Rakthashali - an ancient remedy

Often called the grains of life, rice is an integral part of life in India with over 42 million hectares cultivated. Thus, making it the most diverse rice ecosystem in the world.

Rakthashali, also known as Chennellu, among other rice varieties, is the most rare. Dating back to 3,000 years it is considered to be nearly extinct. 'Raktha' means blood in Sanskrit, suggesting that the rice has properties that are blood-enhancing. The main component of the grain is that the rice retains it's red bran layer which is a rich source of iron and anthocyanin, a phytochemical antioxidant making this a great addition to the diet of someone dealing with anemia.

Rakthashali, highly valued and often prescribed by doctors for it's medicinal and functional applicability with several ailments owing to it's richness in micronutrients, specifically vitamin B6, iron and zinc -- minerals crucial to fight the novel Coronavirus.

In Ayurveda, it is believed to have the power to restore balance in the Tridoshas -- Vatha, Pitha, and Kafa... in other words, maintains equilibrium in the body. Mentioned across ancient manuscripts of Ayurveda for it's potency to treat ailments such as allergies, liver or kidney dysfunction, nerve disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and even cancer.   

This unique species of red rice has proved to have a characteristic of resilience after it recently withstood three weeks of floods in August, 2020. This has brought interest to environmentalists and agricultural experts. Several studies and research are under way on this unique species of red bran rice for it's flood-tolerance.

There has been recent increase in the demand for ethnic rice such as Raktashali, mostly for it's medicinal values and use in Ayurvedic medicine. With over 200 varieties of rice, the efforts in present time to popularize them, has thus brought about a revival of several variants. 

It is a non-glutinous rice that is versatile among various global cuisines from Thai to Bhutanese. Shop naturally grown and harvested Rakthashali and other rice varieties at our online store.

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