Bhutkeshi, Bhootkesi, Taggar, Moor: A Plant used for Warding off Evil Spirit

Plant Myths and Traditions in Uttarakhand (Himalaya) - 6

By: Bhishma Kukreti, M.Sc. (Botany) (Mythology Research Student)

Botanical Name: Selinum vegenatum, Selinum vegenatum

Hindi Name –Bhutkesi

Garhwali name –Bhutkeshi or Taggar

Kumaoni Name- Moor

 Bhutkesi are found in Western Himalayas between 1800m to 3800 m.

                Traditional Medical Uses

 Bhutkeshi is a hair less plant but its rhizomes are with long hair.  In Ayurveda, the rhizomes and fruits  fruits have medicinal values. Roots are used as nervine sedative.

         Bhutkeshi Myths

      There is perception among people that Rhizomes of Bhutkeshi ward off the evil spirit. Tantra –Mantra performers use Bhutkeshi rhizomes in local rituals. People keep Bhutkeshi rhizomes with them in houses for keeping off Bhut (Evil Spirit).

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Reference: Harish Singh, 2008, Importance of local names of some useful in ethnobotanical study (Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, Vol. 7(2))

Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti, Mumbai 2017

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