What is the Sinhala name for Raphanus sativus?

Raphanus sativus is called Rabu (රාබු) in Sinhala. In Tamil it is known as Mullangi, and in Sanskrit classical texts it appears under several names including Mulaka and Mulakam.

What are the medicinal properties of radish in Ayurveda?

In Ayurvedic tradition, radish is valued for anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, laxative, and cholagogue properties, among others. The root, leaves, and seeds are each used for different therapeutic purposes, including relief from digestive disorders, fevers, and coughs.

Which parts of the radish plant are used in traditional medicine?

All three main parts — the tuberous root, the leaves, and the seeds — have recorded uses in traditional medicine. Roots are commonly applied for stomach complaints and piles, leaves for burns and scalds, and seeds in formulations for parasitic infections and urinary conditions.

Does radish grow wild in Sri Lanka?

No. Raphanus sativus is found only under cultivation in Sri Lanka and has no recorded wild populations on the island. It is grown in home gardens and agricultural plots, particularly in the cooler upcountry regions.

Can you eat radish leaves?

Yes, radish leaves are edible and are consumed in several Asian culinary traditions, including Sri Lankan cooking. They are nutritionally rich and can be stir-fried, added to soups, or used in salads.

What does Raphanus sativus look like when it flowers?

In its second growing season, the radish plant can bolt to over 1.8 m in height, producing an inflorescence up to 1.5 m tall. The flowers are white, pink, or purple, and the plant produces sickle-shaped seed pods ranging from 5 to 30 cm in length.

Is radish good for kidney stones?

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, radish is classified as a lithotriptic herb, meaning it is believed to help dissolve or break down kidney and bladder stones. However, this use should always be discussed with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before relying on it as a treatment.

Raphanus sativus — Lakpura®

Scientific Synonyms:

Raphanistrum gayanum Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
Raphanus acanthiformis Morel ex L.Sisley

Family name:

BRASSICACEAE

English name:

Radish
Garden Radish
Wild Radish
Cultivated Radish

Sinhala name:

Rabu (???? )

Tamil name:

Mullangi

Sanskrit name:

Mulaka
Mulakam
Muli
Mulika

Description:

An annual or biennial herb, extremely variable species of garden vegetable, little more than 10 cm tall at maturity; in the second growing season, grows up to over 1.8 m in high. harvested young and usually eaten raw. Other radishes get huge, up to 60 lb (27 kg). Inflorescences up to 1.5 m tall. Flowers white, pink or purple. Fruit a sickle shaped pod, 5-30 cm long. Seeds small, spherical.

Native Distribution Status:

Only under cultivation

Edible parts:

Tuberous root and leaves

Treatment for:

Diarrhoea
Piles
Stomach Pains
Burns, Scalds
Fevers
Coughs

Parts used in Treatment:

Roots
Leaves
Seeds

Related Medical Properties:

Anthelmintic
Antifungal
Carminative
Antibacterial
Antiscorbutic
Cholagogue
Diuretic
Lithotriptic
Laxative
Emmenagogue