TODAY -

'Toningkok' cure and probable millionaires

Free Thinker *



Resource mobilization and revenue generation have been on our minds but we never try seriously to pursue the same. Horticulture revolution, organic farming, blue revolution, rubber & agar plantation, commercialization of 'Yu', medicinal exploitation of ganja, making Moreh a free trade zone, Asian Highway via Imphal, cultural tourism, war tourism, Loktak tourism, collage industries, small scale industries, reinventing lottery etc., etc are not properly working; and so, we still continue as an unsustainable economy.

Meanwhile an incredible news hit all of us that our 'toningkok' (houttuynia cordata) is a possible cure for Covid illness. If proven, it will mint money for us. Because 'toningkok' is found in this country only in the North Eastern region. In the last few days I have received 3 WhatsApp messages saying that the plant is a killer of Coronavirus.

One Dr Iboyaima from Manipur has claimed that the extracts of 'toningkok' can eliminate the virus enzyme (3CL) and it will stop the virus from replicating. Perhaps it is proven in the lab. Though the plant is familiar in the oriental world, the English name of 'toningkok' is heartleaf or fishwort. The botanical name is houttuynia cordata.

In the oriental countries this plant is called by various names-lizard tail, chameleon plant, fish mint, white chapels, rainbow plant etc., In Assam it is called 'masunduri' and in Meghalaya it is known as 'ja mardol'.

The news first came to me from the former Chief Editor & proprietor of 'Hueiyen Lanpao', Mr Bharat Bhusan. We were not very serious about it. But in a day or two the message became viral and extremely popular among the masses. Even my brother and sister started sending the same message. Many of the WhatsApp groups started carrying the same news.

In addition a local news channel also carried the news detailing the findings and at the same time the inventor/discoverer himself appeared; he was saying that they will start animal trials and before moving on to humans; he also said it will take at least three months to complete the trial. So be it. We are very excited.

Dr himself says that the juice of 'toningkok' can check the enzyme of the virus from replication; in other words the enzyme which is responsible for reproduction of the virus is eliminated by the extracts of 'toningkok'. If the claim is true, the fluid of the plant will work against the virus.

It is also claimed that the extracts of the plant augments immunity. So, now we are eagerly waiting for the miracle cure.

After the flash of this news, 'toningkok' is sold like hot cakes in the curfew markets and vegetable stalls. In the localities people are desperately trying to get the plants. Earlier there was free excess to 'toningkok' in any locality or neighborhood.

But these days the owners have become suddenly possessive about it. The plant is also wildly grown in no man's land in and around grazing grounds and open fields. So it won't be difficult to get the plants or its saplings for extensive cultivation.

My humble suggestion to my fellow citizens is that please start growing 'toningkok' immediately in your kitchen gardens or in every free moist space around your house or fields. I strongly feel that this plant is going to be a blessing for us.

Suppose the trial succeeds in three months time and gets the mandatory approval from the competent authorities, then it can be used as a medicine (herbal or otherwise). In these four /five months we can do extensive cultivation of the plant, both in the hills and valley.

But, I am told that the plant is more suitable for the valley areas which are swampy, moist and shadowed. Those who can take the trouble, may become rich in no time. What is wrong in taking this risk which involves minimum labour and little cost ? The stake is high.

'toningkok' is already a medicinal plant recognized by herbal masters. It is an edible herb with immense medicinal value. The whole body of the plant (leaf, stem, flower, root, rhizome etc) is used as medicine.

The plant helps in the treatment of hypertension, pneumonia, constipation, hyperglycemia, dysentery, muscle pain, measles, ulcer, eye irritation, skin allergy, gonorrhea etc. These are claims and I am not sure about the efficacy of this plant in the treatment of the above illnesses or diseases.

The whole plant is useful as it is antibacterial, anti inflammatory, anti microbial, antiphlogistic, anti viral, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hypoglycemic, laxative and ophthalmic (health benefits times .com).

Already the medicinal value of the plant is well known. Now the pertinent issue is whether it works against the Corona virus particularly against Covid -19.

Then within months our 'toningkok' growers may become millionaires (Indian rupees) if the plant turns out to be the panacea. Dr and his team must proceed fast before other Asians take advantage because the plant grows in their countries too, particularly in Vietnam, Korea and Japan.

For the time being let's consume it as 'maroi' not as medicine (fingers crossed).


