Spinach

Palakya (Spinach) grows in winter season. It is a common leafy vegetable used throughout India. The leaves are succulent, soft and spinach-green in color. The plant grows 1-2 feet tall. It is cool in nature, heavy for digestion, and acts as a mild laxative. It is useful in conditions of excess Pitta and Rakta (blood) disorders. Rich in iron and other minerals. Contains Iodine, Lecithin, Carotin, Oxalic acid, and traces of Arsenic. It helps relieve constipation and is beneficial in eye problems (due to Carotin). The juice may cause stones if consumed in excess due to Oxalic acid content. Verses: 9.

• Sheetala (cooling)
• Sara (laxative)
• Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding disorders)

Spinach is pungent, bitter, sweet and cooling with a sweet vipak. It provokes vata and pitta, but can be calming to kapha. Spinach is laxative and heavy to digest. Spinach should not be eaten by anyone with gallstones or kidney stones.

• Swelling: Spinach juice can be applied externally to the skin when there is swelling.
• Bronchial asthma: Take ½ cup spinach juice and a pinch of pippali, twice a day.
• Chronic cough: Try ½ cup of spinach soup and ½ teaspoon ginger, twice a day on an empty stomach.

Upodika (spinach) relieves intoxication;

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food

उपोदक अ तसाराय तलक केन सा धता Upodika (Indian spinach) processed along with sesame seed paste causes diarrhoea.

— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Anna Raksha Vidhi