Available in plenty, the drumstick is valued mainly for its render pods, interestingly all its parts – bark, root, fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds and even the gum – have medicinal value. They are used in the treatment of ascites, rheumatism and venomous bites as antiseptic and as cardiac and circulatory stimulants. Its seeds are acrid and acts as stimulants. The oil of the seeds us used to treat gout and rheumatism. The leaves are rich in Vitamins A and C and are considered useful in catarrhal affections. The pods made into a soup are prescribed as a diet in sub-acute cases of enlarged liver and spleen, articular pains, tetanus, debility of nerves, paralysis, pustules, patches and leprosy. A curry made from unripe pods is effective for keeping intestinal worms at bay.
Drumstick is generally included in sambar or kurma. For a different recipe, add it your soup to give it a very oriental taste. The same can be said for drumstick leaves, which can be mixed in dosa batter or in channa dal vada. Add it to akki rotis or sambar for an interesting twist. Boil the leaves, blend it with some green chilies, garlic and cooked thuvar dal. Season and serve hot with rice and rotis.
