Rasna (Pluchea)

Pluchea lanceolata is a perennial herb of the daisy family that grows in dry, sandy and saline soils of north-western India, Pakistan, Iran and parts of Africa. It spreads by underground stems, has narrow grey-green leaves and small purplish flower heads, and is often seen as a field weed.

In northern India it is the commonly used source of Rasna, a classical Ayurvedic herb valued in traditional formulations such as Rasnadi preparations for joint comfort and mobility. The leaf and root are the parts used.