Prof Vikas Sharma, Abeeda Mushtaq
Brahma kamal is not just a botanical wonder; it is also steeped in Hindu mythology and folklore as according to Hindu legend, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, is said to reside within the petals of this flower during the night. Brahma kamal is the state flower of Uttarakhand and is usually plucked on Nandashtami, a festival celebrated in Uttarakhand, which is associated with goddess Nanda Devi.
Saussurea obvallata, a perennial herbaceous plant commonly known as king of Himalayan flowers, sacred saussurea (english), brahma kamal (hindi /sanskrit), queen of the night flower or lotus of the dark, night-blooming queen or the night queen. It is a rare flowering plant found in the alpine meadows of the Himalayas, extending from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. It is also distributed in Bhutan, China, Nepal and Pakistan, at altitudes between 3700 and 4600. It blooms between July and August, belongs to the Asteraceae family and is characterized by its striking appearance.
Myth and Legend: The flower is believed to bloom only at night, releasing a divine fragrance that is said to be so intoxicating that it can lull a person into a deep slumber. However, as dawn breaks, the flower wilts and the presence of Lord Brahma vanishes. This legend has given the Brahma Kamal a sacred status in Hinduism and it is often used in religious ceremonies and offerings. It symbolizes purity, spirituality and the ephemeral nature of life. The Rigveda, a sacred Hindu text, mentions the Brahma Kamal plant in several hymns. This flower was also worshipped by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who associated it with their goddesses of love and fertility. The flower is believed to have the power to fulfill desires and grant blessings to those who offer it to the deity.
Traditional Uses
The brahma kamal is not only revered for its cultural and aesthetic significance, but also valued for its medicinal properties in traditional systems of medicine, particularly in the Himalayan region. The roots of the Brahma Kamal are believed to possess digestive properties. They are used to prepare remedies that help alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, bloating and stomach aches. The paste made from crushed Brahma Kamal leaves and flowers is applied topically to treat skin conditions like rashes, burns and insect bites. It is believed to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used as a local application for reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and joint problems. Poultices made from its leaves can be applied to affected areas for relief. The aroma of the Brahma Kamal flower is considered to have a calming effect on the mind. In traditional practices, it was sometimes used to reduce stress and anxiety. The soup prepared from this plant is believed to treat liver inflammations and increase blood volume in the body. The ground roots are applied to cure cuts and wounds. Floral buds and roots are used as medicines in leucoderma, urinary troubles, bone fractures, wounds, bone pain, cough and cold, hydrocele, reproductive disorder and digestive problems.
Brahma Kamal contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which act as potent antioxidants. The Brahma Kamal is a cardio-protective herb and it is used in treating a host of heart ailments. In addition, it helps strengthen the heart muscles. It helps to prevent lipid build-up, reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Brahma Kamal flower can help treat infection of the genital and maintain good sexual health. The flower is also effective against pathogens that have developed resistance against antibiotics, for recurrent episodes of infection and for sexually transmitted diseases. Acacetin, found in Brahma Kamal, has been studied for its anticonvulsant effects. It may help in preventing seizures by regulating nerve cell impulses and stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain. This can be particularly valuable for individuals with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
Conservation Efforts
Despite its cultural and ecological significance, the brahma kamal faces threats to its existence. Human activities such as tourism and habitat destruction are endangering this fragile species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the habitats where it thrives and to promote its cultivation in controlled environments to ensure its survival.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, SKUAST-Jammu)
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