Importance of having seasonal leafy vegetables during Bohag Bihu

Northeast India has been endowed with a typically exceptional environmental and geographical topography in comparison to the other states of India. 

Spring, the season of new beginnings, renewal and rejuvenation. Spring, also marks the dawn of the Assamese New Year and the Rongali Bihu (Bohag Bihu), the vital lifeline of the Assamese community worldwide. 

Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu is the festival of joy for the people of Assam. The fascinating embrace of the spring season makes the environment blossom with various shades of green and everything around it full of life and bloom. It also increases the medicinal value of various nutritional leafy plants and vegetables four-fold. 

Certain traditions of Bihu followed by our ancestors are said to help in keeping people healthy and shield themselves from diseases.  Especially, the tradition of having 101 different kind of plants and herbs on the first day of Bohag Bihu (also known as Goru Bihu) is healthy and scientifically proven. 

According to our age-old ancestors, people are supposed to have 101 different varieties of green leafy vegetables which are known to boost one's health. This special recipe consists of various medicinal values, which are absolutely good for health. The reason behind was solely to prevent everyone from diseases throughout the year and to ensure longitivtiy. 

Seasonal diseases mostly tend to occur in the spring season. During this period of change of season, the air around us contains various disease causing germs. Therefore, consuming medicinal plants and vegetables prevent us from falling ill and becoming sick. 

Each medical plant is unique in its medicinal and nutritional value. Some of them might act as a natural Vitamin, whereas some may enhance immunity and some may even act as a Natural Antibiotic. 

Nowadays procuring 101 different species of plants or herbs is not an easy task even at this age where everything is delivered to our doorstep at the click of a button. Hence people settle to consuming the basic 7 of them. However, the nutrition rich recipe never fails to being delicious.

Some of the easily available medicinal plants that are known to improve overall human health and their nutritional benefits are listed below:

1. Curry leaves/ Narasingha Pat

The rich aromatic scent of curry leaves can make any dish super tasty. Curry leaves, rich in several Vitamins and nutrients are good for treating diarrhoea/dysentery, diabetes, liver problems and also strengthening weakened body. 

2. Skunk vine / Bhedailota

Skunk Vine or Bhedailota is known to have medicinal properties to treat stomach ailments, gastric problems, nerve related problems and even rheumatic pains. Skunk vine is also helpful in increasing appetite. 

3. Sessile joy weed / Matikaduri

An aquatic weed, known to be beneficial in treating urinary tract infection, diabetes, piles, nerve disorders, night blindness, and jaundice.

4. Asiatic pennywort / Manimuni

Mostly found in backyards, ponds, and wetlands this medicinal plant is power-packed with many health benefits. They are helpful in treating stomach ulcers and UTIs, coughs, and other respiratory disorders. It is good for boosting memory and heals cuts and wounds.

5. Leucas plant / Durun Bon

It is known to be an effective remedy for cough and cold,  tonsillitis, fever, and loss of appetite.

6. White goosefoot / Jilmil Shak 

This delicious medicinal plant is helpful for people with Anaemia, Kidney stones, and constipation.

7. Amaranth / Moricha Shak

Rich in Vitamins, minerals and fiber this medicinal plant helps  control diabetes, helps in improving digestion, and it also contains anti-carcinogenic properties along with lowering cholesterol and boosting the immune system