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Dactylorhiza, Finger root
Marsh Orchid
Salam Panja, Munjataka (Ayurveda)
Dbang lag དབང་ལག (Tibetan)
Hong Men Lan (China)
Salam Panja, Munjataka (Ayurveda)
Dbang lag དབང་ལག (Tibetan)
Hong Men Lan (China)
A species of Dactylorhiza, listed as 'Female Orchid' and used as Salep.
Herbarum Vivae Eicones, Otto Brunfels, 1530
Herbarum Vivae Eicones, Otto Brunfels, 1530
Finger root, Chengdu Herbal Medicine Market (Adam, 2016)
Botanical name:
Dactylorhiza hatagirea (syn. Orchis latifolia var. indica, O. hatagirea)
A number of related species are used synonymously including D. incarnata and D. romana (used in Turkey and Iran as Salep), D. salina (Tibet), D. umbrosa etc.
In Tibetan texts, 5 types are differentiated based on the number of tubers. That with 5 tubers is called 'God's hand' (Lha lag) and is considered best.
Parts used:
Root / Tuber; that with 5 tubers like a hand is considered best.
Widely distributed throughout the Himalayas, Western China, Tibet, Afghanistan, central Asia and Europe.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral/Slightly Warm, moist. Sweet
Dactylorhiza hatagirea (syn. Orchis latifolia var. indica, O. hatagirea)
A number of related species are used synonymously including D. incarnata and D. romana (used in Turkey and Iran as Salep), D. salina (Tibet), D. umbrosa etc.
In Tibetan texts, 5 types are differentiated based on the number of tubers. That with 5 tubers is called 'God's hand' (Lha lag) and is considered best.
Parts used:
Root / Tuber; that with 5 tubers like a hand is considered best.
Widely distributed throughout the Himalayas, Western China, Tibet, Afghanistan, central Asia and Europe.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral/Slightly Warm, moist. Sweet
Uses:
1. Strengthens Kidneys, Nourishes Yin, Benefits Yang: (Unani, Ayurveda, Tibet)
-viewed as an aphrodisiac
-Impotence, Infertility; enhances Libido and Fertility, increases testosterone
-chronic Kidney disease, Diabetes
-lower back pain
-premature ageing; regarded as a Longevity tonic
2. Benefits Spleen and Qi: (Unani, Ayurveda, Tibet)
-strengthening tonic; increases strength;
-useful after chronic illness and convalescence
-Nervous debility
-Fatigue, poor appetite
-lowered Immunity
3. Nourishes Yin, Clears Heat: (Unani, Ayurveda, Tibet)
-Chronic Fever, Weakness and Wasting
-Gout, Erysipelas
-also for Thirst
4. Clears Phlegm, Benefits Lungs:
-Cough, Hoarseness
5. Externally:
-paste of the roots are applied to Fractures in India
-root powder is applied to Wounds to stop bleeding (Nepal)
DOSE:
As a nutritious tonic it is often prepared with Milk, as in Salep.
Powder: 1–4 grams
COMMENT:
1. Dactylorhiza was formerly grouped under Orchis. This is one of a number of species of Orchid that has supplied Salep.
2. Due to over-harvesting, it has become critically endangered in some regions.
SUBSTITUTE:
1. This has been used as a substitute for Salep, Orchis (Satyrion).
2. See Orchis (Satyrion) for various other substitutes.
3. Herminium monorchis and Ponerorchis chusua are classed as varieties and are used similarly in Tibetan Medicine.
As a nutritious tonic it is often prepared with Milk, as in Salep.
Powder: 1–4 grams
COMMENT:
1. Dactylorhiza was formerly grouped under Orchis. This is one of a number of species of Orchid that has supplied Salep.
2. Due to over-harvesting, it has become critically endangered in some regions.
SUBSTITUTE:
1. This has been used as a substitute for Salep, Orchis (Satyrion).
2. See Orchis (Satyrion) for various other substitutes.
3. Herminium monorchis and Ponerorchis chusua are classed as varieties and are used similarly in Tibetan Medicine.
Main Combinations:
1. As a Kidney tonic and Aphrodisiac:
i. Dactylorhiza with Withania, Asparagus, Soloman's Seal (as in Gso Byed 6 Pa of Tibetan Medicine)
ii. to the above can be added Cordyceps for more severe conditions.
2. Chronic Cough, Breathlessness, Dactylorhiza with Rhodiola, Licorice
Major Formulas:
Gso Byed 6 Pa
Cautions:
None noted
Main Preparations used:
None noted
Main Preparations used: