Soyei: An Ordinary Plant

Herbs are marvellous plants to grow. Herbs and rarely shrubs of Urtica species dwell in various ecosystems worldwide. One among its species is Urtica dioica, commonly called as soyei in Kashmiri language. It grows on roadsides and wastelands.

It is the most underutilized traditional herb. It is often weeded out and thrown aside, even avoided at times due to its stinging properties. It is seldom eaten by herbivores due to pricking leaves but often provides shelter to moths. Its leaves and roots contain a wide variety of nutrients leading to its scavenging properties.

   

Its consumption could be beneficial as it has immense antioxidant properties due to high total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Its tincture is curative in feverish gout.

The decoction of leaves and stalks in small quantity can be used as cure for minor skin diseases. In Turkish folk remedy, it is used to treat stomach-ache. As we all are well aware of the fact that diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder. Studies have revealed its positive role in the treatment of diabetes.

During a pilot study when the leaf extract of Urtica dioica was administrated in islets of langerhans of diabetic rats, it showed increase in insulin secretion thereby decreasing blood sugar levels, proving its medicinal benefit for diabetic patients. Its seed extracts has shown protective effect on hepatic damage by increasing the activity of mammalian enzymes (esp. Paraoxonase) and the liver tissue catalase activity. 

Hyperandrogenism is one of the causes of infertility in women due to the lack of ovulation. Urtica dioica is wonder herb for fertility. If conditions are too acidic, it reduces the chances of ovulation. About a quarter to a half of an ounce in a cup of water should suffice to detoxify the body. When consumed regularly it helps to clean the body which improves the chances of an egg being fertilized and sustained to maturity. Limits must be outlined because any overuse can be harmful, moderate usage is acceptable.

Adding its dry powder of leaves to the diet of lying hens enhances their egg production. Since most of the livestock do not consume it afresh but its dried form when mixed with other fed is highly nutritious and is considered helpful to increase body weight and quality of meat. So next time whenever you discard this weed, know that you are also ignoring the health benefits that you can get from it. In present scenario, on seeing the benefits of soyi, the Kashmiri proverb “Anim soyi, vavim soyi, lajim soyi paansi” can be taken in a healthy way and its cultivation in kitchen garden, pots or window boxes should be exhilarated as it offers impressive amounts of health.

Sameer Chishti works in Department of Health and MedicalEducation.

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