Family: Orchidaceae 
Synonyms: Corymborkis acuminata , Dienia acuminate, Crepidium acuminatum , Malaxis pierrei , Malaxis siamensis ,Malaxis wallichii, Microstylis pierrei ,Microstylis siamensis , Microstylis trigonocardia, Microstylis wallichii 
Common name: Jeevaka, Jeevak, Jīvya, Jeevakamu, Dronapushpi, Crested Malaxis , Kurinji, Chathura.
Local Name: Jeevak (जीवक), Jīvya, Jeevakamu, Jeevaka,

 Jeevak  is a small terrestrial orchid of immense medicinal significance. Native and endemic to the Himalayan region . It is typically found growing in moist, shady forests, on rocks with moss especially in pine and oak forest floors, as well as grasslands with rich organic soil, and in forests like Banj-oak, mixed oak, and oak-pine forests ¹. It thrives in subtropical to temperate zones at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 2500 meters above sea level. Jeevak is recognised by its short erect stem, two broad, glossy green leaves, and a slender spike bearing numerous small yellowish-green to brown flowers.

The plant propagates mainly through seeds and division of pseudobulbs, although seed germination is naturally difficult due to its dependence on mycorrhizal fungi. Therefore, tissue culture and vegetative propagation are commonly adopted for conservation and cultivation.

The pseudobulbs of Jeevak are the primary part used for medicinal purposes. They constitute one of the Astavarga of Ayurveda. Rich in mucilage, starch, and other beneficial compounds, they are renowned for their rejuvenating, cooling, demulcent, and tonic properties. Jeevak is a key ingredient in the classical Ayurvedic formulation Chyawanprash and is traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, general debility, excessive thirst, tuberculosis, reproductive weakness, and urinary disorders ^2,3,4.

Although it is not commonly consumed as a vegetable, the powdered pseudobulbs are sometimes taken with milk or honey as a health tonic. Due to overharvesting and habitat destruction, natural populations of Jeevak are declining, and it is now considered vulnerable in many regions. Conservation through cultivation and awareness about its sustainable use are crucial to preserving this valuable medicinal orchid for future generations.

Jeevak Plant:

Terrestrial herbs, base bulbous, covered by old leafy scales. 

Pseudobulbs 3-9 cm long and 1-3 cm in diameter, conical, fleshy, smooth, shining, in pairs, new one look like garlic cloves, greenish-white, covered with membranous sheath, slightly mucilaginous, remain alive over longer period .

Flowering stem erect, 15-25 cm high. 

Leaves 2-4, usually 3, ovate-lanceolate, 7.5-10 cm long, acute, margins undulate, base sheathing. 

Flowers shortly stalked, 10-12 mm long, pale yellow-green and tinged with purple, especially near the centre, in lax, many-flowered spike-like cluster; bracts linear, minute. Sepals oblong; laterals broad and short with recurved margins. Petals linear, longer than sepals. Lip shield like, broadly ovate, somewhat convex, tip notched, auricles at base straight, sometimes slightly overlapping. Pollinia 4, waxy. 

Capsules ovoid.

Jeevak  is in flowering from July to August and in fruiting from  September to October. Its bulbs need to be harvested after flowering and fruiting preferably in winters to ensure its sustainability and conservation. 

Edible Uses;

The pseudobulbs and Rhizome of Jeevak, also known as “Jeevaka”, are the edible part of this orchid. These bulbs are used in Ayurvedic medicine and as a food source in some parts of Western Himalayas.

Jeevak Herbal Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

 Dried Jeevak leaves or pseudobulbs, 1–2 teaspoons; boiling water, 1 cup; Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Method:

Place the dried Jeevak leaves or pseudobulbs in a cup or a small pan. Pour 1 cup of freshly boiled water over the herbs. Cover and let it steep for 5–7 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds to infuse. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the used herbs. Add honey or a splash of lemon juice, if desired, to enhance the flavor.  Sip warm and enjoy the soothing benefits.

Jeevak Herbal Ladoo

Ingredients:

Jeevak ( dried and powdered), 50 grams; Amla powder, 50 grams; Dry dates (Chuhara), 10 pieces (deseeded and chopped); Almonds,  10 pieces, chopped; Cashews, 10 pieces, chopped; Poppy seeds (Khus Khus), 2 tablespoons; Desiccated coconut,  3 tablespoons; Cardamom powder, 1 teaspoon; Dry ginger powder, 1 teaspoon; Jaggery (grated), 150 grams; Ghee – ¼ cup. 

