The rise and rise of an aphrodisiacal plant

 But as one approaches nearer the barricaded farm, the picture becomes clearer. The small plants grown on raised beds of soil are pretty herbs, about 1.5 ft high with sub-erect lanceolate leaves and erect dense flowered racemoses of white colour

 These herbs are called safed musli, a medicinal plant, known for centuries as a curative for pre-natal and post-natal illness, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and respiratory disorders, says Subodh Samal, the proud owner of the farm. But most importantly, its tuberous roots are used in ayurvedic medicines