The Hatishur plant (Heliotropium indicum) is a natural wonder found along the roadside bushes and thickets of Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive. Its delicate white flowers bloom on curved floral stems, resembling an elephant’s trunk—hence the name Hatishur (meaning “elephant’s trunk” in Bengali). But beyond its unique appearance, this plant is renowned for its medicinal properties.
Hatishur has traditional healing uses, such as reducing swelling and relieving pain. It is used to treat insect bites and helps treat typhoid. Hatishur has been used as a natural remedy to reduce gum swelling and irritation; the leaf extract is applied to red, circular rashes caused by fungal infections. A decoction made from the plant’s roots boiled in water is known to be beneficial for fevers and persistent coughs, and it is also used to treat cuts, wounds, and skin abrasions, promoting faster healing.
With its wide range of medicinal uses, Hatishur has long been an integral part of traditional herbal medicine in Bangladesh, offering a natural and practical approach to healing.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
