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राणिनां पुनर्मूलामाहरो बलवर्णौजसां च।। (Sam. Su 46/3)

Food is the source of all living beings’ strength, complexion, and life.

Rice’s significance in Indian history and culture

Rice is mentioned in the Vedas, notably the Yajurveda and the Rigveda. Rice is an essential ingredient of many Indian rituals because of its life-giving characteristics, and it represents prosperity, fertility, and abundance. Many Indian festivities, such as Onam, Pongal, and Bihu, fall around the rice harvest season. Offering rice to deities and rituals such as throwing rice over a married couple represent good fortune and luck, while the first feed of a newborn is prepared by boiling rice in milk, demonstrating the importance of rice in Indian culture.

Rice, a monocot, is the primary meal of about half of the world’s population. Rice production is said to have begun around 6500 years ago, and there are two domesticated and approximately twenty-two wild types accessible. Rice is found in warm, tropical, and aquatic environments and, depending on the variety, provides a variety of energy, fibre, protein, and minerals. It is the world’s most grown grain.

Rice in Ayurvedic medicine

Numerous rice types are listed in ancient Ayurvedic books under the category of Suka dhaanya, which is further classified as Sali and Vrihi. Sastika rice, also known as Njavara, is regarded the greatest among Vrihi Dhanyas, according to the famous scripture Ashtanga hridaya:   

“षष्टिको व्रीहिषु श्रेष्ठो ।”  Chapter 6 of the Ashtangahrdayam Sutram.

It is thought that Njavara grown in higher elevations has more potent powers.

Njavara was recently granted geographical indicator status and has been cultivated for more than 2000 years for its great health advantages.

Sastika rice

Sashti means sixty in Sanskrit, indicating the short maturation period of Sastika rice, which is sixty days. Because of its unusual therapeutic powers, it is known as Njavara in Dravidian languages and is grown primarily in Kerala. Njavara rice is an unpolished type that is mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures as being unctuous, sweet in taste, cold in potency, easily digested, stimulating, pacifying all three dosas, and offering stability. Farmers frequently compare Njavara to gold since it is so unusual.

    स्निग्धो ग्राही गुरुः स्वादुस्त्रिदोशघ्न: स्थिरो हिमः ।

    षष्टिको व्रीहिषु श्रेष्ठो गौरश्चासितगौरत: ।। (Hri. Su. 6/6)

Sastika is classified into two types: white and blackish white. The white version is considered preferable. Njavara has been used traditionally in numerous forms for its proven health advantages, and it is well-known for its usage in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases and auto-immune disorders. During the Karikadaka season, Ayurveda’s particular monsoon therapy to renew the body, rice gruel made of Njavara rice and fortified with a mixture of herbs known as Karkidaka kanji or Marunnu kanji is used to promote vigour and immunity against monsoon diseases. It is nourishing and easily digestible, and it is an essential part of monsoon therapy since it aids in the cleansing process. Sastika tailam, which is derived from the bran of Njavara rice, is effective in neurological diseases and muscular wasting.

Njavara rice is more expensive since it is a low yield crop that is often grown in extremely limited regions. It is called as ‘gold with fragrance’ because of its restricted availability and excellent benefits, which can bring a significant price for farmers.

Njavara rice’s health advantages

•     Njavara rice gruel produced with milk aids in breastfeeding.
•     Good weaning food for newborns, particularly those with low birth weight, as it aids in weight gain.
•     Also known as the rice that heals because it heals internal wounds.
•     Psoriasis and skin lesions can be treated with Njavara rice paste.
•     Njavara, which is high in Vitamin C, also strengthens the immune system.
•     Antioxidants abundant
•     In comparison to other rice cultivars, it is high in protein and fibre content. As a result, it improves digestion.
•     It is high in flavonoids and oryzanol, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ayurvedic applications of Njavara

Njavara rice is used in two key Ayurvedic procedures: Njavara kizhi and Njavara theppu. Njavara rice is knotted into boluses after being cooked in medicinal decoction and cow’s milk. These boluses are kept at an appropriate temperature by being repeatedly dipped in a hot mixture of herbal decoction and milk before being gently massaged over the body. Njavara theppu is a variation of Njavara kizhi for the elderly and children who cannot tolerate high temperatures, in which rice paste cooked with a herbal decoction is directly applied to the skin and massaged in a certain manner. Both of these procedures are incredibly renewing, improve the skin, quiet the senses, and aid with neurological problems and arthritic relief.

Njavara Rice Paal Kanji (Rice Gruel) Recipe

Ingredients:

    12 cup Njavara rice-12 cup milk-12 cup water-3 cups

    salt – to taste

    1 tbsp grated coconut 12 tsp cumin seeds

Procedure:

    Soak the rice for about 30 minutes after washing it.

    In a pressure cooker, drain the rice and add three cups of water.

    Pressure Cook for three whistles and five minutes.

    When the pressure is released, open the cooker and lightly toss and mash the rice.

    Add the milk and continue to boil until the appropriate thickness is achieved.

    Roast the cumin seeds and grated coconut till fragrant.

    Mix in the coconut-cumin mixture and season with salt to taste.

    Serve with green gramme (Cherupayar thoran) on the side.

FAQ’s

1. Is Njavara rice similar to red rice?

Yes. Njavara rice, also known as Navara rice, is the same as red rice.

Njavara rice, which is typically grown in Kerala, is widely renowned for its numerous health advantages. Njavara rice is even mentioned in ancient texts such as the Vedas.

Navara rice benefits include providing a significant amount of nutrition for newborns and assisting them in maintaining a healthy weight after they have done nursing. 

2. Is Njavara rice healthy for diabetics?  

While no clear research have been conducted to determine whether Njavara rice aids in diabetic therapy, a broth produced from it is safe for diabetic individuals to ingest.

The Glycemic Index is used to determine how much rice diabetics can ingest. To explain, the greater the Glycemic Index of rice, the faster blood sugar levels rise, which is harmful to diabetics.

While regular white rice has a Glycemic Index of roughly 75, Njavara rice has a Glycemic Index of closer to 60, making it suitable for diabetics to ingest.

3. Is Njavara rice safe to eat on a daily basis?

If you’re wondering what Kwath is in Ayurveda, or Kwath powder in specifically, they’re Ayurvedic herbal powders packed with the goodness of herbs. This powder is used to make Kwath or Kashayam, which is commonly taken internally to treat numerous health issues, improve digestion, and boost immunity.

4. Is Njavara rice safe for infants?  

Absolutely. Porridge or kanji produced from Njavara rice is exceptionally helpful for newborns, particularly during the weaning phase.

It is not only nourishing, but it also aids underweight newborns. Njavara rice is also good for newborns because it contains iron. Finally, because it has a low Glycemic Index, it takes longer to digest and might keep the baby’s tummy full for a longer amount of time.

5. Which type of rice is the healthiest?

There are three types of rice that are believed to be the healthiest.

Brown rice (aids in the management of diabetes, blood sugar levels, metabolism, and weight)

Black rice (aids in the treatment of specific cancer variations)

Red rice or Njavara rice (aids in the treatment of heart disease, decreases inflammation, and boosts immunity)

Each of these rice varieties contains a distinct mix of nutrients that benefit the body in a variety of ways. These specified forms of rice have various benefits and are the healthiest, whether it is healing sicknesses or bringing about a balance to nutrition and health. 

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Know more about Ayurveda Diabetes Reversal.