Kirati (ಕಿರಾತಿ) or Nelabevu

Kirati or Kiratha kaddi or Nelabevu (kala megh in Hindi) is a small herb usually grown in garden as decorative plants in the edges. Since long back only, we had this plant in our garden (at my native). It was told that the plant is useful for worms and Kashaya made of this plant was being used in our home. However detail use of other uses is very interesting. 

Being a potent Siddha and Ayurvedic herb, Nelabevu is widely used in almost all ayurvedic formulations that are directed towards shielding the immune system and getting rid of harmful toxins. Apart from alleviating different types of infectious fever, the bitter herb also provides a traditional remedy for improving physical debility or fatigue, promoting liver functions, enhancing appetite, boosting digestion, improving metabolism and stimulating kidney functions.

You can just appreciate the  useful property of this when you come to know that there are many herbal product of the plant  like juice, dry power, tablet and even capsules are available in the market.  Other surprising thing to me is the article in wikipedia. Here is the text from Wikipedia

"Amid flareup of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in December 2020 in Thailand, the country’s health ministry had approved the usage of the plant extract for a pilot and alternative treatment program for early stages of the coronavirus infection to reduce the severity of the outbreak and cut treatment costs. The treatment was initially made available in five state-owned hospital on a voluntary basis for those in the age group of 18 to 60 years old with minor symptoms and should be within 72 hours of confirmed infections. The ministry cited that the plant extract can curb virus and reduce severity of inflammation, of which at the time, human trials showed patient conditions improved within three days of the treatment without side effects if the medicine is administered within the said confirmed infections hours.".

https://www.netmeds.com/ gives details of preparation methods of Kashayam and Churna. Also it gives the treatement of different diseases like Chikungunya, Dengue, Malaria, Influenza, Liver Problems. There are other uses of the herb including heart problems, respiratory problems, ulcers, immunity building, diabities, arthitis etc. 

Black pepper

 Black pepper 

Black pepper is very familiar as spice as well as  for medicinal use. Black Pepper is a main ingredient  in ayurvedic  Kashaya, ( a healthy  medicinal drink very famous in coastal karnataka and malanadu region). Pepper became an important article of overland trade between India and Europe and often served as a medium of exchange.

In malanadu region of Karnataka, pepper is grown as side crop in areca nut form. But it is also a commercial  crop there. Its a climber takes support  of trees. However  there is a other variety...which grows as Bush and can be grown in garden pots. 2 years ago I brought 2 bush pepper plants. They started giving  pepper enough for ourselves. But due to my carelessness we lost it. Both the plants were dried when I forgot to water them. Now my pots are waiting for some more Bush pepper  plants. 

Kaki soppu or Black nightshade

Kaake Soppu, also known as Ganike Soppu in Kannada, is a medicinal plant which is not familiar to many people. Scientific name for this plant is Solanum Nigrum (Black Nightshade). It is a familiar  plant for me since childhood due to its use to prepare chutney or tambli which is very useful medicine for mouth ulcer. Leaves of this plant are also used as a good remedy for cold, cough and stomach related problems. Kids love to eat the small, black colored fruits of this plant.

Sanskrit name  of this plant  is Kakamachi and also listed as medicinal plant is Ayurveda. 

Ganike/ kaake soppu and its fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. It consists of calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin A, B and C.

Uses: Heart disease (with leg and foot swelling),skin diseases, fruit for edema hemorrhoids, gonorrhea, inflammatory swellings, enlarged spleen and liver, fevers, promotes perspiration, cough.External—painful, swollen testicles; poultice forrheumatic and gouty joints.