Question 1

What is Arachis hypogaea used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In ayurvedic tradition, Arachis hypogaea seeds are valued primarily as a nutritive and restorative food, used to support weight gain, recovery from weakness, and reproductive vitality. The oil extracted from the seeds is used as a carrier in medicated oil preparations and applied topically for skin care and joint support. Its warm and oily qualities associate it with pacifying vata imbalances.

Question 2

What is the Sinhala name for Arachis hypogaea?

Accepted Answer

In Sinhala, Arachis hypogaea is commonly called Kadala (කඩල), a term broadly applied to groundnuts and peanuts. In Tamil it is known as Nilakkadala (நிலக்கடலை), meaning "earth nut" or "ground nut," which reflects the plant's underground fruiting habit.

Question 3

Is groundnut grown commercially in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, groundnut is cultivated in Sri Lanka primarily in the dry and intermediate zones, including the North Central, Northern, and Eastern provinces. It is grown both by smallholder farmers for household use and at a larger scale for oil production. The crop fits well into Sri Lanka's seasonal agricultural calendar alongside other dryland crops.

Question 4

What part of the groundnut plant is used medicinally?

Accepted Answer

The seeds are the most commonly used part in both food and traditional medicine. Groundnut oil, cold-pressed from the seeds, is widely used in ayurvedic formulations as a carrier oil. Leaves and stems appear occasionally in folk medicine poultices, though these uses are less formally documented in classical texts.

Question 5

Are there any side effects or precautions with medicinal groundnut use?

Accepted Answer

Traditional ayurvedic guidance advises moderation for individuals with a kapha-dominant constitution or sluggish digestion, as groundnut's high fat content can be heavy on the digestive system. Groundnut is also a well-recognised food allergen, and anyone with legume or nut allergies should seek medical advice before using it therapeutically. Traditional uses should not substitute for professional healthcare.

Question 6

How is groundnut oil used in Sri Lankan traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Groundnut oil is used as a base or carrier oil in medicated oil (taila) preparations, blended with herbs to create formulations for massage and topical application. It is considered unctuous and warming in its properties, making it suitable for external use in conditions associated with dryness and vata aggravation. It is also used in dietary recommendations as a cooking medium in moderate quantities.

Question 7

Where can I learn more about Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plants?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Indigenous Medicine oversees ayurvedic practice on the island, and several state-registered ayurvedic hospitals and research institutes are open to visitors. Many eco-tourism experiences, particularly in rural and forested areas, include herbal garden walks that introduce visitors to the island's medicinal plant traditions in a living context.