🌿 Greens Power Series – Part 2

 

Mudakathan Keerai (Balloon Vine) – The Natural Healer for Joint Pain & Inflammation

                                                        By Saranya | Dietician | Nutrition Educator | Diabetes Educator |

    

    In the first part of our Greens Power Series, we explored the power of Amaranth greens. Continuing this journey of traditional wisdom, today we are looking at a green that our grandparents valued deeply for joint health and body pain. This humble creeper, often growing wild along fences and fields, is Mudakathan Keerai.

In Tamil homes, there is a saying:
“Mudakku + aruthaan = Mudakathan”
That which relieves joint stiffness.

🌿 What is Mudakathan Keerai?

• Tamil: Mudakathan Keerai

• English: Balloon Vine

• Botanical name: Cardiospermum halicacabum

It is a traditional medicinal green widely used in Siddha and folk practices, especially for arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation.

🦴 Why Mudakathan Keerai is Special?

    Unlike many greens known mainly for vitamins and minerals, Mudakathan is known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It works more like a natural functional food than just a vegetable.

✅ Health Benefits of Mudakathan Keerai

1️⃣ Relieves Joint Pain and Stiffness

Mudakathan is famous for:

• Knee pain

• Shoulder pain

• Arthritis

• Joint stiffness in elderly

Regular intake helps reduce inflammation in joints naturally.

2️⃣ Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Green

Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many problems:

• Arthritis

• Autoimmune issues

• Body pain

• Swelling

Mudakathan helps calm this internal inflammation.

3️⃣ Supports Gut Health and Digestion

• Improves bowel movement

• Reduces bloating

• Helps cleanse the digestive tract

A healthy gut reduces inflammatory responses in the body.

4️⃣ Helps in Detoxification

Traditionally used to:

• Remove excess toxins

• Purify blood

• Improve skin health indirectly

5️⃣ Useful for People with Sedentary Lifestyle

People who:

• Sit for long hours

• Have less physical activity

• Experience body stiffness

Benefit greatly from including this green.

🍳 Best Ways to Consume Mudakathan Keerai

✔ Mudakathan keerai dosa (very popular traditional method)
✔ Keerai soup
✔ Keerai chutney
✔ Added to adai batter
✔ Simple stir-fry with garlic

⚠ Avoid deep frying. Cook lightly to retain benefits.

👨‍👩‍👧 Who Should Include Mudakathan Keerai?

✔ Elderly with joint pain
✔ Women above 35 years
✔ People with arthritis
✔ Those with inflammatory conditions
✔ People with body stiffness due to desk jobs

(Pregnant women should consume occasionally and in moderation.)

🕒 How Often Can You Eat?

    Once or twice a week is enough to see benefits over time when combined with a balanced traditional diet.

🌼 Final Takeaway

    Mudakathan Keerai reminds us that many solutions to modern lifestyle problems are already present in our traditional foods. It is not fancy, not expensive, and not commonly used today — yet it is one of the most powerful healing greens available to us.

👉 In the next part of the Greens Power Series, we will explore another traditional green and its unique health benefits.

Eat seasonal. Eat traditional. Let food support your healing. 🌿

About the Author
Saranya is a Dietician and Nutrition Educator with 20+ years of experience promoting traditional, practical, and sustainable food habits for better health.

Disclaimer: Educational purpose only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

Need guidance? Connect with Saranya for personalised diet support.