* Free Thinker wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on June 12 2021.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #7: Download
  • Violence in Manipur 2023 :: News Timeline
  • Is ST reservation a real issue for Manipur crisis
  • World Bamboo Day @Patsoi #3 : Gallery
  • Aribam Kumar: Writer of the Year Award
  • Condemnation of murder of two students
  • The pain behind her silent tears :: Poem
  • Meeting of Interfaith Forum at Guwahati
  • Solidarity Demonstration @Seoul : Gallery
  • October Calendar for Year 2023 : Tools
  • Manipur crisis & popular sentiment
  • Solidarity Demonstration on Manipur at Korea
  • Traumatic experiences: Kuki-Meitei clash #2
  • Students reach out to Historical sites
  • ADBU MoUs with Taiwan Universities
  • Knowing the ground reality
  • The writing on the wall
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #3: Gallery
  • Naorem Roshibina: Silver, 19th Asian Games
  • Sit-in at United Nations in Geneva
  • FRA imbroglio in Manipur
  • Who feels brunt of Inept leadership
  • Cancer Awareness at Education (S), Imphal
  • Condemn brutal murder of innocent student
  • Kongthong, Meghalaya: Best Tourism Village
  • Time for Imphal to set the agenda
  • A diversionary war tactic & a bigger question
  • Protest- murder of students #2 : Gallery
  • Silent Prayer demanding Justice : Gallery
  • Candlelight Vigil demanding Justice
  • Demands Justice for Murdered Meitei
  • CMESS to Moirang College Relief Camp
  • A decade for youth to make India #2
  • Nagaland to get first 5-star properties
  • Murder most foul
  • Not the time for CM to waste on trailers
  • Protest- murder of students #1 : Gallery
  • Demand Justice for Hemjit & Linthoingambi
  • Karkinos: Top Honours at Arogya Manthan
  • NEIMUN 2023: Youth Leadership Conference
  • Brucellosis : zoonotic bacterial disease
  • State presidents for Nagaland & Meghalaya
  • Fixing responsible for the murder
  • Need of the hour: Bilateral disarmament
  • Protesters & SF @Kwakta #2: Gallery
  • Marina by Night
  • Seminar at "Oriental Theological College"
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Vote for me or my wife
  • Sohra International Half Marathon
  • State failure vis-a-vis ethnic cleansing
  • The blockade on the road to peace
  • World Bamboo Day @Patsoi #1: Gallery
  • The Meitei Nupi :: Poem
  • Traumatic experiences: Kuki-Meitei clash #1
  • Tifo unveiled during NE United game
  • Sign languages as Career
  • Torbung on May 3: Where it all started
  • The danger of Zalengam dream
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #6: Download
  • Conflict in Manipur: Summary of issues
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #5
  • Get to know more about Canine Distemper
  • The Power of Poppy - 3 :: Poem
  • Why Is Manipur Burning ?
  • Condemns Biased UN Side Event
  • Inpui Baptist Church celebrated Decadal
  • When the public relations fail #2
  • A decade for youth to make India #1
  • Tell the story to the outside world
  • Misleading the House of Commons
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #2: Gallery
  • Village Volunteers: Protectors of the Nation
  • World Bamboo Day Painting Comp. results
  • Voluntary Blood Donation Camp
  • Improved potato varieties suited to Manipur
  • Autumn hair care: Tips for healthier hair
  • Manipur cannot go on like this
  • Shifting the theatre of war to Geneva
  • 1958: Kuki Chiefs' Memo to Union HM
  • Never too early never too late
  • Celebrities' approaches to Mental Health
  • International Day of Peace
  • Litter box training for cats
  • Trek leaders training programme
  • An indifferent Delhi
  • A good move with bad intention
  • Protesters & AR @Pallel #2: Gallery
  • Before the inflection point in our society !
  • Whither Naga Peace? Spl session of Parl
  • Lumpy Skin Disease
  • In total chaos since May 3 evening
  • Clutching at straws by drowning man
  • Winter Relief @ Mayang Imphal : Gallery
  • World Bamboo Day at Chandigarh
  • Will leaders walk the talk to end TB at UN
  • When the public relations fail #1
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #4
  • Reimpose AFSPA call
  • Lesson to be learnt from SAFF boys
  • Breaches of International Humanitarian Law
  • Do we have a Government!
  • 'Birthday boy' glows, critics wonder...
  • Two Murals from Two Corners
  • Sir, a birthday treat for us
  • 'Laangban Chara Tamba' #1: Gallery
  • Student Council: Pillars of Governance
  • World Ozone Day observed at Imphal
  • Col N Hemachandra: Brigadier in Army
  • The Power of Poppy - 2 :: Poem
  • Manipur Crisis: You can bring Delhi to Imphal
  • Manipuri Kokyet finds space in Parliament
  • Relief materials at Moirang, Thoubal
  • Armed Forces' role in Manipur under scrutiny
  • India elevated G20 as 'premier forum'
  • 'Solution first, peace later' slogan
  • Hoping against hope
  • Candle light vigil @ Kangla #2: Gallery
  • DMCC met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
  • The existential crisis - The Reality
  • Seriousness of legal proceedings
  • Role of Governor in summoning Assembly #2
  • One-sided reports vis-a-vis Manipur crisis
  • Death of a Sub-inspector
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra : Download
  • Dr Marjit: Academic Award at Malaysia
  • Interreligious Appeal to end violence
