The species name comes from a suburb in Mumbai called
Borivili. Safed Musli is a herb with sub-erect leaves and
tuberous root system. It can grow upto a maximum height of 1.5 ft. Tubers
can grow upto a depth of 10". The plant sports a rosette of long, slender
leaves, growing from a thick, fleshy rhizome. The flowers are small,
white, produced on sparse panicles. Leaves are slightly yellowish and
white flowers with 6 petals are arranged on the flowering stalk which
emerge from the centre of the plant. About 20-25 flowers on the flowering
stalk appear in July. The seed is very small, black and enclosed in the
holes. In one hole, there are about 10-12 seeds. The seed is very light
in weight.
Medicinal uses: Safed moosli holds an important position
in Indian herbal medicine. The roots are widely used as a natural
"sex tonic" and is an integral part of more than 100 herbal drug
formulations. Although Indian forests are rich in safed moosli demand is
increasing rapidly in Indian and international drug markets. The dried
roots of asparagus are used in ayurveda as an aphrodisiac. They are
available in the market as Safed Musli. Fifteen grams of roots boiled
in one cup of milk should be taken twice daily. The regular use of this
remedy is valuable in impotency and premature ejaculation.
Identification credit: Prashant Awale
Photographed Tandulwadi Fort, Maharashtra.
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The flower labeled Safed Musli is ...