{"id":3480,"date":"2018-07-21T07:06:59","date_gmt":"2018-07-21T07:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kodavaclan.com\/kodaguheritage\/?p=3480"},"modified":"2026-08-04T03:30:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T03:30:11","slug":"madd-thoppu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kodavaclan.com\/kodaguheritage\/madd-thoppu\/","title":{"rendered":"Maddh Thoppu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Madd Thoppu (Justicia wynaadensis<\/em>)<\/span><\/h1>\n

Madd Thoppu<\/strong> (Justicia wynaadensis<\/em>), locally known as Moddu Soppu<\/strong> in Kannada, is a medicinal herb belonging to the Acanthaceae<\/strong> family. It grows naturally in the forests and hilly regions of Kodagu<\/strong> during the monsoon season and has been an integral part of Kodava traditional<\/p>\n

\u00a0medicine and cuisine for generations.<\/p>\n

Among Kodavas, Madd Thoppu holds special cultural significance during Kakkada Padinett<\/a>, the eighteenth day of the Kakkada<\/a>\u00a0month in the Kodava calendar (July\u2013August). According to traditional belief, the plant attains its maximum medicinal potency on this day. It is said that the leaves emit a<\/p>\n

\u00a0distinctive natural fragrance only on Kakkada Padinett, a characteristic believed to be absent on the days immediately before and after.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

On this auspicious day, fresh leaves and tender stems are harvested and slowly boiled to prepare a rich deep bluish-purple extract<\/strong>. This extract, known for its unique flavour and vibrant colour, forms the base of several traditional Kodava delicacies, including Madd Puttu<\/strong><\/a>, Madd Payasa<\/strong>, Madd Kool<\/strong><\/a>, and other seasonal dishes prepared exclusively during the monsoon.<\/p>\n

Traditional knowledge attributes numerous health benefits to Madd Thoppu. The plant is believed to contain eighteen medicinal principles<\/strong>, symbolically associated with the eighteenth day of Kakkada. The leaves and stems are valued for their antioxidant properties<\/strong> and are traditionally consumed to enhance immunity, improve overall health, and help the body adapt to the rainy season.<\/p>\n

Botanical Information<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>\nDetails<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Kodava Name<\/strong><\/td>\nMadd Thoppu<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scientific Name<\/strong><\/td>\nJusticia wynaadensis<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
English Name<\/strong><\/td>\nJusticia wynaadensis<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kannada Name<\/strong><\/td>\nModdu Soppu<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Family<\/strong><\/td>\nAcanthaceae<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Habitat<\/strong><\/td>\nWestern Ghats, particularly Kodagu, during the monsoon season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Traditional Uses<\/h2>\n