Chapter 6 – The Mystical Herbs of the Northeast
Leaving behind the tantric forests of Bengal, Dhey and Prarabdh now ventured towards the misty mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Here, Ayurveda blended with tribal herbalism, Siddha medicine, and ancient Himalayan wisdom.
The journey was treacherous—dense jungles, unpredictable monsoons, and paths carved by rivers. Yet, the air was thick with the scent of medicinal plants, pine forests, and orchids.
"औषधयः समुत्पन्नाः, पृथिव्यां च विशेषतः।"
"All medicines arise from the earth, holding the essence of life."
The Valley of Living Medicines
As they trekked up the emerald-green hills of Meghalaya, they stumbled upon a breathtaking valley. The local Khasi tribesmen called it the "Valley of Living Medicines" because every plant had a healing purpose.
"Look around you," said an elder named Bah Lamare, a renowned tribal healer. "These plants do not just grow, they breathe. They sing to the Earth, waiting to heal those who listen."
Dhey and Prarabdh followed him through the forest, noting the abundance of rare herbs that had been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Herbs of the Northeast
Bhojpatra (Himalayan Birch - Betula utilis) – The Sacred Script Herb
Used by ancient Rishis to write the Vedas on its bark.
Uses: Treats respiratory diseases, strengthens digestion, and heals wounds.
Vacha (Sweet Flag - Acorus calamus) – The Herb of Clarity
Revered by yogis and associated with Goddess Saraswati.
Uses: Enhances memory, speech, and removes toxins from the mind.
Rudraksha Tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) – The Tears of Shiva
Legends say that Rudraksha beads were formed from Shiva's tears of compassion.
Uses: Regulates blood pressure, calms the mind, and protects against diseases.
Chirata (Swertia chirayita) – The Bitter Cure
A divine herb linked to Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.
Uses: Cures fever, diabetes, and purifies the liver.
Dawai Langkhui (Angelica glauca) – The Secret Medicine of the Khasi Tribes
Known as the "Queen of Roots", found only in Meghalaya's hidden valleys.
Uses: Strengthens immunity, enhances vitality, and restores youthfulness.
Prarabdh observed, "These plants are not just medicine; they are divine messengers."
The Mystery of Loktak Lake
Their journey led them to Loktak Lake in Manipur, a sacred water body where floating islands of herbs were believed to have magical healing properties.
Here, they met a Manipuri Maiba (traditional healer) who taught them about the ancient practice of water-based healing (Jala Chikitsa).
"जलं जीवनस्य आधारः, जलं सर्वव्याधि विनाशकं।"
"Water is the foundation of life, and the destroyer of all diseases."
The Maiba explained that certain aquatic herbs like Brahmi and Lotus roots could heal the brain, enhance meditation, and detoxify the body.
A Test of Healing
One evening, the village elder brought forth a sick child suffering from a deadly fever. The villagers feared it was a curse of the forest spirits, but Prarabdh and Dhey recognized the symptoms—malaria.
Using their knowledge, they prepared a healing potion:
Chirata (Swertia chirayita) – To reduce fever.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – To boost immunity.
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) – To purify the blood.
Dhey chanted a mantra before giving the medicine:
"ओषधयः संप्रवर्तन्ते, सदा स्वस्थ्याय मानवः।"
"May the herbs always work towards the health of humanity."
By the next morning, the child's fever had broken, and the village rejoiced. The Maiba blessed them, saying, "You have understood Ayurveda not just as knowledge, but as Dharma."
Towards the Himalayas
With their spirits renewed, Dhey and Prarabdh set forth towards their next great challenge—the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, where the rarest and most powerful herbs of Ayurveda awaited them.
Their journey continued, but the Northeast had given them something priceless—the wisdom of the earth, the healing of water, and the divine connection between plants and gods.