Longleng is a hilly district located in the northern part of the Indian state of Nagaland and home to the Phom Nagas. In the serene hills of Longleng, where the air carries the scent of earth and tradition, there grows a remarkable plant known to the villagers by many names. In Hukphang village, they call it Chuching, while in the distant village of Yongnyah, it is known as Uchinghangha and is commonly known by this name. But irrespective of the name, its powers are known to all — the wild basil, a bushy, aromatic herb that rises proudly up to four feet tall, has been revered for generations for its healing properties and is used all over the district.
Passed down through word of mouth and time-worn practices, the wild basil is more than just a plant — it is a living first-aid kit and it is said that every household in the village grows at least one or two plants or it even grows itself. The Phom people believe that in times of medical emergency, when no doctor or pharmacy is in sight, this humble herb becomes the first to be sought as its leaves, rich with a strong, comforting aroma, are crushed to release a juice that soothes stomach aches when drunk. For those suffering cuts and wounds, the leaves are ground into a paste and applied directly to the skin, easing pain and speeding up healing.
There is a curious belief in Hukphang, one steeped in superstition and reverence: place a leaf of Chuching on the nose, and sickness will leave the body and the elders say their forefathers practiced this with unwavering faith — a tradition rooted in the spirit of nature and ancient wisdom.
T Manpong Phom a native of the Hukphang village narrated that the plant paste is used widely in bruises after grinding and applied on the spot.
In Yongnyah, villagers speak of its powers with similar awe. For body aches, they make a paste of the leaves and apply it to the skin, or massage the juice into sore muscles, believing it helps cleanse the blood and restore strength. In times of headache, the dried stems and leaves are gently inserted in the ear, releasing their aroma — a remedy known to bring quick relief. Beyond its medicinal value, there is a deeply rooted belief among the villagers that growing basil outside the home protects against evil spirits — a traditional story passed down through generations as part of their oral heritage.
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Basil is recognized for its powerful diuretic properties, which support the removal of kidney stones and enhance overall kidney function and helps reduce uric acid levels in the blood, contributing to better kidney health. Compounds like essential oils and acetic acid found in basil assist in breaking down kidney stones, making it easier for the body to flush them out naturally; and this wild basil is not only medicine but also a cherished ingredient in local cuisine. Added to soups and chutneys, its fragrance lifts the spirit and warms the body, making it both a healer and a flavor of home.
Thus lives on the tale of the wild basil of Longleng — a plant born of the wild, shaped by the land, and trusted by the people with its healing powers, wrapped in stories and daily rituals, continue to thrive, carrying with it the wisdom of the past and the promise of nature’s care.
-Dr. Virosanuo Solo
Junior Agronomist, ICAR-AICRP on Linseed
Medziphema Centre, Nagaland
(The writer had come to know of the native plant during the course of time she was stationed in Longleng district for the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan)