Method:

Dry roast the almonds, cashews, and poppy seeds separately. Keep aside. In a pan, heat ghee and lightly roast the chopped dry dates until they soften. Add desiccated coconut and sauté for a minute. Add the Jeevak powder, amla powder, and dry ginger. Stir on low flame for 2–3 minutes. Add the roasted nuts, poppy seeds, and cardamom powder. Separately, melt grated jaggery in a small pan with a tablespoon of water until it becomes syrupy. Do not overcook. Pour the jaggery syrup into the Jeevak mixture and mix quickly until it binds well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then roll into small ladoos while still warm. Let them set completely and store in an airtight container.

These ladoos are rich in antioxidants, support respiratory and digestive health, enhance stamina, and serve as a natural immunity booster. Consume 1 ladoo daily in the morning or as an energy snack during the day.

Jeevak Herbal Milk (Rasayana Doodh)

Ingredients:

Jeevak (dried root/pseudobulb powder), ½ teaspoon; Ashwagandha powder,  ½ teaspoon (optional); Dry ginger powder a pinch; Cardamom powder a pinch; Cow’s milk 1 cup; Water, ½ cup; Jaggery or rock sugar (Misri) to taste; Ghee,  ½ teaspoon (optional).

Method:

In a small pan, milk and water. Add Jeevak powder, dry ginger, and cardamom powder. Bring the mixture to a slow boil. Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the herbs to infuse properly. Turn off the heat. If using, add Ashwagandha powder and ghee while the milk is still warm (not boiling).Sweeten with jaggery or rock sugar to taste. (Avoid honey in hot milk.). Stir well and drink warm.

Chamnprash

Ingredients:

Unrefined organic jaggery, 400 g; Homemade ghee,  ⅓ cup; Indian gooseberries (Amla),  ½ kg; Saffron strands, Few; Bay leaf, 1; Cinnamon stick, 1 inch; Dry ginger, 5 g; Long pepper, 5 g; Nutmeg, 5 g; Green cardamom, 3 pieces; Clove, 3 g; Black pepper,  3 grams; Jeevak (Chamnprash) roots or pseudobulbs, 100–200 grams; Other herbs (e.g., Ashwagandha, Giloy) – 100–200 grams (optional)

Method:  

Wash and chop the amla (Indian gooseberries), then cook them in a small amount of water until they become soft. Once cooked, strain any excess water and blend the amla into a smooth puree. Meanwhile, dry roast all the spice mix ingredients—excluding saffron—until aromatic. Allow them to cool slightly, then grind into a fine powder. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the amla puree, homemade ghee, jaggery, the prepared spice powder, and powdered Jeevak, Ashwagandha, and Giloy. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking or burning. Continue cooking until the ghee begins to separate from the mixture, indicating it’s well-cooked. Finally, add the saffron strands and mix thoroughly. Once the mixture cools down, transfer it to a clean, airtight glass container. Store in a cool, dry place. This homemade Chamnprash is rich in nutrients and can be consumed daily in small quantities to support vitality and immunity.

Seek professional advice before treating this plant medicinally. 

Medicinal use:

The dried pseudobulbs known as Jeevak hold a revered place in Ayurvedic medicine and are prominently featured in classical formulations like Chyawanprash, a renowned polyherbal immunobooster celebrated for restoring vigour, vitality, and youthfulness. As a vital ingredient in Astavarga churna, Chyawanprash Rasayan, Ghrita, Taila, Gutika, and Agada, Jeevak is deeply valued for its  anti-toxic, and immune-modulating properties ⁵. Traditionally, a fine powder prepared from Jeevak and other synergistic herbs, mixed with honey and crystal sugar, has been used effectively to alleviate cough and support cardiac health. Overall it is known for its powerful rejuvenating properties, this herb acts as a natural adaptogen and tonic, enhancing vitality, stamina, and immunity. Widely used in Ayurvedic formulations it supports longevity and strengthens reproductive health. As a trusted Vrishya (aphrodisiac), it helps improve sexual vigour, enhances libido, and is often prescribed in cases of infertility to boost sperm count. Its soothing, demulcent qualities make it highly beneficial in managing respiratory disorders such as chronic cough, bronchitis, and asthma. In pediatric care, it is traditionally given to malnourished or weakened children to promote healthy growth and build immunity. Moreover, it plays a vital role in recovery from chronic illnesses, making it a preferred remedy for general debility and post-illness convalescence ⁴. A remarkable application is seen in Himavana Agada, where a paste of Jeevak with Pancavalkala and honey is traditionally applied to snake bites to reduce toxicity and soothe burning sensations due to its Vata-balancing and Shita Virya (cooling) effects ^6,7,8 .

