Paneer Made From Flowers Of This Plant Helps Control Blood Sugar, Relieves Cold And Cough
Last Updated:
Dr. Priyabrata Santara and scientist Saurabh Swamy from CAZRI described the Paneer Band plant, a desert species with small flowers, which is gradually disappearing in Rajasthan and Punjab
‘Paneer Band Ka Paudha’, or the Indian Cheese Maker, earned its name from its unique milk-curdling property. (Local18)
One might think paneer is made solely from milk. However, a plant has challenged this notion. This plant’s flowers, when steeped in milk overnight, would curdle it, producing a form of paneer. The following day, the soured milk would be transformed into paneer.
Currently, this plant is primarily used for medicinal purposes. Ayurveda recognises its value in preventing and treating various ailments. Incorporating it into one’s diet can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Known as ‘Paneer Band Ka Paudha’, or the Indian Cheese Maker, this plant earned its name from its unique milk-curdling property. Once considered extinct, this plant and its related species have been revived by the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) in Jodhpur. This initiative ensures future generations can learn about the historical and practical uses of these plants.
Speaking to Local 18, CAZRI’s department head, Dr. Priyabrata Santara, and scientist Saurabh Swamy said that the Paneer Band plant could be called a desert plant. This bushy plant, with its small flowers, has slowly started disappearing. It used to grow only in some parts of Rajasthan and Punjab.
After its use declined in the desert areas of Rajasthan, the plant was neglected, leading to its gradual disappearance. Although it has been replanted in some parts of Punjab, where its flowers are being used medicinally, efforts have been underway for the past two years to reintroduce and preserve this plant at KAZRI.
According to scientists, cheese was traditionally made from the flowers of the Paneer Band plant. Earlier, the elders possessed complete knowledge of this cheese-making method. The flower of this plant was steeped in milk overnight, resulting in a sour-tasting cheese.
At present, this plant is no longer used for cheese production. Instead, the plant’s flower is utilised in medicine production. Due to its inherent medicinal properties, Ayurveda recognises its value in preventing and treating various ailments. Notably, many individuals incorporate the Paneer flower into their diet to regulate blood sugar levels.
Paneer flowers offer various health benefits, including boosting nutrition and immunity. A decoction made from paneer flowers can provide relief from cold and fever symptoms, serving as an effective home remedy for coughs and colds.
Furthermore, paneer flowers are known to aid in diabetes management by helping to regulate insulin levels. The extract derived from paneer flowers exhibits neuroprotective properties, which are beneficial for brain health. Alzheimer’s disease, a neurological disorder that leads to brain cell damage, may potentially benefit from these properties. Additionally, it acts as a natural blood purifier and contributes to maintaining the balance of Vata (one of the three doshas in Ayurvedic medicine) within the body.