Scientific Name
Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.
Synonyms
Family
Saxifragaceae
Local Name
Zakham-e-Hayat, Bud Mawa
Habit Habitat
A perennial rhizomatous herb, up to 40 cm tall, found in temperate, sub-alpine and alpine zones.
Taxonomic Features
It is rock loving plant, always found in fissures of rocks, never in open soil. Leaves simple, dark green, glabrous to hairy, more or less orbicular or broadly obovate, margin ciliate. Inflorescence a one sided raceme or corymbose. Flower actinomorphic, pink or pink-white. Sepals-5, oblong. Petals-5. Fruit a capsule. Seed elongated, brown.
Flowering Fruiting
February-April
Harvesting Time
September-December
Medicinal Value
Locally it is used for stomach weakness, ulcers and wounds (particularly for those wounds which are difficult to heal). Local tea of Zakham-e-Hayat is famous for stomach and wound healing. It removes kidney and bladder stones and has diuretic, digestive and antiseptic properties. It is used in powder, tea, infusion, decoction and paste forms.
Parts Used
Whole plant
Future Prospective
Conservation, Collection, Cultivation, Herbal Pharmacy, Allopathic Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.