The month of Karkkidakam has started today as per the Malayalam calendar. This is the wettest month of the season and the ten sacred flowers, 'Dashapushpam', are given a lot of importance in rituals. This is because it is also the season when a lot of illnesses surface due to the damp weather.
Even though they are termed as flowers, in reality it is the whole plant and the leaves that are medicinal. The flowers in most cases are small and inconspicuous. Many of these can also be used as pot herbs and added to batters or Dhals to make healthy and tasty dishes. The leaves of of the Mukkutti are crushed and the greenish black juice is used by the women to make a bindi during this month. It is supposed to attract 'Shree' , prosperity. *Dashapushpam* * * * * * * 1. Karuka Cynodon dactylon 2. Valli uzhinja Cardiospermum halicacabum 3. Poovankurunnela Vernonia cinerea 4.Muyalchevian Emilia sonchifolia 5.Kayyonni Eclipta alba 6.Nilappana Curculigo orchioides 7.Vishnukranti Evolvulus alsinoides 8.Mukkutti Biophytum sensitivum 9.Cherula Aerva lanata 10.Thirutali Ipomoea sepiaria Regards, Devi
