:
Underground storage organ, rich in starch.
- Fruit:
Bright red berries when mature.
- Varieties:
Bitter and sweet types, with the sweet variety being more commonly used in
cooking and medicine.
Uses and Benefits
- Culinary:
- The
corm and young leaves are consumed as vegetables after thorough cooking
to neutralize toxins.
- Widely
used in traditional recipes like stews and curries in Nepal and
neighboring regions.
Medicinal:
- Sweet
varieties are considered digestive aids and mild laxatives,
useful for conditions like constipation.
- Leaves
are used as a remedy for piles (hemorrhoids) and old cases of
indigestion.
- Powdered
corm mixed with rice water (भातको
माड) is
beneficial for treating ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
Other Uses:
- In
tropical climates, the large leaves serve as temporary umbrellas during
heavy rains.
Advantages
- Nutritional
Value: High in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, providing
substantial energy.
- Medicinal
Versatility: Known for its detoxifying and therapeutic properties in
various traditional medical systems.
- Economic
Importance: Widely cultivated as a food crop and ornamental plant in
many tropical regions.
How to Use
- Preparation:
- Boil
or cook the corm and leaves thoroughly to neutralize calcium oxalate
crystals.
- Avoid
consuming raw parts of the plant to prevent irritation or toxicity.
- Medicinal
Usage:
- Use
powdered corm mixed with rice water for stomach ailments.
- Prepare
the leaves as a vegetable to alleviate constipation and hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
Thulo Karkalo (Alocasia macrorrhizos) is a remarkable
plant with multifaceted benefits. It offers nutritional, medicinal, and
cultural value, making it a staple in tropical regions. Proper preparation is
essential to unlock its health benefits and avoid potential irritants. This
plant serves as a fine example of the integration of traditional knowledge and
practical utility in human life