Nutritional value:

Atomic absorption spectroscopy indicated the presence of metals/nutrients in Jeevak as  Zn, 0.043 g;  Mn, 0.035 g; Fe, 0.331 g; K, 21.6 g; Ca,  9 g; Mg,  2.8 g; Cu, 0.00648 g; Al, 0.198 g; Ba, 3 g; B,  45 g; Mo, 5 g; Cl,  2.3 g; Vitamin E, 9.80–12.00 g ; γ-Tocopherol: 695.00–786.70 g; Dietary fatty acids, Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs); Phenolic acids; Sterols; Amino acids; Natural sugars; Glycosides. Acidic polysaccharides, Anthocyanins, Lignin; Phenolic substances; Cutin; Suberin; Lipids; Starch ^{4, 9}.

Other use of plant:

Jeevak is considered a threatened species due to its specific habitat requirements and over-collection for its medicinal uses ^10,11. In some Himalayan cultures, it is considered a sacred plant, associated with spiritual growth and well-being. Locally, the bulbs are used in bronchitis and as a tonic. The paste of the pseudobulbs can be applied externally for insect bites and when mixed with other plants for rheumatism. 

The plant has pseudobulbs, which are thickened stems that store water and nutrients, helping the plant survive in its native habitats. Jeevak exhibits phenotypic plasticity, allowing it to adapt to different environmental conditions.

Jeevak is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, burning sensations, and general debility.

Source of income:

Recognized as one of the eight vital herbs in Ayurveda’s Ashtavarga group, Jeevak is highly valued for its tonic, rejuvenating, and strength-enhancing properties. Due to its increasing demand in Ayurvedic formulations and wellness centres, it has emerged as a promising source of income for local communities. In local markets, 100 grams of dried Jeevak tubers fetch around ₹230, making it a high-value non-timber forest product. With proper conservation, scientific cultivation under shade-net conditions, and involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Jeevak has the potential to support sustainable livelihoods while preserving Himalayan biodiversity.

Reference:

1. Jalal, J. S., & Rawat, G. S. (2009). Habitat studies for conservation of medicinal orchids of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. African Journal of Plant Science, 3(9), 200-204.
2. Singh, A. P. (2006). Ashtavarga: rare medicinal plants. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 2006(1), 11.
3. Namita Singh, N. S., Singh, A. K., Nilofer Absar, N. A., Singh, V. R., & Singh, V. P. (2018). Importance of endangered/rare, Astavarga medicinal plants in traditional system of medicine in Ayurveda.
4. Suyal, R., Rawat, S., Rawal, R. S., & Bhatt, I. D. (2020). A review on phytochemistry, nutritional potential, pharmacology, and conservation of Malaxis acuminata: An orchid with rejuvenating and vitality strengthening properties. Orchids phytochemistry, biology and horticulture: fundamentals and applications, 1-19.
5. Govindarajan R, Singh DP, Rawat AKS (2007) High performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantification of phenolics in ‘Chyavanprash’, a potent Ayurvedic drug. J Pharma Biomed Anal 43:527–532
6. Cheruvathur, M. K., Abraham, J., Mani, B., & Dennis Thomas, T. (2010). Adventitious shoot induction from cultured internodal explants of Malaxis acuminata D. Don, a valuable terrestrial medicinal orchid. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 101, 163-170.
7. Sharma Pushpa, S. P., Mahajan Nipun, M. N., Garg Pankaj, G. P., Singh Gurkirpal, S. G., Dadhwal Sumit, D. S., & Sharma Sakshi, S. S. (2011). Malaxis acuminata: a review.
8. Bhattacharyya, P., Lalthafamkimi, L., Sharma, T., Kumar, D., Kumar, A., Kumar, D., & Kumar, S. (2022). Metabolic and tissue-specific expression profiling in micropropagated plants of Malaxis acuminata: An endangered medicinal orchid. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 151(3), 535-549.
9. Bose, B., Choudhury, H., Tandon, P., & Kumaria, S. (2017). Studies on secondary metabolite profiling, anti-inflammatory potential, in vitro photoprotective and skin-aging related enzyme inhibitory activities of Malaxis acuminata, a threatened orchid of nutraceutical importance. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 173, 686-695.
10. Lohani, N., Tewari, L. M., Joshi, G. C., Kumar, R., Kishor, K., & Upreti, B. M. (2013). Population assessment and threat categorization of endangered medicinal orchid Malaxis acuminata D. Don. from north-west Himalaya. International Journal of Conservation Science, 4(4).
11. Adams, S. J., Kumar, T. S., Muthuraman, G., & Majeed, A. (2018). Distribution, morphology, anatomy and histochemistry of Crepidium acuminatum. Modern Phytomorphology, 12.