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    Vela Karanj / वेल करंज / Indian Beech / Derris trifoliata

    Local Name: Vela Karanj / वेल करंज

    Common Name: Indian Beech

    Botanical Name: Derris trifoliata

    Status & Habitat

    • Habitat: Tree

    • Occurrence: Coasteal swamps, Backwaters, Mangroves

    • Season of Availability: Year-round

    • Geography: Up to 1200 feet from sea level; nearer to the coast; Sagar Kinara; humid areas

    • Method of Propagation: N/A

    • Part used for Propagation: N/A

    Edible Parts

    • Edible Parts: Leaves, bark, seeds

    • Can be Eaten Raw: Yes, in the suggested dosages. However it is suggested that one takes products formulated with the plant extract because Karanj on its own can be harsh.

    Method of Consumption

    • Raw: N/A

    • Ripe: N/A

    • Both Raw & Ripe: N/A

    • Dangerous Form to Consume: Karanj cakes are toxic for animal feeding.

    • As Food: N/A

    • As Medicine: Decoction of roots is used for treating fevers.

    • Cooking Method: Press the oil out of the Karanj seeds to make Karanj oil.
      Crush the Karanj leaves with water to make Karanj juice.

    • Preservation / Curing Technique: Artificial plant extracts can be made

    • Does Require Another Plants to be cooked together: No

    • Souring Agents Required: N/A


    Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

    • Nutritional Benefit: Cures lumps that may form in the body. Management of skin ailments. Reducing symptoms of piles and diabetes.

    • Medicinal Benefit: Decoction of roots is used for treating fevers.

    Tribal Wisdom

    • Tribal Wisdom: Rub the Karanj stem against teeth and gums to clean and strengthen them. Fruits were used as remedies for abdominal tumours.

    Recipes

    • Tribal Recipe: N/A