Acharya Balkrishna shares himalayan wisdom on identifying edible Ningura fern

Acharya Balkrishna, co-founder of Patanjali and a well-known advocate of Ayurveda, recently took to social media to share his latest journey, this time deep into the lap of the Himalayas.

After visiting Guwahati and Tripura, he arrived in the serene village of Raithal, nestled between Bhatwari and Gangotri. But this wasn’t just a sightseeing trip. It was an exploration of the medicinal wonders of the mountains. And, at the heart of this journey was a special plant: fern, locally known as ningura.

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Clutching a fresh bunch of this leafy green in his hand, Acharya Balkrishna introduced his followers to a cherished ingredient of Himalayan kitchens.

“This is ningura,” he explained, “a variety of fern that grows naturally in these mountains. It’s not just food. It’s medicine.” Though it grows abundantly in the wild, identifying the edible fern requires traditional knowledge passed down over generations.

What makes ningura special is its dual role as a nutritious vegetable and a healing herb. Locals, who have been consuming this plant for centuries, swear by its health benefits. It can be eaten raw, though its taste is slightly bitter, and it’s often cooked into stir-fries and curries.

Also Read: Acharya Balkrishna and team identify new fungal family in global study

According to Acharya Balkrishna, it carries medicinal qualities that aid digestion and strengthen immunity.

However, he warned that not all ferns are safe to eat. “There are look-alikes,” he noted, “that grow right beside the edible ones. But these are not for consumption.” To an untrained eye, the difference is barely visible. But local herders and forest dwellers have mastered the art of telling them apart, often by studying their roots.

“Charak Rishi, the ancient sage,” Balkrishna added, “once said that if you’re unsure about a herb, ask those who live with nature, shepherds and forest people. Their wisdom is unmatched.”

He held up two similar-looking ferns, one edible, one not, and remarked, “This is how people are too. Some may appear the same on the outside but are entirely different inside. Don’t be fooled by appearances. True beauty lies in qualities, not just looks. A beautiful soul with good values is a rare treasure.”