Our ancestors lived in close harmony with nature, harnessing the power of indigenous plants to maintain health and wellness. One such plant is Pirandai, also known as Adamant Creeper or Cissus quadrangularis. While various types of Pirandai exist, including Muppirandai and Sem Pirandai, this blog focuses on a special variety – Pen Pirandai (Female Pirandai), as described in the insightful video by Gnana Sundarapandiyan on Nanmai TV.
Understanding Pen Pirandai
Pen Pirandai, though structurally similar to the Aan (male) variety, differs in its partition structure. Unlike the male variant with long partitions, Pen Pirandai has short and compact segments, closely resembling bamboo nodes. This structural difference is more than cosmetic – it influences the plant’s medicinal impact on the body.
Heat vs. Cool Energy
According to traditional knowledge, long-partitioned Aan Pirandai tends to produce heat in the body, while Pen Pirandai’s short partitions bring a cooling effect. This makes Pen Pirandai an ideal remedy for ailments caused by excess body heat, including heat-induced headaches, gastric issues, and certain inflammatory conditions.
How to Identify and Harvest
Not all parts of the Pen Pirandai plant are meant for consumption. To safely harness its medicinal properties:
- Use only the newly grown two nodes (partitions)
- Avoid mature or old stems, as they contain higher acid content, which may cause throat irritation
- Not recommended for children or elderly people without proper preparation
Method of Consumption
Traditionally, Pen Pirandai is made into “Thogayal” (a type of chutney) which is easy to prepare and consume. Proper cleaning and minimal cooking are required to remove the raw acidity.
Health Benefits of Pen Pirandai
Cools the body – Ideal for summer-related or heat-induced problems
Relieves Nausea – Especially effective during pregnancy or digestion issues
Stops Continuous Hiccups – Acts as a natural soothing agent
Controls Excessive Burping – Aids in reducing gas and indigestion
Improves Gut Health – Supports the digestive tract by reducing inflammation
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Growing Pen Pirandai at home serves a dual purpose: it improves your personal health and supports a disease-free environment. These creepers are easy to cultivate, require minimal care, and thrive even in semi-arid or dry conditions.
Traditional Knowledge and Awareness
Gnana Sundarapandiyan emphasizes that while we’ve made significant progress in modern medicine, we often overlook the time-tested herbal knowledge passed down by our ancestors. Plants like Pen Pirandai are not just remedies; they’re part of a larger ecosystem of healing that we must preserve and promote.
Key Takeaways
- Pen Pirandai is a medicinal variety of Cissus quadrangularis with a cooling effect on the body.
- Only the young portions (2 nodes) should be consumed to avoid acidity and irritation.
- Best consumed as Thogayal to treat nausea, hiccups, and digestive issues.
- Not advisable for children and the elderly in raw or unprepared forms.
- Grow this plant in your surroundings to support natural health and sustainability.
The wisdom embedded in our traditional practices and native herbs like Pen Pirandai should not be forgotten. Instead of depending solely on synthetic medicines, we can start small by growing these herbs at home and understanding their benefits. As Gnana Sundarapandiyan highlights, reconnecting with nature is the first step toward true well-being.
Let us rediscover these ancient herbs and make them part of our everyday life once again.
