The Buras flower is the state tree of Uttarakhand and also the state flower of Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland. In English, it is called Rhododendron, and in Sanskrit, it is known as Kurvak. The name “Rhododendron” comes from two Greek words: rhodon, meaning “pink-red,” and dendron, meaning “tree,” referring to the pink-red flowers that bloom on the tree.
The flowering season of Buras is between March and April. In the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand, the species Rhododendron arboreum is found abundantly, especially in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. Traditionally in Uttarakhand, the petals of Buras flowers are used in food, offering a sweet-and-sour taste. The flowers are also offered to deities in almost all religious ceremonies.
In the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh, a sacred smoke is created to purify the air. For this, fresh leaves of Buras (Rhododendron) are burned along with leaves from Juniper, Thuja, and Pine species. This smoke is considered holy and is believed to help cleanse and purify the surrounding atmosphere.
In Ayurveda, many trees, plants, and herbs are mentioned for their health benefits. When used correctly, they not only improve overall health but also help address skin-related issues. Buras (Rhododendron) is one such plant, considered highly beneficial for health. Found mainly in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the Buras plant offers multiple advantages. Its flowers, petals, and leaves are all regarded as beneficial for well-being.
The nutrient-rich Buras flowers are used in the mountains to make juice, which is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
The juice of these flowers provides significant relief from inflammation, liver diseases, arthritis pain, and bronchitis. Additionally, the flowers are believed to help prevent the development of certain types of cancer. Buras flower juice also helps maintain proper insulin balance in the body and is known to aid in addressing skin, heart, and liver-related issues.
For centuries, Buras has been used in various Ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines. Recently, it gained attention for its strong antiviral properties, which led to its use in research related to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. Studies have shown that this Himalayan flowering tree possesses antiviral compounds that could potentially be used to treat cells infected with SARS-CoV-2.
The Mysterious Tale of the Buras Flower
Nestled in the valleys of the Himalayas, a small village named Nandpuri was known for its peace and natural beauty. In this village lived an enthusiastic young man named Aditya, who loved exploring the mountains. His grandfather often told him stories about the Buras flower.
It was said that this flower possessed a supernatural power, accessible only to those with a pure heart. Aditya had always longed to find this flower, but the elders of the village warned him that venturing into the high Himalayan regions could be extremely dangerous. Yet, his curiosity was so intense that he was determined to uncover the mystery himself.
One day, Aditya resolved that he would set out to find the Buras flower. For his journey, he packed some essential supplies and food and headed into the dense Himalayan forests. As he climbed higher, the air grew colder and the path more difficult, yet his enthusiasm never waned.
On the first day of his journey, he took shelter in a small cave, where he encountered an elderly sage. The sage told him, “The Buras flower reveals itself only to those whose hearts are pure and whose intentions are noble.”
Aditya bowed to the sage and continued his journey. On the second day, he had to cross a river when suddenly a snowstorm struck. He barely managed to take shelter behind a rock, but his strength was gradually waning. Just then, a wild sheep appeared nearby and seemed to guide him forward. It felt as though nature itself was testing him.
Finally, after three days of arduous journey, he reached a high mountainous region. At the peak, he saw a magnificent red Buras flower. Its brilliance was so mesmerizing that he was completely spellbound. When Aditya touched the flower, he felt a mysterious radiance envelop him, as if nature itself had accepted him.
Suddenly, he remembered his grandfather’s words: “This flower reveals itself only to those whose hearts are true, and who seek it not for selfish gain, but for the welfare of the world.” Aditya decided not to pluck the flower but to protect it. He vowed that he would return to the village and raise awareness about the flower’s significance and the need to preserve it.
Upon returning, Aditya shared the story of his journey with everyone. He taught the villagers that the Buras flower is not merely a flower, but a blessing of nature. Protecting and respecting it is our responsibility. Gradually, the villagers understood that true strength lies not in possessing something, but in safeguarding it.
The Blessing of Buras
In a small village of Uttarakhand, where clouds played among the mountains and the melodious chirping of birds filled the air every morning, lived an elderly herbalist—Grandmother Amma. People fondly called her “Buras Wali Dadi.”
Every year, with the arrival of spring, the entire forest would be adorned with red and pink Buras flowers. Early in the morning, Dadi would take her basket and lovingly select the freshest Buras flowers. The villagers were always curious—why did she collect these flowers every year?
One day, a little girl in the village named Gudiya was suffering from a high fever and a burning sensation in her chest. Her parents had tried many medicines, but nothing worked. Finally, they took Gudiya to Dadi. Smiling, Dadi boiled some Buras petals in water and gave it to Gudiya to drink, along with a chilled Buras syrup. She said, “Child, this Buras is not just a flower—it is a blessing of the Himalayas. Its essence holds health within it.”
The very next day, Gudiya’s health improved. The news quickly spread throughout the village: the Buras flower is truly miraculous.
Now, every household in the village keeps Buras syrup. In the summers, chilled Buras syrup is served, and in the winters, its decoction is prepared—both have become Dadi’s cherished tradition. Whenever the Buras blooms in the mountains, the villagers say, “This is not just a flower, it is medicine from the Himalayas.”
Benefits of Buras (Buransh)
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Good for the Heart – Buras juice strengthens the heart muscles and helps maintain balanced blood pressure.
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Rich in Antioxidants – It helps eliminate toxins from the body and improves skin glow.
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Relieves Inflammation and Pain – Its leaves and flowers provide relief from joint pain and swelling.
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Aids Digestion – Consuming Buras helps with gas, indigestion, and other digestive issues.
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Useful for Fever and Infections – Its decoction regulates body temperature and boosts immunity.
Uses of Buras
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Syrup – The most popular form; made from fresh or dried flowers to create a refreshing drink.
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Jam and Jelly – The petals are used to make sweet jams.
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Herbal Tea / Decoction – Tea made from dried flowers is beneficial for colds, coughs, and sore throats.
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Skincare – Pastes made from Buras flowers enhance skin radiance and reduce acne.
Our team recently visited Uttarakhand and brought back a large quantity of fresh Buras flower juice. We are thrilled to share that this fresh juice will soon be available to you.
How to Make Buras Flower Juice at Home
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Wash the Buras flowers and soak them in water.
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Take a pan, add water, and heat it.
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Add the flowers to the water and simmer on medium heat until the water turns pink.
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Continue simmering until the water reduces to half. Strain the liquid.
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Once cooled, pour a portion of the juice into a glass and add cold water.
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Sweeten with honey and enjoy this refreshing drink chilled.
