The Medicinal Herbs of Darjeeling: Nature’s Healing Heritage


The misty hills of Darjeeling are home to a remarkable diversity of plants, many of which have been part of traditional Himalayan knowledge for generations. Around the forests, tea gardens and natural landscapes of CGH Earth – Singell, several plants are traditionally valued for their medicinal, culinary, cultural and ritual significance.

This blog explores some of these plants through the perspective of traditional knowledge and natural history, highlighting how local communities have observed, used and preserved them over generations. From leaves and flowers to roots and rhizomes, each plant carries a story connecting nature, culture and people.

It is important to note that the medicinal uses described here refer primarily to traditional and folk practices. They should not be interpreted as clinically proven treatments or medical recommendations. The safety, efficacy and medical approval of individual plants and their preparations may vary, and some plants or plant parts may be harmful if incorrectly identified or used.


My understanding of these plants has been enriched not only through observing nature but also through the knowledge generously shared by my parents, elders and senior members of the community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to them, whose experiences, memories and wisdom have helped preserve this valuable heritage and pass it down through generations.





1. Frilly bergenia - Bergenia ligulata 

Locally known in Himalayan regions as Pakhanbed, translates to “stone breaker.” Also known by different names- Pashanbhed/ Pashanbheda.

Endemic and native to the temperate Himalayan region and are not considered invasive.

Uses and Benefits - 

Parts Used - Root (powder), leaves (decoction).



 2. Crêpe Ginger - Hellenia speciosa 

Also known as Spiral ginger/ Cane reed/ Wild ginger/ Malay ginger/ Betalauri (Local/ Nepali name).

Native to Tropical and subtropical Asia- Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Southern China and parts of Indo- Malaysian region. Invasive in several Tropical regions and Pacific islands.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Inflamation
  • Fever
  • Bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Rheumatism
  • Digestive complaints
  • certain skin condition
  • Antioxidant and Anti- inflammatory activities.

Parts used - Rhizome, leaves, sap from stems and flowers.



3. Creeping Woodsorrel - Oxalis corniculata

Locally known as Chari Amilo, also known as Changeri contains very high levels of Oxalic acid giving the leaves its signature sour and lemony taste.

Historical and Archeobotanical study suggests that it is native to the Indian Subcontinent, East Asia and Southeast Asia. It is a Cosmopolitan species with a Global naturalisation across Europe, Africa, Oceania and America. Invasive across tropical, sub- tropical and temperate biomes.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Digestive issue
  • Skin conditions (like minor burns, rashes and skin warts)
  • Diarrhoea and dysentery
  • Improve appetite 
  • Source of Vitamin C (boosts overall immune health) 
  • Treats Scurvy
  • Fever and pain
  • Urinary tract health.

Parts used - Leaves, stems and flowers.



4. Indian Pennywort - Centella asiatica 

Also known as Centella/ Cica/ Gotu Kola/ Mandukaparni/ Ghod- Tapre/ Brahmabuti/ Golpat (local name), is a low growing perennial herb.

Indigenously native to the tropical and Subtropical wetlands of Asia (India, Nepal and China) and parts of Africa and Australia, whereas it is considered invasive in the western Pacific islands (considered highly invasive, after introduction it rapidly choked out native flora), parts of Indian Ocean and the wetland of the Hunan province in China.

Uses and benefits  ( known as herb of enlightenment) -

  • Brain booster and memory enhancer
  • Stress and Anxiety relief
  • Skin healing and anti- aging
  • Digestive and gastric comfort 
  • Promotes Circulatory health.

Parts used - (The parts of the plants are harvested fresh to be crushed into juices, brewed into teas and dried into powders).Whole plant, leaves, creeping stems (stolons) and slender roots.



5. Asian Paltain - Plantago asiatica 

Also known as Plantain wide/ Isabgol/ Lahwiya/ Chamche Jhar (vernacular name) is a highly valued perennial herb.

Indigenously native to East Asia and Himalayan belt (Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet, China, Japan and Korea). Thrives naturally in subtropical and temperate biomes. Considered invasive in North America, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Africa, South America and Africa.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Urinary and Kidney health
  • Respiratory relief
  • Digestion and gut health
  • Wound healing 
  • Eye health.

