A cluster of bright red flowers with a bee collecting nectar in the center.

Gift From The Himalaya: Buransh Squash- Recipes, Benefits & More

Why apples of mountains are famous ? Reading Gift From The Himalaya: Buransh Squash- Recipes, Benefits & More 7 minutes Next Himalayan Herbs: The Healing Power Of Uttarakhand's herbs will amaze you

Buransh squash is made from the Buransh flower found in the Himalayas. Himalayas are full of amazing plants and herbs with potential health benefits. Many of these are used in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of natural healing. While we might not be familiar with all these plants, Buransh is a great example of the medicinal power hidden in the mountains. 

The botanical name of Buransh is Rhododendron arboretum sm. Buransh is also known as ‘Rhododendron’ in English and ‘Kurvak’ in Sanskrit. 'Rhododendron' is derived from two Greek words, 'rod' meaning 'pink-red' and 'dendron' meaning 'tree' with pink-red flowers.

These stunning white and pink flowers grace the hills of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Rhododendrons bloom from late February to late April in Uttarakhand and from early April to early May in Sikkim, Nepal, and North Bengal. They're most vibrant in mid-March to mid-April in Uttarakhand and in the last two weeks of April to early May in the other regions.

Nirvana Organic Buransh squash contains the nutrients as well as medicinal properties of this wonderful flower. It is not only good for taste but also good for health. In this blog, we'll take a culinary journey to discover delightful recipes you can make with Buransh flowers.

Health Benefits of Buransh

Buransh juice is considered very beneficial in curing liver diseases, inflammation, bronchitis, arthritis pain, and gout. Apart from this, the juice of this flower also proves to be very effective against many types of cancer. Because quercetin and rutin flavonoids are found in it.

Not only this, the juice of Buransh flower and squash can correct insulin imbalance and also prove helpful in curing skin, heart, and liver problems.

Delicious Buransh Flower Recipes 

Buransh Drink:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp Nirvana Organic Buransh Squash 
  • 1 cup chilled water 
  • 1/2 lime, juiced (Optional)
  • A few mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  • Take a Jar and mix Buransh Squash, lime juice, and water.
  • Stir well to dissolve the syrup.
  • Add ice and garnish with mint leaves (optional) for an extra refreshing touch.

Buransh Mojito Mocktail:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 spoon Buransh squash
  • 1/2 cup club soda
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 4-5 fresh mint leaves
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar or simple syrup
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • In a glass, muddle the mint leaves with sugar or simple syrup and lime juice.
  • Add Buransh squash to the glass and stir well.
  • Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour club soda over the mixture and stir gently.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing Buransh Mojito Mocktail!

Rhododendron tea

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Buransh leaves or tea
  • 1 tablespoon green tea

Instructions 

  • Boil water with sugar and Nirvana Organic Rhododendron tea
  • Cover and leave it to settle
  • Strain and enjoy
  • Buransh ki chai is completely ready

Buransh Lassi

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup chilled water
  • 1/4 spoon Buransh squash 
  • A pinch of cardamom powder
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

  • Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  • Add more water or Buransh squash to adjust consistency and sweetness to your preference.
  • Serve chilled.

Buransh Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 spoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup Buransh squash 
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Stir in Buransh Squash.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting. 

    Himalayan Ruby: Healing Power Of Rhododendron Flowers 

    Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh lies a treasure trove of health and wellness – the Rhododendron Flower. Known as a magical flower for centuries, these have been used for generations to promote overall well-being. The Rhododendron tree, also known as Buransh, derives its name from its red-pink color. These ruby-red blossoms aren't just eye candy; they hold a surprising secret – immense healing power.

    For centuries, the people of the Himalayas have used them in traditional medicine. But what exactly makes them so special?

    Petals of the Rhododendron flower are traditionally used in Uttarakhand. Many people also eat its petals. Talking about taste, its taste is sweet and sour. Rhododendron flowers are also used in making medicines. It can prevent nose bleeding, strengthens bones, and works as a tonic for the heart. The sharbat made from Buransh flowers is considered very beneficial for heart patients.

    Its petals are mostly used during the winter season by locals. It can provide relief from muscle pain, headache, and fever. People use it to make food items like jam, chutney syrup, squash, and tea. 

    Medicine Power Of Rhododendron 

    Rhododendron flowers are packed with beneficial compounds, including anthocyanins, phenols, and essential oils. These work together to offer a range of health benefits:

    Fights Anemia: Lack of proper diet causes anemia in women. Rhododendron flowers are rich in iron, which can help your body produce more hemoglobin, fighting anemia, a condition that leaves you feeling drained.

    Strong Bones, Happy Joints: As age increases, bones become weak and the problem of joint pain starts. Rhododendron flowers work wonders in this. The calcium present in it provides relief from joint pain and keeps the bones strong.

    Soothes Tummy Troubles: If you eat any unhealthy food, the imbalance in the diet will lead to inflammation in the skin, throat, and stomach. In such a situation, drinking the juice of the Rhododendron flower can provide relief from the burning sensation.

    Fights Off Infections: Rhododendron flowers are believed to boost your immunity, helping your body fight off colds and other illnesses.

    Package of Nutrients: In Ayurveda, Rhododendron is considered a treasure of nutrients. It contains calcium, zinc, iron, and copper in abundance. Regular consumption of Rhododendron flower juice removes the deficiency of nutrients in the body. It helps strengthen the body.

    Soothes Pain and Inflammation: These flowers might have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering relief from pain and swelling.

    Good for Your Lungs: Traditionally, Rhododendron has been used to treat coughs, colds, and even bronchitis.

    Beyond Medicine:

    Rhododendrons are mostly available only in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. But now you can taste it wherever you are. Its squash, syrups, and other products are available in supermarkets and e-commerce sites. You can buy it from there and use it. Some of these are: 

    Sweet & Refreshing Drinks: Buransh squash, made from flowers, is a delicious and healthy drink, perfect for a hot summer day. You can also have healthy Rhododendron tea for detoxification.

    Delectable Desserts: For those with a sweet tooth, Rhododendron flowers can be used to create jams, jellies, and even cakes. The possibilities are endless.

    A Sustainable Choice:

    Using Buransh flowers is not just good for your health, it's good for the environment! Here's why:

    Locally Sourced: Buransh grows naturally in the pollution-free environment of the Himalayas, eliminating the need for large-scale cultivation and chemicals.

    Reduces Waste: Turning flowers into delicious treats and drinks minimizes the waste of this natural medicine.

    So, next time you hear about the Himalayas or want to visit here, remember the hidden gem – the Buransh flower.




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