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Our part of the country is rich with lots of greens which have medicinal values in them. And without doubt including them in our daily menu will improve our health. Keerai, or the popular greens, can be used in fried dishes, koottus, soups, vadai, etc. Lesser known varieties like Modakkathan, Thiruvatchi and Ponnanganni are used to make dosas along with some regular keerais like Murungai (green leaves of drumsticks), Coriander, Mint, Spinach (Palak) and Amaranths (Araikkerai). Even chutneys of Pirandai and Gonkoora (Pullichaikeerai in Tamil) are popular items.

Juices are made out of keerais like Vallarai, Vendayam, Thoodhuvalai. Manathakkali and Arugampul. These greens are cut and cleaned before they are ground along with jaggery and coconut scrapping, and the juices extracted are served fresh. Dosas smeared with some of these greens are very tasty and they do not need any elaborate method to make them. Palak, Coriander, Pudhina (Mint), Murungaikkeerai, Araikkeerai are also used to make dosas. Palak is rich in iron and vitamins; Coriander improves digestion; protects from skin diseases and also adds to the taste of the food.

Each of these varieties has medicinal properties: 

Vallarai or Brahmi - good for improving memory power; it is also a nerve tonic and good for getting rid of ulcer, dysentery and pimples.

Vendaya Keerai (greens of fenugreek) - supposed to cool the body and is good for diabetics. Has iron content and fibre.

Thoodhuvalai Keerai - removes congestion due to cold; good for asthma and improves brain capacity.

Manathakkali Keerai - has lot of vitamins in it. Is good for mouth & stomach ulcers.

Ponnanganni Keerai - improves eye sight, good for improving complexion, reduces flabbiness. It is good for piles complaints.

Arugampul - one of Nature's gift to mankind; the juice controls cholesterol; purifies the blood.

Modakkathan (Cardios Permum Halica Cabum) - is good for arthritis, and nervous weakness; it is also a laxative.

Pudhina or mint, which contains vitamin A heals ulcers and is good for digestion.

Murungaikkerai or the green leaves of drumsticks improves blood supply, energy level and purifies blood. It is a laxative too.

Araikkeerai (Amaranths) which contains vitamin A is again a nerve tonic.

Thiruvatchi leaves help reduce kidney problems.

Thus the list is long and enlightening. It is amazing to know about the qualities of these green keerais which are herbs available to help mankind. Even today, doctors recommend Keezhanelli Keerai for jaundice. With a mixture of the regular greens we use, we should give a try with the lesser - known varieties too! Shall we take the cue to include value addition, by having keerai in our daily menu? Underneath this innovative trial lies the good intention of health-care too!