Selinum tenuifolium

Selinum tenuifolium also called as Bhutkesh in Nepali language is a medicinal plant. It is called as milk parsley in English. It belong to Apiaceae family. It is used for the treatment of respiratory problems like cough and cold. Whole plant can be used for medicinal purpose preparing liquid form.

It is a perennial plant that lives for long period of time. The plant has delicate basal leaves which are thin and finely divided. It gives fern like appearance to the plant. The plant is grown as a hardy garden ornamental suitable for informal mixed or shrub borders or woodland gardens. The floral umbels are so attractive that it's also grown as a specimen plant to display.

The fruits and roots of this plant has sedative properties. The plant is also useful for religious purpose, since it is helpful in preparation of incense sticks. The volatile oil from the roots contain an acetylene compound, which is used as a medicine in mental disorder. The oil possess antibacterial and analgesic properties. It is used in the treatment of leucoderma and psoriasis. The leaves of this plants are regarded as a nutritious nfodder for sheep and goats. It is also used as a fodder for sheep. The root powder whin taken with honey is useful in cough and asthma.

The highly beneficial plant mostly found in Asian region in the Himalayas are now been threatened because of unsustainable extraction. Therefore, utmost care should be taken during it's extraction considering sustainability.

Picture source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Apiaceae_-_Selinum_tenuifolium.jpg