GOOSEBERRY

GOOSEBERRY               10-01-26

Before looking into the credentials of gooseberry, I post 2 responses to the write-up on mustard. The two are presented with a purpose , laid out at a  later segment of the lead passage.

"கடுகு இல்லாமல் கறியமுது இல்லை "-டா க்டர். கே.  வெங்கடராமன் – The Vaishnavite terminology KARIYAMUDHU stands for Vegetable –based side dishes, [is a clarification just to make it comfortable for those unfamiliar with the term]. 

A detailed response is appended here:

 “Another absorbing piece on the herb [mustard].That it shares affinity with cabbage and radish is an interesting information. No doubt all varieties of pickles have an overpowering taste of mustard oil, perhaps an exception being, lime/ lemon pickle.

It is indeed a belated awakening [to me] that this tiny herb is rich in vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and calcium. Expecting more articles on Ethno Botany”. 

The piece is from Dr. Kannan, HOD[retd] [Sociology, MK University] –a well-known writer who articulates too well to go unnoticed. My placing the responses here is an honest way of seeking solace that at least a couple of our viewers do deem it fit to respond by writing. That I too sustain efforts for writing stands on the strength of such responses by noted personalities on the academic arena.  My bringing  their opinion here is driven by an imaginary hope that it may enthuse at least a few  ‘doubting Thomas’ minds to come out writing.

Above all, readers please bestow attention on to the style of writing in English as seen from Dr. KANNAN and the one in Tamil from Dr. K.VENKATARAMAN [HOD [retd] Zoology , The Madura College, Madurai] I thank both these Professors for their ‘responsive’ orientation.   Another person deserving my thankful appreciation is Mr. Asahok @ Parthasarathy who never fails to record his response EVERY DAY without fail. Thank you Mr. Ashok.

GOOSEBERRY                              

[Tamil,Malayalam,Kannada = Nellikkai, Telugu = usiri, Hindi= Amla]

Gooseberry may not raise ‘Goosebumps’. But, certainly it is  a grand fruit by its versatile relevance for human health.

Goose berry  is  botanically named Phyllanthus emblica [Emblica officinalis]. The plant is a tree growing to about 7 or 8 feet high , typical by its tiny  leaves among which fruits are formed all along the leafy branches.

Gooseberry  has had a long historic association with civilizations. The fruits are used as pickle, as blood purifier and as hair tonic in specially prepared oils popular as ‘AMLA OIL’ [Nellikkai thailam]

Small logs of   Gooseberry tree are used to cleanse well water by leaving the wood in such wells.  Gradually the brackishness  is cleansed and water is   rendered fit for use.

Obviously, the fruits of Gooseberry have constituents that confer such properties on to them  Fruits are rich in Vitamin-C [Ascorbic acid] . The bitter-sour taste of the fruit is due to the polyphenols or their versions. These include Ellagitannins, [Emblicanins A and B together accounting for about 70% and several other polyphenols of varying proportions.

The ‘Ayurvedic preparation “TRIPHALA” has  fruit pulp of gooseberry as an important ingredient.

Thus, gooseberry is an integral item for supporting  human life .

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