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #3
  • Manipur Special Youth Assembly Session
  • From new districts to separate State
  • Looking for ally, desperately
  • Protesters & SF @Kwakta #1: Gallery
  • An Open Letter to President Joe Biden
  • Elephants in a Seed
  • Switzerland of India become a love lost State
  • Restoration of mining affected areas
  • Why did Army invite EGI : CJI
  • EGI invited by Army for objective assessment!
  • Note on Kuki-Hmar Trouble [1960]
  • Sober Thoughts
  • Weaving Looms presented at Relief Camp
  • A compassionate relief & cash payment
  • Sisters and brothers :: Poem
  • Coming to the negotiating table
  • The way forward
  • Protesters & AR @Pallel #1: Gallery
  • Romi Meitei : Best director @Kazan film fest
  • Success of Rahmani30 in Manipur NEET-UG
  • Modi, Biren, Shah exposes tragic series
  • Bharat is older than India
  • Mega Health Camp & Skill Development
  • Demand for ST tag by Meiteis
  • Internationalising the Kuki-Meitei conflict
  • The descent of Radha-Krishna #5: Download
  • Creating Hope Through Action
  • Ningthoujam Binoy: National Teachers' Award
  • The Power of Poppy - 1 :: Poem
  • Role of Governor in summoning Assembly #1
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #2
  • Darkest Era of Meiteis
  • Robert Memorial Internship Awarded
  • Churachandpur Meiteis at the crossroads
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #3
  • Meeting of Meitei Club, Burari
  • G20 call to action in agriculture
  • Silent on the remains at CCpur
  • The resolution to unite all CSOs
  • Rebuttal: EGI Fact-finding Mission Report
  • S Tiken (Thang-Ta) Fellowhsip Award
  • Manipuri or Meitei ?
  • Relief Distribution at Wakhong Pukao
  • Human-centric globalisation : Taking G20
  • Cancer Screening at SP Office, Imphal
  • Doing a disservice to Kuki-Chin cause
  • Epidemic threat at relief centres
  • The Chothes of Manipur
  • Communalism; A Dangerous Ism
  • Condemns the incident at Chalwa
  • Unity - need of the hour
  • International Day of Police Cooperation
  • 5,000 Scholarships for 1st year undergrad
  • Classic case of victimising the victims
  • 11 years in service and raring to go
  • Relief Work - August 2023 : Gallery
  • Krishna Leela
  • Gurkha War & diaspora in Manipur #1
  • Cancer Awareness at Imphal East
  • Training on cultivation of mushroom
  • Illegal immigrants & Manipur violence
  • Missing fact in EGI's fact-finding report
  • Is govt inviting a 3rd Nupi Lal ?
  • The Chieftaindom of Kukis
  • The role of teachers in society
  • Condolence Message
  • Framework for the future of work
  • Understanding Manipur crisis in four days!
  • The case of 'Meitei media'
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #2
  • Winter Relief Services commenced
  • Special Session of Parliament
  • Advantage of simultaneous election in India
  • Fake Finding Committee ?
  • Poisoning the mind of Kuki-Chin people
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra #4 : Book
  • Organic links between C3C & Manipur conflict
  • Entrepreneur set to introduce first Tea Wine
  • Remedies to reduce hair growth on upper lip
  • Rally against Narco-Terrorism #3 : Gallery
  • On ethnic Nationalism & exclusive domains
  • Stay vigilant on Employment Offers
  • Waterways development in NE India
  • Condemn accusations on Pangal
  • Violence doesn't bring lasting solution #2
  • Feeding lies and more lies
  • Blame it on CSOs
  • Climate Change & flawed solution in Manipur
  • 92th Martyrdom Day of Haipou Jadonang
  • Change the minds, Peace is possible anytime
  • Who is running Nagaland Govt ?
  • Chronological report on Manipur violence #1
  • Manipur Distress Relief Work : August
  • Playing heroes on social media
  • Yes, it's time for a public assembly
  • Haipou Jadonang Martyrdom Day
  • Statement of Thadou Students' Assn
  • Land of jewel trapped under conspiracies #4
  • Health Awareness Programme at MU
  • Manipur- 13 medals at Junior National Judo
  • Where have the guns come from ?
  • The curious case of 10 Kuki MLAs
  • Candle light vigil @ Kangla #1: Gallery
  • Restoring peace - The talk of the town
  • National Sports Day 2023
  • Rethinking caste-based reservations in India
  • Why computer studies is gaining popularity
  • Cold bucket of water after a hot shower
  • Committing a crime to avoid a crisis
  • Raja Dumbragi Jeevan Charitra #3 : Book
  • Patriots' Day @ Kangla: Gallery
  • Protesters with Army [Aug 03] #3 : Gallery
  • Indigenous Wrestling @ Purul : Gallery
  • Patriots' Day @ Thangal Temple: Gallery
  • Maram folklore & Meitei connection
  • 'Remove Assam Rifles' [Aug 07] #2 : Gallery
  • Patriots' Day @ Hicham Yaicham : Gallery
  • Model of Spelling-bee Competition
  • Patriots' Day @ New Delhi : Gallery
  • Rally against Narco-Terrorism #1 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2023 #3: Gallery
  • HSLC 2023 :: Top 25 Rank Holders
  • HSLC 2023 :: Subject Topper
  • HSLC 2023 :: Full Result
  • HSLC 2023 :: Compartmental Result
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2023 :: Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Science
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Arts
  • HSE 2023 Toppers :: Commerce
  • From May 3, 1993 to the present
  • COVID-19 : Impact in Manipur :: News Timeline
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar for 2023