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Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Marantaceae
  • Common Names: Arrowroot, West Indian Arrowroot
  • Parts Used: Rhizome (root)

Description

Maranta arundinacea is a tropical plant known for its starchy rhizomes, which are commonly used as a natural thickening agent and medicinal remedy. Traditionally valued for digestive health, wound healing, and skin soothing properties, arrowroot has been used in folk medicine across the Caribbean, South America, and Asia.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used by Indigenous peoples as a healing food for digestive disorders.
  • Employed as a natural thickener in foods and herbal preparations.
  • Traditionally applied to wounds and insect bites for its soothing and healing properties.
  • Used as a remedy for diarrhea, indigestion, and stomach irritation.

Constituents

  • Starch
  • Fiber
  • Proteins
  • Essential minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium)
  • Vitamins (B-complex, folate)

Actions

  • Demulcent
  • Digestive tonic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Emollient
  • Antidiarrheal
  • Wound healing

Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Health:
Arrowroot is traditionally used to soothe gastrointestinal irritation, relieve indigestion, and help with diarrhea.

2. Skin and Wound Healing:
Applied externally as a poultice to burns, rashes, and insect bites.

3. Nutritional Support:
Used as a nutrient-dense food for recovery from illness, particularly for weak digestion.

4. Infant and Elderly Nutrition:
Easily digestible, making it a suitable food for infants, convalescents, and the elderly.

5. Anti-Inflammatory and Cooling Effects:
Soothes inflammation internally and externally, making it useful for irritated skin and mucous membranes.

Preparation and Dosage

Arrowroot Powder (Internal Use):

  • Mix 1 tsp of arrowroot powder with warm water or herbal tea for digestive support.

Poultice (Topical Use):

  • Mix arrowroot powder with water or aloe vera gel and apply to burns, rashes, or insect bites.

Infusion (Tea):

  • Boil 1-2 tsp of powdered root in water and drink up to twice daily for digestive support.

Food Preparation:

  • Used as a natural thickener in soups, porridge, and baked goods.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally considered safe but consult a healthcare provider for medicinal use.
  • Diabetes: May affect blood sugar regulation due to its starch content.
  • Allergic Reactions: Rare, but individuals with starch sensitivities should use with caution.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional South American and Caribbean Herbalism: Used as a digestive tonic and skin remedy.
  • Ayurveda: Considered cooling and nourishing, balancing Pitta and Vata while potentially aggravating Kapha in excess.
  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Used for gastrointestinal healing, convalescence, and external wound care.

Combinations

  • For Digestive Support: Combine with marshmallow root and slippery elm.
  • For Wound Healing: Combine with calendula and plantain.
  • For Inflammation Relief: Combine with turmeric and chamomile.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Rhizomes are collected once the plant matures, typically in the second year.
  • Drying: Rhizomes are washed, peeled, and dried before grinding into powder.
  • Storage: Store dried powder in airtight containers away from moisture and heat.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Maranta arundinacea’s digestive-soothing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Arrowroot remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for digestive health, skin healing, and nutritional support.