Habenaria edgiworthi Hook f. ex. Collett (RDDHI)

Special Description – Rddhi is one among the jivaniya dravyas as well as asta varga dravyas.  This is extensively used during brhat trayi period.  However, the identity at present is not possible due to several reasons.  Owing to the controversy and / or non availability, bhavamisra mentioned varahikanda as the substitute for rddhi.  Thakur Balvant Singh identified that some orchids like Habenaria species are being used as rddhi at present.  He also reported that ciraiyakanda or malakanda (Eulophia nuda Lindl) being used as rddhi in some places.

Botanical description – A terrestrial leafy herb, growing upto 75 cm; flexuous hairy and leafy stem; with undivided or lobed tubers; leaves 2-4, the second largest, flat with sheathing base;ovate-lanceolate; flowers spicate or racemose, yellowish green; fruit is capsule, ellipsoid or oblong.

Part used –  tubers

Uses – Root is used as tonic, alterative, aphrodisiac etc.

Note : During a study tour to Yogi Pharmacy, Haridwar in 1986 (April 17^th), author did come across a practice of utilizing some Habenaria sps in place of rddhi as well as vrddhi.  Both the plants were differentiated on the basis of their age viz., if it is one year old it is rddhi and if > 2 years old then it is vrddhi.

1. foliosa Reichb is used medicinally by the Zulus.