Selinum vaginatum
C. B. Clarke
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Siddarth Machado, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Siddarth Machado
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Siddarth Machado, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Description
A subtropical herb in the carrot family. The roots are used to prepare a traditional fermented drink.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The roots are ground with wheat flour and seeds to make a fermented drink.
Traditional Uses
The roots are ground with wheat flour and then with seeds used to make a fermented drink.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Several Himalayan species belonging to the genus are both taken internally and burnt as dhoop or incense as sedatives to soothe mental turmoil of various kinds in Tantric rituals. Given that aphrodisiac properties are also reported they may also be used in practices related to sex magic / sacred sexuality. They are aromatic and mildly psychoactive without being unduly toxic - some species are recorded as having been used both as human food and cattle fodder.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, Himalayas, India,
Also Known As
Bhootkaisi
References (1)
- Dutt, B., et al, 2011, Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants used by Gaddi Tribe of Bharmour Area in Himachal Pradesh. ENVIS Bulletin: Himalayan Ecology 19, 2011
