In Hindu mythology, the sanjeevani plant is described as a magical herb with the ability to cure severe nervous system issues. It is said that medicines made from this herb could revive people even in near-death situations. The herb is famously mentioned in the epic, the Ramayana. During a fierce battle between Ravana’s son Meghnad and Lakshmana, Rama’s brother, Lakshmana was struck with a deadly arrow, causing him to lose consciousness. In desperation, Rama turned to Hanuman for help, who then consulted the royal physician Sushena in Lanka. Sushena advised Hanuman to gather four powerful herbs from Dronagiri Hills: Mrutha Sanjeevani (for life), Vishalyakarani (for wounds), Sandhanakarani (for skin), and Savarnyakarani (for skin color).
Upon reaching Dronagiri, Hanuman was overwhelmed by the multitude of herbs and couldn’t distinguish the four needed ones. To solve the problem, he brought back the entire hill, and with that, Lakshmana was saved from the brink of death. This raises the question: is the Sanjeevani Booti just a fictional element of this myth, or does it truly exist?
Some references identify the Sanjeevani plant in Hindu mythology as Selaginella bryopteris, but so far, no ancient text has definitively confirmed a specific plant as Sanjeevani. Interestingly, some texts mention that Sanjeevani emits a glow in the dark.
Scientists have been intrigued by the idea of Sanjeevani, the mythical herb that supposedly restored life to Lakshmana in the Ramayana. Researchers claim to have discovered a “wonder herb” believed to boost the immune system, help the body adapt to high-altitude conditions, and even offer protection against radioactivity. This herb, found in cold, high-altitude areas, has led prominent scientists to wonder if it might be the legendary Sanjeevani plant.
Here are seven health benefits of the Sanjeevani plant:
1. Stress Relief: Stress can arise from various situations, both good and bad. When stressed, our bodies release chemicals into the bloodstream. The Sanjeevani plant is known as an adaptogen, a natural substance that aids in increasing the body’s resistance to stress, helping people better manage stressful situations.
2. Antidepressant Effects: Depression is a mental health condition marked by persistent low mood or a lack of interest in activities. The Sanjeevani plant is believed to have antidepressant properties, potentially balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
3. Enhanced Mental Performance: The brain, as part of the central nervous system, oversees most bodily and mental functions. The Sanjeevani plant has been shown to boost mental performance during times of stress and physical strain, reducing mental fatigue and improving work-related task performance.
4. Combatting Fatigue: Fatigue can be caused by factors like sleep deprivation, heavy physical exertion, or aging. Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, the Sanjeevani plant is a favored supplement for reducing fatigue and stress-related symptoms.
5. Improved Exercise Performance: Regular physical activity is known for its health benefits, potentially reducing risks of diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. The Sanjeevani plant may enhance exercise performance by reducing perceived effort, allowing for longer and more intense workouts.
6. Diabetes Management: For those with diabetes, insulin injections or medications enhancing insulin sensitivity are common treatments. In rodent studies, the Sanjeevani plant showed potential for lowering blood sugar levels, indicating it might be useful for diabetes management in humans, although more research is needed.
7. Cancer Prevention Properties: While no single food can prevent cancer alone, a diet rich in diverse plant foods can lower cancer risk. The active ingredient salidroside, found in rhodiola (a plant related to Sanjeevani), has shown anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell growth in test-tube studies.
Although the Sanjeevani plant is largely tied to myth, there have been claims of finding plants on Dronagiri Hill, located in Joshimath, Garhwal, rising to 15,000 feet, that could be the legendary plant. However, the truth of these claims is yet to be verified. Researchers at the Indian National Botanical Research Institute are actively investigating the Sanjeevani Booti to uncover more information.
Rhodiola, another plant associated with Sanjeevani, has been used in traditional medicine across Russia and Scandinavian countries for ages. Research suggests rhodiola may help the body cope with physical and psychological stresses like exercise and fatigue. When purchasing rhodiola supplements, it’s important to look for third-party certifications to ensure the product isn’t mixed with cheaper, less effective ingredients.
