What is Sanjeevani Booti?

We all are aware of the fact that plants with medicinal properties exist in nature. It is true that varied species of fauna exhibit medicinal properties but one amongst the most talked about is Sanjeevani Booti. It is commonly known as Selaginella bryopteris. Since ages, people have been talking about the magical effects of this plant. Truly, it is a plant of great importance to the society as a whole and it should be studied thoroughly.

What is the history / mythology behind Sanjeevani Booti?

Ramayana takes distinguished position in Hindu mythology and the mention about this herb has been done in it. According to Hindu mythology, the herb called Sanjeevani Booti is capable of curing any woe irrespective of its type and origin. It is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana that during the war between Rama and Ravana, Inderjit (eldest son of Ravana) sent a powerful weapon towards Lakshmana (younger of Rama). He was badly wounded and fell unconscious. Ayurvedacharyas (Ayurvedic Physicians) found that the wound had done deep enough to kill him. Hanuman was called to fetch Sanjeevani Booti from the Mount Sumeru in the Himalayas. Upon reaching the mountain, Hanuman failed to identify the magical herb and carried the entire mountain to the battlefield. Within a few minutes of smelling this life saving medicinal herb , Lakshmana gained consciousness and vigor to fight in the war.

What are the uses of the herb?

Since ancient times, Sanjeevani Booti is renowned for its medicinal properties. The scientists in the present world have conducted wide array of studies and concluded the areas where the herb can be used effectively for treating diseases

Sanjeevani Booti can be used for treating the problem of heat strokes
Women facing irregular menstrual cycles can use this lithophytic plant for brining the cycle to normal
Sanjeevani Booti plays a significant role in minimizing the labor You do not have access to view this node faced by women during delivery
The plant can be used for treating Jaundice without giving a second thought

Has Sanjeevani Booti been rediscovered in 21st Century ?

There has been a significant amount of interest in the Sanjeevani Booti. Recently, Pitanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, India, claimed that they have spotted this magical herb. The sources said that they were able to locate two groups of plants in the Dronagiri Hills. This hill is in Joshimath, Garhwal and it reaches up to a height of 15,000 feet. The monk, Pitanjali, did not make the visit to Dronagiri Hills alone but ayurvedic doctors also visited the place. The truth behind the discovery still needs to be verified. Truly, the medicinal properties of Sanjeevani Booti have been verified but still loads of studies need to be conducted before the plant can be used practically. These days, agricultural scientists at Indian National Botanical Research Institute are working rigorously on Sanjeevani Booti to unearth more hidden facts about it. In addition, they are trying to devise engineering technology using which the genes from the plant of Sanjeevani Booti can be transplanted into other crops. If the scientists are successful in this experiment, then it would be a boon to the world of agriculture. No crops would die due to scarcity of water and this could be ray of hope for farmers growing crops in arid or dry regions.

What is the latest news around Sanjeevani Booti?

Sanjeevani Booti belongs to the division of Lycopodiophyta and it is known to grow in the Arawali Mountain. Recently, various studies conducted on this plant revealed a special feature of resistance to drought in this plant. This feature makes Sanjeevani Booti capable of standing drought conditions for long years. Agricultural scientists are planning to insert this gene from the plant to various other crops. As a result, the crops would become resistant to drought conditions. Such transgenic plants would help in preventing loss of crops even when sufficient water is not present.

Scientists say Himalayan herb is modern-day sanjeevani

Rhodiola, a herb found in the cold and highland climate, has led the country’s leading scientists to wonder if it is the end to the quest for sanjeevani, the mythical herb that gave renewed life to Ram’s brother Lakshman in the epic Ramayana.

Scientists wonder if it is the end to the quest for sanjeevani, the mythical herb that gave renewed life to Ram’s brother Lakshman in the epic Ramayana

In the high, hostile peaks of the Himalayas where sustaining life is a challenge in itself, scientists say they have found a “wonder herb” that can regulate the immune system, help adapt to the mountain environment and, above all, protect from radioactivity.

Locally called ‘Solo’ in Ladakh, the qualities of Rhodiola were largely unknown so far. The leafy parts of the plant were used as vegetable by locals. However, research by the Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) is exploring the therapeutic values of the herb.

“Rhodiola is a wonder plant that has immunomodulatory [enhancing immune], adaptogenic [adapting to difficult climatic condition] and radio-protecting abilities due to presence of secondary metabolites and phytoactive compounds unique to the plant,” R.B. Srivastava, Director, DIHAR, told IANS.

Mr. Srivastava said the herb can mitigate the effects of gamma radiation used in bombs in biochemical warfare. The Leh-based lab of the DRDO, the world’s highest agro-animal research laboratory, has been studying this wonder plant for more than a decade. “While its adaptogenic qualities can help the soldiers in adjusting to the low pressure, low oxygen environment, the plant has also been found to have anti-depressant and appetiser properties,” said Mr. Srivastava.