Central India: A Treasure Trove
Central India is where the lush green jungles of Satpura and Vindhya entrance the onlookers, where the warmth of the River Goddess Narmada coddles one, where many tribal communities find their humble abode in the plains of Chattisgarh.
That heart of India is also home to many a holistic treasures. Let’s find out what they are:
Zhandu (Marigold)
The golden goddess of the garden.
Often had been compared to the sun itself— radiating the atmosphere with a golden hue. And much like the sun, zhandu venerated to a sacred status in India being used in pujas with its presence ubiquitous during festive times.
Its beauty doesn’t just end there, it’s mystical inside and out. It has been used for medicinal and aesthetic purposes in Ayurveda since at least 12th century, where sometimes it was used to give the hair a golden tinge.
A hair elixir, full of flavonoids, that stimulates hair follicles and encourages hair growth and its anti- septic properties effectively clears dandruff revealing abundant gorgeous hair.
Brahmi
An epitome of grace.
The Sanskrit word ‘Brahmi’ finds its origins in Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe with Brahmi translating into Brahma’s shakti (power) hailing it as a creative elixir of life.
This white beauty has found its way in various ancient texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita to name a few. Charmed by its life rejuvenating properties, Sages Charaka and Sushruta devised a many concoctions using Brahmi.
Brahmi blows life into dull hair. It stimulates scalp blood circulation making hair follicles stronger thereby significantly reducing hair fall and promoting hair regeneration.
Mahua
An enchanter amongst the forest-dwellers
An exquisite entity in itself, Mahua’s bark, flower, fruit, seed are all endowed with medicinal and aesthetic qualities.
The lush musky scent and the rich mahogany color of Mahua flowers intoxicate the onlookers. The opulent flavours of the flower also lend themselves into concocting Mahua liquor, a nectar of the deities.
Ordained by many tribal communities as holy, Mahua is used in all kinds of celebrations forming a significant part in their rites and rituals.
Thick voluptuous butter is extracted from the precious thick brown seed kernels of the tree. The rich emollient butter, although buttery upon touch, melts with the warmth of the skin. It caresses the skin with rich antioxidants effective in skin regeneration and prevents wrinkles taking hold.
Sitaphal (Custard Apple)
A delicacy of the heavens
A delectable traditional winter treat, eaten out of hand in India, its titillating aroma filling the ambience with zest.
This precious fruit hidden up until a while ago among the lush jungles of Satpura in central India is now attaining the royal status it richly deserves with Custard Apple becoming the secret hot ingredient in many Indian desserts.
The alchemy of Custard Apple doesn’t end there, it also forms a part of various herbal remedies by tribal communities for a multitude of ailments.
The legend has it that Sitaphal was presented as a gift by Goddess Sita to Lord Rama during Vanwaas.
This sweet subtropical fruit with its creamy texture is nigh abundant with skin nourishing nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Flavonoids, Cartenoids etc. It protects the skin staunchly against free radicals, and gives it a smooth and silky radiance.