Hibiscus rosa- sinensis which is popularly known as hibiscus or shoe flower is an ornamental plant grown mainly in home gardens. It is a flowering plant belonging to Malvaceae family. Among many types of hibiscus grown in Sri Lanka, Pokuru Vada has a significant place in medicinal and culinary fields. Although all types of hibiscus are known in English by the same name, the one which is native to Indian subcontinent is locally known as Pokuru Vad aof which the flower has a cluster of petals and is deep red in colour. Pokuru Vadatree is grown upto several feet in height. The flower is edible and its extract is used in ethnomedicinein many countries including Sri Lanka for curing various diseases.
The flower is steeped in hot water to prepare tea and a drink which too is said to have many health benefits. The extract of the leaf, root and flower of Pokuru Vada tree are used in local medical stream in preparing medicine. Hence, people also call this Beheth Vada. Although this is perennial and flowers are bloomed year-round, the flowers can be dried and preserved for later use.
Medicinal uses
Pokuru Vada has been an effective ingredient in medicinal concoctions prepared in the local medical stream for curing ailments. Speaking to Sunday Observer local medical practitioner Dr. Palitha Sri Geegana Arachchige said that the Pokuru Vada flower decoction can be used for curing and preventing many illnesses andit has been used in Sri Lankan ethno medicine since ancient antiquity.As per Dr. Geegana Arachchige the flower of Pokuru Vada tree contains a high amount of iron.
Hence, the extract of the flower can be given for those with iron deficiency. “ Pokuru Vada flower decoction can increase the red blood cells. The decocted flower is used for treating Ratha Roga caused by vitiated blood. It also corrects deficiency of blood and purifies blood. It acts as a detoxifier. Therefore, the consumption of this decoction helps one to get a clearer and blemish free skin. That also is effective in curing various skin diseases” Dr. Geegana Arachchigea further stated that the flower extract can cure ailments in the urinary tract and treats inflammation. The medicinal properties contained in Pokuru Vada flower can also detoxify the liver to flush off all toxins in the body. Pokuru Vada decoction is used for curing diabetes as per ethnomedical practices in some countries such as Brazil. Dr, Geegana Arachchige said in agreement that the oral administration of Pokuru Vada extract are used in controlling and preventing diabetes in Sri Lankan folk medicine.
Culinary uses
The edible flower can be prepared as a curry or a fry. The flowers can also be consumed in the form of salad. The decocted flowers can be used as a natural dying agent by adding a few drops of lime or orange. A drastic transformation of colour occurs from maroon to bright red when an acid is added to the decoctedPokuru Vadaflowers.
Many dishes can be prepared by using this Pokuru Vada flower decoction. The decoction can be prepared by steeping Pokuru Vada flowers in boiling-hot water for 5-10 minutes (The flowers don’t necessarily have to be boiled to obtain the decoction). The flowers become yellowish and the water is changed to maroon colour. The same can be strained and consumed warm as a refreshing tea. Adding of a few drops of lime or orange juice does promptly change the colour of the decoction into bright red. This can also be consumed as a cool drink by adding a few cubes of ice or by refrigerating.
Following are the dishes that can be prepared using the Pokuru Vada flower decoction.
Pokuru Vada granita
In a container, combine Pokuru Vada decoction, sugar and orange juice. Freeze this for an hour. Then take it out from the refrigerator and break the ice with a fork. Repeat this for at least 5 times until you get ice crystals. Serve on top of sweet yoghurt.
Pokuru Vada Lassi
Take two or three fresh Pokuru Vada flowers. Wash them and remove petals. Combine youghurt (or curd), Pokuru Vada petals and sugar (or pure honey) in a blender. Blend until you get a creamy texture.
This Lassi tastes good when it is cold.
Pokuru Vada gruel
In a clay pot add coconut milk and bring to a boil. Add Pokuru Vada decoction and salt. Mix well and let it cook for five minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Serve warm.
Pokuru Vada porridge
In a clay pot add half a cup of rice flour. Into the same pot, add four cups of coconut milk (neither very thick nor very watery) and mix well until all the lumps are dissolved. Add sugar and cook under medium heat.
Stir constantly to avoid lumps. After bubbles start forming, add one cup of Pokuru Vada decoction and salt and cook for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat before the mixture gets thickened.
