Arrowroot is a starch obtained from the rhizomes of various tropical plants like Maranta arundinacea and Florida arrowroot from Zamia integrifolia and can grow up to a height of 6 ft. (2 m). Arrowroot is a tropical perennial along with clusters of lengthy, small stems and thin flowers. The colour of the flowers is creamy-white and they grow in pairs. It was discovered by the ancient Mayans and the other inhabitants of Central America and which people later started using as an antidote for poison-tipped arrows. Arrowroot is native to Central America and mostly cultivated in the West Indies, but can also be found in many tropical regions of the world including Southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, and in Florida in the United States.
Arrowroot, which belongs to the Marantaceae plant family, is commonly considered a digestive and nutritious starch. It is well known among herbalists for its demulcent and antidiarrheal properties. Exactly how it produces these therapeutic effects is not known however since the chemical composition of the herb has not been thoroughly studied. It has been known for years in culinary arts and it is still used in American kitchens as a thickening agent. Arrowroot is low in calories; 100 fresh roots carry only 65 calories. Its powder is fine in colour, odourless and has utility in the food industry mainly as thickener and stabilizing agent.
Arrowroot is thought to have several benefits. Here is a list of health benefits you can get by including arrowroot in your diet:
Nausea and Vomiting: The herb is widely used to treat uneasiness in the stomach and alleviate diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Digestion problems: Because it contains calcium and carbohydrates among other nutrients, arrowroot is also used as a source of digestion in infants, people suffering from illnesses (especially those with bowel problems), and those on restricted diets and those who are recovering. Arrowroot is considered beneficial for the stomach than other forms of starch.
Athlete’s foot: Herbalist also praise arrowroot for prevention of athlete's foot. Putting the dried powder inside socks and shoes can help absorb the moisture that leads to the growth of foot fungus.
Shingles: Arrowroot can be used to treat shingles too.
Antidote for poison: Arrowroot was popular in the past as an antidote for arrow poison. It was also widely used as a treatment for scorpion and spider bites and as well as gangrene.
Cooking: Along with its medicinal uses, arrowroot is also used in cooking. Arrowroot is used to thicken sauces, soups, and confections.
Arrowroot grows freely in the wild particularly in many Asian countries, Central America, West Indies. It is also found in many tropical regions of the world, which includes Southeast Asia, South Africa, Australia, and in Florida in the United States, but if you are looking to buy some in your area, you can easily find some in most markets around the world that sell vegetables.
Aloe Vera - Oregano - Arrow Root - Sambobg - Kalamansi - Malunggay - Mint - - Guava - Coconut Water - Banaba - Guyabano - Ginger - Lemongrass - Tawas