Malabar Spinach Scientific Name
Basella alba
Malabar Spinach Other Names
English: Ceylon Spinach, Malabar Spinach, Red Malabar Spinach
Hindi: Poi
German: Malabar Spinat
French: L’épinard de Malabar
Spanish: Espinaca de Malabar
Latin: Spinach Malabar
What is Malabar Spinach?
Malabar Spinach, scientifically referred to as Basella alba, is a vegetable that originated in tropical Asia, specifically Indonesia or Sri Lanka and India. Malabar Spinach grows quickly and has a soft vine-like stem. At its maximum, it can be up to 10 feet long; however, it tends to be smaller in gardens. Its leaves are dark green, ovalular, glossy and thick. The Malabar Spinach leaves hold a mild and slightly peppery flavor. The leaves may be eaten raw, often mixed in a green salad, and steamed or boiled to be used like cooked spinach. In Ayurveda, it works to purify the blood, strengthen the body, treat cardiovascular diseases, and provide a variety of nutrients.
Common forms of Malabar Spinach
Whole, Seeds, Leaves
Malabar Spinach is commonly used for:
- Strengthening core
- Purifying blood
- Rejuvenating sexual desire
- Treating mouth ulcers
- Healing wounds
- Minimizing inflammation
- Treating hives
- Treating anemia
- Treating malnutrition
- Treating insomnia
- Healing cracked feet
- Treating piles
- Treating bleeding disorders
Malabar Spinach Dosage
Due to a lack of scientific research, there is no clear dosage for Malabar Spinach.
Malabar Spinach Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: It contains a high amount of oxalate, that can bind with calcium and iron and cause your body to absorb less important nutrients temporarily.
Not so common side-effects: Not known.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Malabar Spinach contains folate, also known as vitamin B9, which ensures normal development of the baby’s nervous system.
Children: Not known.
Warning:
Consuming an excessive amount of Malabar Spinach may be harmful.