Parts used - Whole herb, seeds and leaves.



6. Tropical chickweed - Drymaria cordata 

Locally known as Abhijalo, it is a weak-stemmed perennial herb traditionally valued for its medicinal properties. It acts as a natural Antifebrile.

Nativity points to the moist habitats in Latin America( tropical Americas) and sub- Saharan Africa. It is one of the most aggressive and globally invasive weeds in tropical and subtropical regions.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Respiratory and sinus relief
  • Fever and pain reduction
  • Digestive and Liver tonic
  • Wound healing and Anti- inflammatory (treats venomous insect/ snake bites)
  • Blood sugar management.

Parts used - Whole herb, leaves, stems, small white flowers.



7. Marigold - Tagetes erecta 

Also known as African or Mexican Marigold/ Sayapatri (or one hundred petals locally) is an essential element of the Tihar (Deepawali) festival and daily worship. It contains volatile essential oils and is packed with health promoting phytochemicals, including lutein - a potent antioxidant. 

Indigenously native to Mexico and Central America was transpired globally by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. They have comfortably naturalised as popular garden flowers. Certain Wild Marigold species are considered invasive.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Eye health support
  • Wound healing and skin care
  • Digestive relief
  • Fever and respiratory relief
  • Natural pest repellent
  • Liver care
  • Soothes raw sore throats.

Parts used - Flower/ petals (nature’s richest source of Lutein), leaves and roots (exudes Alpha- terthienyl).




8. Sticky snakeroot - Ageratina adenophora 

Crofton weed/ Mexican devil/ Banmara (local name, translates to ‘forest killer’), is a fast spreading herbaceous shrub, highly destructive in woodland ecosystems. Since it has Allelopathic properties, it releases toxic chemical into soil thereby, harming the nearby plant species. It can also cause irreversible lung damage, known as ‘blowing disease,’ and severe liver necrosis in horses.

It native to Mexico and Central America whereas, highly aggressive invasive weed choking the native ecosystem across South and Southeast Asia(Nepal, North-East India), Australia, South Africa and Pacific Islands.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Rapid wound healing and antiseptic properties
  • Antimicrobial and antifungal
  • Fever and pain relief (Antipyretic)
  • It is known to have healing compounds and is therefore used in Folk/ Tribal remedies.

Parts used - Leaves and stems.



9. Mugwort - Artemisia vulgaris 

Common wormwood/ Wild wormwood/ Titepati ‘bitter leaf’( known locally)/Damanaka in Ayurvedic medicine is highly revered for its intense volatile oils, such as thujone (it is a chemical compound which can stimulate uterine contractions, it has extensive history if being used as an abortifacient and is strictly contradicted during pregnancy, might also be allergic to people with severe ragweed allergies).

Indigenously native to Temperate Europe, Asia,  North Africa and a naturalized native component of the ecosystem in Nepal and India. In North America, it is classified as a highly aggressive and prohibited invasive weed.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Digestive and gut stimulant (natural anthelminitic, therefore eliminates intestinal worms)
  • Menstrual and reproductive regulation (contains emmenagogue)
  • Wound healing and Antiseptic (provides anti- microbial barrier)
  • Calms Nervous System (contains mild nervine sedative), Cultural and Ritual purifier (considered a sacred herb).

Parts used - Leaves, flowering tops (medicinally potent part) and roots.



10. Black Turmeric - Curcuma caesia 

Locally known as Kalo Besar/ Kalo Haledo/ Kalo Hardi is an Endangered and threatened species. It is revered in Ayurvedic and Himalayan folk medicine and is believed to contain exceptionally high concentrations of curcuminoids and essential oils.

Indigenously native to the Himalayan region, Northeast India and Central India.

Uses and benefits - 

  • Powerful Anti- Inflammatory
  • Respiratory care
  • Gastric and pain relief
  • Calms stomach Ulcers
  • Skin health and wound healing
  • Cultural and ritual uses (used during religious ceremonies like Kali Puja and kept in households as a protective talisman to ward off negative energies).

Parts used - Rhizomes and leaves (used fresh in topical wraps or fired as ritual fuel).


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