Indigenous knowledge of the traditional and qualified ayurveda practitioners on the nutritional significance and use of red rice in medications

Abstract

Red rice <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Rakthashali </i>(with red husk and grain) is the native staple food of Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) and Kasaragod (Kerala) district. A study was conducted to collect and document information from the traditional and qualified practitioners on the use of red rice in various medications and therapies to find its applicability as a functional food especially in promoting lactation. Red rice was found beneficial to health in terms of its nutritional significance and its applicability in various medications like in allergies, skin ailments, uterus related problems, nerve disorders, gastro-intestinal problems, liver, kidney disorders, fever, infections and in promoting lactation.