• Goonj / गुंज / Rosary Pea / Abrus precatorius L.
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Goonj / गुंज / Rosary Pea / Abrus precatorius L.

Local Name: Goonj / गुंज

Common Name: Rosary Pea

Botanical Name: Abrus precatorius L.

Goonj / गुंज / Rosary Pea / Abrus precatorius L.

Status & Habitat

  • Habitat: Climber

  • Occurrence: Undisturbed pinelands and hammocks; disturbed pastures and roadsides.

  • Season of Availability: Year-round

  • Geography: Asia and Australia

  • Method of Propagation: Roots

  • Part used for Propagation: Roots

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Leaves

  • Can be Eaten Raw: No

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: No

  • Ripe: No

  • Both Raw & Ripe: No

  • Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw plant

  • As Food: Leaves can be consumed via leaf tea; seeds consumed roasted.

  • As Medicine: Seeds help with hair growth and treating alopecia; seed powder paste helps relieve joint pains.

  • Cooking Method: Leaf tea made by boiling leaves in water; seeds roasted then used medicinally.

  • Preservation / Curing Technique: N/A

  • Does Require Another Plants to be cooked together: No

  • Souring Agents Required: N/A


Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: Rich in proteins.

  • Medicinal Benefit: Helps with hair growth and joint pains.

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Seeds help with hair growth and treating alopecia; seed powder paste helps relieve joint pains.

Recipes

  • Tribal Recipe: Mix seed powder with water to make a paste, then apply to areas of scalp affected by alopecia.