Herb's Introduction: Grewia asiatica Grewia asiatica, commonly known as Phalsa, is a shrub or small tree belonging to the family Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae). This plant is highly valued for its small, edible, berry-like fruit, which is a popular summer delicacy in many parts of the world. Native to South Asia, the plant has been cultivated for centuries for its fruit and is also known for its various medicinal properties. It is a resilient plant that thrives in a wide range of climates and soil types, making it a valuable resource in both agricultural and traditional medicinal practices.
Name in Different Countries
The name "Phalsa" is widely recognized, but the plant and its fruit have a multitude of names across different regions and languages, reflecting its widespread cultivation and cultural significance.
Bengali: ফলসা (phalasa)
Chinese: 朴叶扁担杆 (pǔ yè biǎn dàn gǎn)
Filipino: bariuan-gulod
Khmer: pophlië
Lao (Sino-Tibetan): nhap
Thai: lai khon, po tao hai, yap khee thao
Vietnamese: c[of]-ke-[as], cò-ke-á
Gujarati: Shukri, ફાલસા (phalsa)
Hindi, Marathi: Phalsa फालसा
Kannada: Phulsha
Konkani: Phalsi
Malayalam: Chadicha, പരുഷകമരം (parushakamaram)
Marathi: पळशी (palshi)
Oriya: Pharosakoli
Punjabi: ਫਾਲਸਾ (falsa)
Russian, Hill Mari, Komi: Фалса (Falsa)
Sanskrit: Mriduphal म्रदुफल, परूषकः (paroushak)
Sindhi: Pharaho
Tamil: Unnu, பலிசமரம் (palicamaram)
Telugu: Phutiki
Urdu: پهالسا (falsa)
Terminology Scientific Name: Grewia asiatica L.
Family: Malvaceae / Tiliaceae
Synonyms: Grewia subinaequalis DC, Grewia vestita Wall.
Common Names: Phalsa, Palicamaram, Falsa, Shukri, Unnu.
Availability
Phalsa is primarily found in South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. It is also cultivated in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and the Philippines, and in some parts of Africa. The fruit is a seasonal delicacy, typically available during the hot summer months, from May to July. It is a perishable fruit, so it is often consumed fresh or processed into juice, squash, and syrup. The plant itself can be found in orchards, home gardens, and sometimes wild in tropical and subtropical regions.
External Look
Plant: The Phalsa plant is a small, deciduous shrub or tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height. It has a grayish-brown bark and a dense, spreading crown.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to heart-shaped. They are rough to the touch, with a serrated margin and prominent veins. The upper surface is green and the lower surface is covered in fine, white hairs.
Flowers: The flowers are small, yellow, and borne in clusters on the leaf axils. They have five sepals and five petals and a large number of stamens. The flowering season is from March to May.
Fruit: The fruit is a small, round drupe, about the size of a pea, measuring about 1-2 cm in diameter. When unripe, it is green. As it ripens, it turns reddish-brown and eventually a deep purple to black color. It has a single, small, hard seed inside. The ripe fruit has a sweet and tangy flavor, with a slightly acidic finish.
Healing Properties
Grewia asiatica is a powerhouse of medicinal properties, as recognized in both traditional folklore and modern scientific research.
Antioxidant Activity: The ripe fruits are rich in antioxidants, which help in neutralizing free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Antidiabetic Activity: Studies have shown that extracts from the plant, particularly the leaves and stem bark, possess antidiabetic properties, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Radioprotective Activity: The plant's compounds have been found to offer protection against radiation-induced damage.
Hepatoprotective Activity: It has shown a protective effect on the liver, helping to prevent liver damage.
Antimicrobial Activity: Various parts of the plant, including the leaves and fruit, exhibit antimicrobial properties, helping to fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
Astringent, Stomachic, and Cooling Agent: The fruit is traditionally used as an astringent, helping to contract tissues and stop bleeding, and as a stomachic, aiding digestion. Its cooling properties are particularly beneficial in hot climates.
Anti-inflammatory: Unripe fruit and other parts of the plant are used to alleviate inflammation.
Anti-fertility Agent: The seeds of G. asiatica have been traditionally used as an anti-implantation and abortifacient agent.
Other Traditional Uses: The fruit is used to treat respiratory, cardiac, and blood disorders, as well as fever and throat ailments. The root bark is prescribed for rheumatism, and the leaves are applied on skin eruptions. In Bangladesh and India, it is used to treat gonorrhea, lack of appetite, typhus, acidity, giddiness, diarrhea, and hypertension.
Advantages
Nutrient-Rich: The ripe fruits are a good source of vitamins A and C, and a variety of amino acids, including threonine, phosphoserine, serine, and taurine.
Hydrating: The high water content and cooling properties of the fruit make it an excellent choice for hydration during summer.
Therapeutic Potential: Its wide range of healing properties, from antioxidant to antimicrobial, makes it a valuable plant in traditional medicine and a subject of interest for modern pharmacology.
Culinary Versatility: The fruit can be consumed fresh, or processed into a variety of refreshing beverages and food products.
Easy to Cultivate: The plant is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in various climatic conditions, making it accessible to many communities.
Uses Culinary:
Fresh Fruit: The ripe fruit is eaten fresh as a snack.
Juice and Beverages: It is most popularly used to make a refreshing juice, squash, or sherbet. The juice is known for its cooling properties.
Syrup: Phalsa syrup is used as a flavoring agent and a base for various drinks.
Jam and Jelly: The fruit can be made into jams and jellies.
Medicinal:
Fruit: Used as a cooling agent, stomachic, and astringent.
Bark: The bark is a demulcent, soothing irritated tissues.
Root Bark: Used in the treatment of rheumatism.
Leaves: Applied topically to treat skin eruptions and pustules.
Seeds: Traditionally used for their anti-fertility properties.
Using Way
For Cooling and Digestion: Consume ripe phalsa fruits or their juice, especially during hot weather. A common preparation involves blending the ripe fruits with a little sugar, salt, and water.
For Skin Ailments: Crush fresh leaves of the phalsa plant and apply the paste directly onto skin eruptions or pustules.
For Rheumatism: A decoction or infusion of the root bark can be prepared and consumed as per traditional prescriptions.
For Sore Throat: Gargle with a concoction made from the fruit or its juice.
As a General Health Tonic: Incorporate phalsa juice or fruit into your diet for its antioxidant and vitamin content.
Conclusion
Grewia asiatica, or Phalsa, is a multifaceted plant with significant value in both cuisine and traditional medicine. Its delicious and nutrient-rich fruit provides a refreshing respite from the summer heat, while various parts of the plant have been used for centuries to treat a wide array of ailments. From its use as a cooling and digestive aid to its potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, Phalsa stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity and healing power of nature. As research continues to validate its traditional uses, Grewia asiatica remains an important resource, holding promise for both public health and sustainable agriculture.
