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| NANNARI - INDIAN SARSAPARILLA ROOTS |
Nannari or simply the Indian Sarsaparilla is a wonder herb which comes into the limelight during Scorching Summers. You can see small roadside Juice shops in South India selling Nannari Sharbat. The seller would be busy vending Nannari Sharbat and there would always be a long queue for the drink. The smell of fresh Limes and the intrinsic smell of Nannari reminds me of our trips to Pooram/Vela in our family Temple in Palaghat. A quick drink prepared by the seller by ladling out a few spoons of Nannari Syrup into a tall glass topped up with crushed Ice, and then he would squeeze out half a lemon with his Lemon Juicer and there comes the final touch - the ceremonial musical melody, a Ting Ting Ting sound made while mixing the drink with a spoon. Ok... ok... I wanted to say something here...
Anything from the roadside, especially these drinks, were banned by my Mom. She would say the ice is not made with clean water. True to the fact, but there, my Dad came up with an idea. He would ask the vendor to prepare this drink with Soda. The native Goli Soda - a Bottle tightly shut with a Glass Marble alias Goli. We have to press the glass marble with a pressure to open the bottle and there comes the jiffy carbonated water - the Goli Soda. Though we couldn't drink it cold, Soda took the drink to the next level. Or at least my father convinced us into it. It took me long years, and obviously it was my husband who introduced me to all types of street food. Maybe my immunity got better off when I started with these types of food. But when it comes to catering it to my kids, I am still sceptical. And they are always like...👿 Now I understand my Mother!!!
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| NANNARI - INDIAN SARSAPARILLA ROOTS |
Nannari is a wonder herb which would come in handy during Summers. Since ancient days, our Ancestors had known the cooling property of this herb and have used it to treat common summer ailments caused due to heat. The traditional way of using this root is by making a Syrup with Nannari Roots. Nannari Syrup is then mixed with Lime/Lemon Juice - the famous Nannari Lemon Sarbath. In olden days, it was a common practice to add a few pieces of Nannari Roots in large earthen pots used for storing drinking water. Some even use another herb called Vetiver for the purpose. These roots emanated wonderful aroma into the water, catering its benefits alongside.
The outer part of the Nannari Root is Brown in colour, and the inner part is slightly whiter in shade. Nannari Roots have a wonderful aroma with an astringent taste. Only the outer part of the Root is used while preparing the Nannari Syrup. The inner part is discarded.
This is not a common ingredient found in Grocery Stores or Super Markets. In India, it is sold in Nattu Marundhu Kadai(local Apothecary) or in Ayurvedic shops. Whereas Nannari Syrup is easily available in most of the shops. In Coimbatore there is a small shop near 5 Corner where an old man sells Nannari Sarbath, Rose Milk etc., It is from him that we usually stock up Nannari Syrup and Rose Syrup. It is one thing I usually get it packed from home. I recently got a few packets of Nannari Roots from Indian Stores and that is the reason behind this post and my homemade Nannari Syrup.
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| NANNARI - INDIAN SARSAPARILLA ROOTS |
Nannari/Indian Sarsaparilla Roots are truly not Sarsaparilla. It is a tropical plant from the genus Smilax Ornata and its scientific name is Hemidesmus Indicus.
- Tamil - Nannari
- Malayalam - Nannari/Naruneendi
- Kannada - Anamtamula
- Telugu - Sugandhi
- Odia - Suguddimalo
- Hindi - Anantamul
- Sanskrit - Anantamulah, Balyam. Dugdhgarbha
HEALTH BENEFITS OF NANNARI:
Nannari Root is a wonder herb with loads of health benefits. For centuries, people have used the root as a body coolant, for treating joint & skin problems. It was also believed to cure Leprosy, as it is a natural blood purifier.Body Coolant - Nannari Root is a natural body coolant. It is commonly used to cool down the body temperature during Summer. It is also known to protect the body from dehydration.
Blood Purifier - Nannari is known as a natural Blood Purifier. It also helps to increase the immunity of the body and increases the energy level. It was once believed to cure Leprosy.
Digestion - Nannari benefits in treating stomach disorders. It also aids in digestion and also helps to increase the appetite.
Stomach Health - The medicinal properties in Nannari helps to relieve Constipation and also treats Acidity.
Treats Skin Problems - As it is a Blood Purifier, it helps in treating Skin Problems like Psoriasis, Eczema & Dermatitis.
Treats Joint Problems - Nannari is a potent anti-inflammatory. This factor makes it beneficial in treating inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, other causes of Joint Pain and the swellings caused by Gout.
Protects the Liver - Compounds rich in flavonoids found in Nannari helps to reverse damage to the Liver and helps it function at its best. It is also best for treating inflammations in Liver & Spleen.
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| NANNARI - INDIAN SARSAPARILLA ROOTS |
CULINARY USAGE: 
- You can add a few pieces of Nannari Root into the pot used for storing Drinking Water.
- It adds a wonderful aroma to the water and also aids with loads of health benefits.
- The best way to use the Nannari Root is to prepare Nannari Syrup.
- Add Nannari Syrup to a glass of Cold Water and drink it as such.
- Can add a dash of Lime/Lemon and convert it into a delicious Lemon Nannari Sarbath.
- Combine Nannari Syrup with Soda & Lemon to make a Fizzy Drink.
- Can combine Nannari Syrup with your favourite fresh fruit juice for an amazingly fragrant Fruit Juices.
- Add Nannari Syrup along with Tender Coconut Water for a refreshing Ilaneer Nannari Sarbath. Can add flavour to the drink by adding a dash of Lime or Orange Juice for a tangy citrusy note in it.
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| NANNARI - INDIAN SARSAPARILLA ROOTS |
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