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Writer's pictureGeetanjali Chakraborty

Planting Roots: Embracing Impermanence in a Transient World

Just when we thought our future was all set, the universe handed us an unexpected twist!


Last year, we sold our cozy home of seven years to move closer to better schools, thinking it was a long-term change. Life felt settled, and we were ready for this new chapter. But fate had a twist for us. Within a year, our landlord decided to sell the property, giving us a month's notice to vacate. Amidst the chaos, I reminded myself to "trust the process."


We frantically searched for a new home in San Jose, but nothing felt right. With time running out, we expanded our search and found a beautiful home in Cupertino. Ironically, Cupertino was never on our list; I had reservations about its school district's intense academic pressure.


Yet, here we are, living in Cupertino. As I stood in our new home, taking in the stunning view, I smiled at the irony. Sometimes, the universe leads us exactly where we need to be, even if it's not where we initially imagined.


Knowing our temporary status, I've planted all my plants in large pots, allowing their roots to spread before finding a permanent spot. Despite the uncertainty, our family of greens keeps growing, reminding me to embrace impermanence and bloom where I'm planted, even if just for a season.


A New Addition to Our Plant Family


Let me introduce you to a new member of our plant family: Hadjod, or "veldt grape" (Cissus quadrangularis). Its four-jointed structure resembles our bone joints, symbolizing strength and healing.

ग्रन्थिमानस्थिसंहारी वज्राङ्गी वास्थिशृङ्खला |अस्थिसंहारकः प्रोक्तो वातश्लेष्महरोऽस्थियुक् |
उष्णः सरः कृमिघ्नश्च दुर्नामघ्नोऽक्षिरोगजित् |रूक्षः स्वादुर्लघुर्वृष्यः पाचनः पित्तलः स्मृतः ||१९४||
-Bhavprakash Nighantu, verse 194.

Ayurvedic properties: According to Bhavprakash, Hadjod boasts warming properties that counteract the cold and dry nature of Vata. This makes it a powerful ally in healing Vata-related issues like bone porosity, aiding in the mending of fractures. Additionally, it provides relief from hemorrhoids and eye disorders. With its dry, tasty, and easily digestible qualities, Hadjod is both a healing and enjoyable addition to your wellness routine.


Where to buy: I got mine here.


How to use: 'Hadjod' is a creeper plant. Once it starts growing leaves, you can harvest the leaves and tender stems. Sauté them with light spices for a warm dish or grind them into a chutney to enjoy as a side. Rich in calcium, Hadjod is beneficial even if you haven't broken any bones. Incorporate it fresh and locally in small quantities for the best potency. Fresh herbs are always the most effective.

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