Buthsarana

 

 Buthsarana

Indian shot(Canna indica)

Saru Diwiyata Deshiya Ala states that the Indian shot plant grows to about five to six feet in height and has long, slightly broad leaves with brown stems. The booklet also states that the round yams of this plant can be found in two varieties: rathu buthsarana (red Indian shot) and sudu buthsarana (white Indian shot).

“Indian shot yams] are very tasty and are very high in starch. Unlike the other varieties of local yams,  have a slightly sweet taste.” 

Both the red and the white variety of these yams have many medicinal properties and have been noted in curing jaundice (yellow fever) and preventing phlegm-inducing diseases in infants.

Because of the high starch content in Indian shot yams and their ability to help reduce phlegm, they are an ideal food to be given to patients suffering from phlegm-inducing illnesses, and those who are physically weak and need a lot of nourishment.