🌿 Greens Power Series – Part 3

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Manathakkali Keerai (Black Nightshade)

The Cooling Healing Green

By Saranya – Dietician, Nutrition Educator, Diabetes Educator

Traditional foods


    In our Greens Power Series, we explore traditional Indian greens that not only nourish but also heal. After covering Amaranth greens and Mudakathan keerai, today’s spotlight is on a lesser-known but powerful leafy green — Manathakkali Keerai (English: Black Nightshade) — a humble plant beloved in South Indian kitchens and homes for generations. 

🌿 What Is Manathakkali Keerai?

    Manathakkali Keerai (Solanum nigrum) is a leafy green vegetable that grows easily in sunny spots and is often found in home gardens or wild fields. In English, it’s commonly called Black Nightshade, while in other Indian languages it’s known as Makoi in Hindi and Kamanchi Chettu in Telugu. 

    This unassuming green has been a part of traditional South Indian diets for centuries — not just as food, but as nature’s medicine. 

🍃 Nutritional Powerhouse

Manathakkali Keerai is rich in essential nutrients:
✔ Iron – supports healthy blood
✔ Calcium – strengthens bones and teeth
✔ Vitamin C – boosts immunity and skin health
✔ Protein and fiber – aids digestion and satiety
✔ Antioxidants – protect cells from damage
✔ Other micronutrients like phosphorus and magnesium 

    These make it far more than a leafy vegetable — it is a functional food with both preventive and healing properties.


🌟 Top Health Benefits

1️⃣ Heals Ulcers & Soothes Digestive Issues

Manathakkali Keerai has long been used to relieve stomach ulcers, mouth sores, acidity, and burning sensations in the gut due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. 

2️⃣ Cools the Body & Balances Heat

In traditional medicine, it is known as a cooling green — excellent for balancing excess body heat and calming symptoms of internal inflammation caused by spicy or heavy foods.

3️⃣ Supports Liver Health & Detoxification

This green helps the liver function more effectively and supports natural detox processes in the body, especially when eaten regularly. 

Traditional foods


4️⃣ Improves Gut Health

The dietary fiber in Manathakkali aids regular bowel movements and relieves constipation, which is key to overall digestive comfort. 

5️⃣ Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant

It contains compounds that reduce inflammation and fight free radicals, helping protect the body against chronic conditions and premature ageing. 

6️⃣ Skin and Respiratory Health

Traditionally used for acne, eczema, and even mild respiratory discomfort, this green offers natural, broad-spectrum benefits.


🍲 How to Include Manathakkali Keerai in Your Diet

Traditional South Indian kitchens use this versatile green in many forms:

✔ Keerai poriyal (stir-fried greens)
✔ Keerai kootu with dal
✔ Manathakkali keerai soup
✔ Added to rasam or sambar
✔ Herbal decoctions for gut comfort

⚠ Always cook Manathakkali Keerai well. Some parts of this plant (especially raw berries) may be harmful if eaten uncooked. Cooking removes unwanted components and brings out the nutritional goodness. 


🧑‍🌾 Who Should Eat It?

✔ Those with indigestion, ulcers, or acidity
✔ People with inflammatory conditions
✔ Individuals aiming to cool body heat
✔ Anyone wanting to strengthen immunity and gut health

(As with all greens, introduce gradually and consult a dietician if you have specific health conditions before making it a regular part of your diet.)

Traditional foods


🌼 Final Thought

    Manathakkali Keerai is a beautiful example of how traditional foods are also medicines. Simple, natural, and deeply rooted in Indian culinary wisdom — this green is worth rediscovering and adding to your weekly meals.


👉 Next in the Greens Power Series, we’ll explore another powerful leafy green and its unique health benefits.

Eat seasonal. Eat traditional. Let food be your natural healer. 🌿


By Saranya – Dietician, Nutrition Educator, Diabetes Educator


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. strongly believes that consistency and traditional diets are the key to long-term health and never recommends shortcuts for any health issues.

Read more practical nutrition articles at:  https://saranyanutritionist.blogspot.com/

Need guidance? Connect with Saranya for personalised diet support. Whatsapp link

⚠️ Disclaimer :For educational purposes only. Consult a professional for individual health advice.


Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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