Coastal district’s age-old immunity booster

Mangaluru: At the time where people are talking about immunity boosters due to Covid-19, Tulunadu has its own version of the same. Interestingly, it is taken only on ‘Aati Aamavase’ and believed to protect the individual taking it for the rest of the year.
‘Paale ketteda kashaya’, a bitter ayurvedic concoction, is served to each member of the family, including newborns. This year it will be taken on Monday. It is believed that the paale tree or devil’s tree bark has 108 medicinal properties on Aati Aamavase or new moon day.
“For time immemorial, the Aati Aamavase date has varied according to the Tulu calendar, the day is considered as a holy day in the coastal districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada and even in some parts of Kasaragod in Kerala. Drinking the concoction where the main ingredient is Pale tree bark juice, boosts immunity against diseases that are mostly particular to the rainy season, and it also has other health benefits,” says young researcher and lecturer Arun Ullal.
He says that the pale tree has been an integral part of Tulu culture and tradition. The branches are used during weddings, and at temples. The bark of this tree is bitter and generates heat in the body, which is essential during the monsoon. This practice has been going on from the time of our ancestors, however till date Tulvas have stuck to the tradition, and are following it without making any changes.
The kashaya is prepared by mixing ingredients like garlic, turmeric and ajwain seeds into it.
Soon after the kashaya is served, to counter bitterness, jaggery or sugar is given. After this menthe ganji or fenugreek conji is eaten to cool down the body.