We all know that eating on banana leaves is good for our health. We use the sacred banana leaf in various rituals and weddings. They are relevant in astrology, medicine, and other areas. How is eating on banana leaves fortunate for us? Let’s explore its benefits and other importance in detail.
The Story Behind Banana Leaf
We know the importance of banana leaves, but we may have yet to come across the story. Once, the sage Durvasa was asleep. His wife disturbed him while he was sleeping. Irritated, he cursed his wife to turn into a Kadali, a banana tree. His wife, who was getting the curse, requested her husband to be worshipped as a sacred tree. The sage granted her last wish. She turned into a Kadali, a banana tree. Since then, people have believed the banana leaf is sacred.
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Eating on Banana Leaf: Astrological Importance
The banana leaves connect us to our fortune. These holy leaves can bring positivity to our lives. Let us know about the astrological importance:
1. Banana Leaf’s Relation with Planets
- The Banana leaf is related to Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter.
- We link the sweetness of the fruit to Mars.
- Its beautiful bright yellow colour is related to Jupiter.
- We associate the raw bananas (green in colour) with Mercury.
- If we consume banana fruit regularly, we can strengthen our horoscope’s Mercury Planet.
- You can include this fruit in your food routine to improve your health.
2. Good for Avoiding Planetary Defects!
We can keep the planetary flaws at bay by eating on banana leaves. Pouring water on the banana tree on Thursday can bring us good results. If you are married, giving bananas to children will remove all your problems. This will lead your life towards happiness and prosperity.
3. Banana Leaves Represents our Destiny
According to Astrology, banana leaves represent our destiny. Their patterns, shapes, and lines resemble those of the palms of our hands. The banana fruit has no seeds, showing that the soul is karma-free. This does not need to come into existence again. The sacred banana tree symbolises helping others in need.
Scientific Importance of Banana Leaves
Banana leaves are of scientific importance in our lives. They have good medicinal value and have various health and fitness benefits. They also have other scientific values. Let us discuss all of them.
We use conventional medicine made from banana leaves in homes. You can make bandages for blisters, cuts, and ulcers using it. We use the new leaves to make plasters for skin infections. Banana leaf juice is a remedy for colds, asthma, bronchitis, etc. The leaves contain lignan, which promotes the production of new cells. This can protect us from the sun’s rays.
The Banana Leaves have significance in the environment. These are:
- The leaves of banana are biodegradable. These can break down naturally.
- By Eating on banana leaves, we follow environmentally friendly practices, which results in less waste.
- These leaves never release chemicals that are harmful to us.
- The packaging of fibre and bananas can replace plastics in the coming generations.
- We can extract wax from the leaves for hydrophobic coatings.
- It is used in the production of paper products.
- We can stop the death of marine animals with the help of banana leaves.
Other Health Benefits of Banana Leaves
The banana leaves have a lot of health benefits. Here, we discuss some more.
- Banana leaf has antibacterial properties. Ethanol extracts and bioactive substances can help us fight bacterial infections in our bodies.
- The antioxidants found in the leaves are an immunity booster. This can well result in reducing stress.
- The leaves are useful for getting rid of toxins in the body.
- Soaking the leaf in water helps us to hydrate the skin.
- Cooking on banana leaves is a healthy choice, which is why most people prefer to eat on them.
- The leaves are useful in treating diarrhoea and dysentery in people.
- We can purify our blood using banana leaves.
- You can improve your digestion process by using the leaves.
- Banana leaves contain rutin that can help you with reducing blood glucose levels.
- The banana leaves help treat Parkinson’s disease.
- The leaves contain vitamins A, C, and K and magnesium, among other nutrients for good health.
- The banana leaves are hygienic. They have a waxy layer that prevents the sticking of dust.
Sacred Banana Leaves: Cultural Importance
Different cultures have several beliefs surrounding the benefits of banana leaves. These are:
- In South Indian marriages, decorating the house where the wedding occurs is an age-old tradition. This brings fertility and prosperity.
- People use the leaf to serve food to the guests.
- The banana leaf meal includes curries, fries, dal, pickles and sweets.
- The bananas are used to give offerings in South Indian temples.
- In Karnataka, a banana leaf with food for the deceased is placed on a plank. The offering is made to the crows. If the crows eat the offering, the deceased’s soul is satisfied.
- We can use it to make food containers.
- Our ancestors have used the leaves as writing surfaces.
- The people of Odia use the banana leaves to roast food. It is often used for wrapping food.
- People use the leaves to make Paturi (a Bengali cuisine).
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Spiritual Importance of the Sacred Leaves
The Banana plant is sacred and used for various religious purposes. Let us know about all of it.
- We offer prasad to Gods and Goddesses on the leaf.
- They are a part of Navapatrika, worshipped in Durga Maha Saptami.
- Bengalis believe that the banana tree is Ganesha’s wife. He married her to assure his mother not to worry about food. The banana tree will be there with the fruits if she gets hungry.
- In Odisha, people use banana leaves to flow in water during Boita Bandana, a religious festival.
- One keeps the Naivedyam in a banana leaf.
- We associate the banana tree with Brihaspati, the planet Jupiter.
- Lord Vishnu resides in this tree with Lakshmi. This makes it a sacred tree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are banana leaves lucky?
2. Why is it essential to eat on banana leaf?
3. What does the banana leaf symbolise?
4. What is the spiritual meaning of banana?
5. Which God is associated with bananas?
6. Do the leaves of bananas have healing properties?
Also Read: Why You Should Sit On The Floor While Eating
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