Rhododendron (Buransh): Origins, Benefits & Traditional Uses

Buransh: Sanjeevani Phool is how most people address Buransh. Grown in the beautiful land of Uttarakhand, it has traditional, therapeutic, and spiritual roots. Local people add it in several ways to their local cuisine.

What is Buransh?

Buran tree, popular as Rhododendron, has its name origin from the Greek word Rhod. It denotes red, rosy glow and dendron full tree. This name came due to attractive red-pink flowers added with natural goodness in them.

It has several medicinal and health benefits and is used to make healthy and delicious Buransh juice and squash. Popular as Nepal's national flower and Himachal Pradesh's state flower, it has a lot to offer to all. It is used to decorate the boat or a beauty in the garden. People plant them on the streets to add more to the horticulture significance.

History of Burnash

Rhododendron arboreum, is how it is scientifically called a known tree in Uttarakhand. It embraces the culture and traditions of the beautiful Himalayan region. Vibrant red blossoms symbolize Himalayan beauty and medicinal properties, and this flower has a lot to offer.

It is believed that, back in history, in a village of Uttarakhand, a farmer got his daughter married and sent her to her in-laws. She was their only daughter. They started missing her a lot, but she never returned and was treated harshly by her in-laws. She wanted to meet her parents and send them messages but found no way. She started spending time in the forest to search for solace. During festive times, her family waited for her badly, but she did not come. Slowly, her mother was terminally ill. She wanted to visit her, but her mother-in-law imposed too many conditions on her. After fulfilling all, when she reached her parent's house, she found them dead.

In a few days, a Buransh tree was seen sprouting, and slowly, vibrant red flowers bloomed in it. It was believed it reflected the daughter's endless and blooming love for her spirits. Slowly, it became a symbol of love for the whole village, and whenever the flowers bloomed, they depicted the daughter's return after so long. The miracle flower is seen as a blossom of a new start and hope and reflecting true love and devotion, never meets a bad fate. It is now sacred to the whole village. They treat it as a blessing from their ancestors.

Secret of Buransh

Uttarakhand and the Himalayan hills have loads of medicinal and beauty secrets present in them. Buras trees or Rhododendron Trees, are known as old miraculous trees due to the presence of the magical Buransh flower. It has several health benefits and a wonderful taste. This flower has multiple uses and several health benefits.

Different Names of Buransh Flower

Rhododendron flower, Crimson blossom, Barah-ke-Phool, or magical flower are some of the common names by which people address the Buransh flower.

Advantages of Buransh

Not to forget, this flower has several health benefits in it, especially when you prefer to consume Buransh juice or delicious squash. Buransh juice benefits are unlimited as it might help to deal with liver issues, inflammation, grout, arthritis, and more. It is truly on immunity booster. It has Quercetin and Rutin flavonoids in it, which is too good for overall health. It is believed to have a good effect on the skin, so you might end up getting the glowy skin you always dreamt of after drinking Buransh flower juice.

Nutritional Benefits of Buransh Squash

It has several health benefits, and knowing them in depth will definitely help you learn more.

1. Calories: If you want to check the calorie count present in Buransh squash, you will be surprised to know if one consumes it without any artificial sweetener, it can go somewhere between 50-70 per 100 mil.

2. Carbs: Burnash already has natural sugar in it, and hence, it is a good carb source. If you check its carbohydrate level, depending upon its dilution and sweetness, 100 ml of it can have almost 12-18 g.

3. Vitamin C: Buransh is indeed a good source of Vitamin C and is known to be a good antioxidant. In 100 ml of Buransh squash, you will get 10-30 mg of Vitamin C.

4. Water: The water content in the squash is comparatively high, which might contribute to the body's hydrating requirement.

5. Minerals: It has minerals, for sure, but their composition may vary. The amount of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium contribution may be different in different Buransh squash. It might help with bone strength, maintain fluid balance, and relieve stress.

6. Antioxidants: It has phenolic and flavonoid compounds in it, which act like a true antioxidant. It helps the body to recover from free radical damage and get rid of oxidative stress.

Additional Health Advantages of Buransh Squash

1. Antioxidants rich

It has several antioxidant-rich chemicals, like:

Polyphenols, like anthocyanins, flavonoids etc

Ascorbic acid boosts the overall immune system

Carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein

Phenolic acids, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and caffeic acid

Quercetin is full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

2. Immunity Booster

Rich in Vitamin C, Buransh squash serves as a much needed antioxidant and a healthy ingredient for improving your skin health, immunological function and sometimes with collagen synthesis. Due to its antioxidant nature, it might protect the skin cells and restore skin radiance.

In some cases, it might be a great help when dealing with skin rashes, eczema, skin irritation, or acne. Drinking Buransh flower juice might bring all these benefits together.

3. Cool Refreshment Drink

During the hot summer, people look for various options that are cool and refreshing. It is a good and healthy thirst quencher after doing a lot of physical work. It controls dehydration to a great extent. It also boosts productivity.  

4. Digestion

It might be really helpful, especially when it comes to digestion. Back in history, there are indications that Rhododendrons are used in making Ayurvedic medicines for increasing hunger, stable bowel movements, and smoothing stomach issues.

5. Antimicrobial Feature

Buransh squash has an antimicrobial presence, which might be a great support in fighting against several diseases and building a strong immune system.

How do locals treat Buransh?

Locals around Uttarakhand and the Himalayan hills and near Nepal use Buransh flowers to stay healthy during seasonal changes, hay fever, hives, allergies, and more.

Iron Deficiency

Buransh squash is believed to be rich in various minerals, and iron is one of them. Iron directly helps generate red blood cells and electrolyte balance, and keeps an eye on you to stay away from anaemia.

Overall Well-being

It brings a sense of fullness and hence helps to have a healthy body. The nutritional value is too high, making it ideal for anyone, but remember to consult a health specialist before adding anything new to your diet.

Why is Buransh regarded as a miracle flower?

If you check the early records of homoeopathic and Ayurveda, you will find Buransh as a common ingredient in most medicines. No one knows what made this flower so popular. Maybe, it is because it has several antivirus properties. You will be surprised to know it was used in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Indeed, the term miracle flower suits here!

How to prepare Buransh Juice at Home?

The process of preparing this juice is too simple. Just wash the Buransh flowers properly and let them soak for some time. Take some water in a container and put it on the heat. Once it is warm, add them to the soaked flowers. Start cooking it over a medium flame and stir it. Wait till it turns pink. Let it cook till it reduces to half. Don't forget to stir it throughout. Let it cool, and later, take a small portion of it and add cold water to it. You can add sweeteners to your taste. You can select it among stevia, sugar, or honey.

How to prepare Buransh Squash at Home?

If you are looking forward to make Buransh squash, take the Buransh flower reduced portion, mix it with sugar syrup. Wait and let it cool. Add cold water or ice and slowly enjoy it. Don't forget to put it in the refrigerator.

Fun Fact: In the Garhwal region or the entire Uttarakhand, you will see this as a common and traditional beverage.

Buransh Benefits For Women

Women in the hills make khukuri handles, several showpieces, and gift boxes with the wood of this plant.

Sip the health benefits while being refreshed

As the Ayurveda read, Buransh is full of medicinal and healthy benefits. You will gain loads of nutrients, too, but you should consult your doctor to know how many benefits it has to offer to you. You would have never expected the beauty of Uttarakhand, loaded with health benefits with a touch of natural goodness is what you will sip every time. A miracle flower can bring miracles to your life only when it is right for you. Before adding it to your daily life, do proper research and get the right guidance from your health specialist. Your health is your long-preserved asset; take good care of it!