Cassia Tora( talkulo)

                                       cassia tora [talkulo]
Talkulo [Cassia Tora] is a monsoon wild leafy vegetable abundantly grown on roadside during the mirg [the period before monsoon] arrives.
This vegetable is being consumed by all goans as it has healthy and medicinal properties. The edible part of this plant is the fresh tender shoots.
Its plucked the same way tea leaves are plucked. It is mostly found in India. Its flowering time is favorable after the monsoon rain.
It can grow in dry soil throughout tropical parts & high hills of elevation of up to 1800 meters as well as the plains.It mainly grows during the period of october to february.
Important
C.tora has many uses. The plant and seeds are edible. The edible part of the plant varies from 30 to 40 percent.
Young leaves can be cooked as a vegetable while the roasted seed are a good substitute for coffee.
Its leaves, seeds and root are used in folk medicine, Primarily in Asia. It is believed to possess a laxative effect as well as to beneficial for eyes.
Tora also helps by removing intensive heat from the liver & improving vision, Moisturizing intestine and easing the bowels. great help for losing weight as well.
The seeds & leaves are also used to treat skin disease & its seeds can be utilizedas a laxative.
medicinal value of cassia tora
Cassia tora or charota is popular due to its numerous medicial values. 
The seed of th plant is known to produce a gum called cassia gum which is trditionally used as a food additive & thickener.
Some of the important medicinal uses are:

• Decoction of leaf is quite beneficial in treatment of stomach problems such as indigestin.
• The paste of leaf & roots is helpful in the healing of several skin disorders like eczema & dermatomycosis.
• Cassia tora is very useful in treating diseases like dandruff, constipation, cough, hepatitis and fever.
• It help in maintaining the cholesterol level in the body.
• It also acts a food purifier and is an excellent nerve tonic.