Introduction to the plant
Zorbu is one of the many wild edible and medicinal plants used across Kinnaur. Its scientific name is Phytolacca acinosa (Phytolaccaceae) and is commonly known as Himalayan Pokeberry or Indian Pokeweed. It is found across the Himalayan region, areas of Tibet, and China. The plant grows up to 1-1.5 m tall. The leaves are long and wider at the midpoints than the base and the tip. Green-white flowers are borne in erect cylindrical clusters. After the first fall frost, Pokeweed's above-ground growth dies. The Plant resprouts in the spring from the taproot i.e., the main, central large root.
Intergenerational knowledge of the people of Kinnaur
In the culinary practices of Kinnaur, only the leaves of plants are consumed after cooking thoroughly. The leaves are boiled in water and squeezed out before tempering in oil. It is prepared either alone or alongside potatoes. Many people assume Zorbu is on par with morel mushrooms for its rich and distinctive flavours. There are some rules about harvesting and consumption of the plant—people of Kinnaur believe that the leaves must not be picked post Asharang (July) and they must be cooked properly and consumed moderately. The roots and plum-coloured fruits or any other part of the plant must not be consumed.
Interesting Facts
Himalayan pokeberry is also known for its role in Phytoremediation, a process where the plant is known to extract heavy metals from the soil, effectively helping in the detoxification of the soil ecosystem. But this also means that sometimes the heavy metals in the plants can increase to a level where it can be toxic to organisms, including humans, feeding on them. Therefore, one should be careful about the location of the plant before consuming it.
Some species like Phytolacca Americana are toxic if not used properly. People of Kinnaur can identify the plant based on the structure and colour of its leaves and stem, and its flowers. A widely accepted rule of thumb is to identify the plant based on its flowers and roots. Those with white flowers and white roots are considered edible, while those with red flowers and red roots are to be avoided.
Tibetan Medicine practices
In Tibetan medicine, Indian Pokeweed is Known as དཔའ་བོ་དཀར་པོ། (Pawo Karpo) and the roots of the plant are used to treat nephritis (Kidney inflammation). The root of this plant is also used heavily in Ayurvedic medicine for arthritis (joint inflammation), and rheumatism (any disease marked by inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, or fibrous tissue). The main components which give the roots anti-inflammatory properties are glycosylated saponins, flavones, and phytosterols. Because of the root’s high medicinal effectiveness and large size, Tibetan medicine practitioners also call it གླང་ཆེན་ཆིག་ཐུབ། (Langchen Chikthup) which translates to - an elephant. These names are a testament to the plant's cultural significance and its impact on the lives of those who have gathered knowledge of the plant for generations.
Zorbo - Himalayan Pokeberry stands tall as a native delight, boasting remarkable medicinal properties deeply rooted in ancient practices. Its potential to heal and detoxify the soil while adorning local cuisines with its unique flavour makes it a fascinating addition to Kinnaur’s uncultivated food heritage. However, it is crucial to exercise caution and proper identification to fully embrace the bounties this plant has to offer.
Contributions by: Preeti Saryan, Tanisha Negi, Pramiti Negi, Tanzin Yondan, Neema Zangmo, and others.
(Note : Some of the indigenous knowledge of Kinnaur and Tibetan usage may not have been proven scientifically. For the scientifically researched information links are provided in the article. )
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