You know, one of the main reasons we started Makoii, besides our deep love for cultivation, plants and wellness, was to delve into the diverse plant life of the Himalayas, especially in Ladakh. It's amusing however that during our frequent pop-ups across the country, we often get asked this question:
"Do plants even grow in Ladakh?"
Here we are, excitedly introducing products made from plants native to Ladakh, while many assume that nothing grows here! :P
And so, here I am, penning this blog to embark on a journey with you, delving not only into the abundant flora of Ladakh but, brace yourself... the myriad benefits and unique potentials of plants exclusively cultivated at high altitudes! Did you know of this?
But first, ahem…
Of course, I was aware that plants growing at higher altitudes possess greater benefits than those growing at lower altitudes – after all, I had experienced it first-hand! However, for the purpose of writing this blog, I probed deeper into research to understand the extent to which this is indeed true.
To begin with, let's consider the surroundings in which these plants flourish.
They thrive in pristine environments characterized by clean air, untainted soil, and mineral-rich streams fed by glacial meltwater. These elements collectively contribute to the ideal growth, nourishment and pureness of these plants. But higher altitude also means harsh climatic conditions, freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels and intense sunlight and UV!
So how then, do these plants grow to be more beneficial?
Here's the thing: I came across several research papers all pointing to one main idea.
Plants have an incredible ability to adapt!
The challenging conditions in high-altitude environments prompt plants to produce a diverse array of unique compounds like flavonoids and volatile oils as a natural defence mechanism. Lucky for us, these special compounds are renowned for their numerous health benefits, including antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and chemoprotective properties. It is perhaps due to these medicinal qualities, traditional healers and indigenous communities have depended on high-altitude plants for centuries.
In contrast, plants at lower altitudes don't undergo these same challenges and processes and consequently don't need to produce as many of these compounds.
Then, I came across articles highlighting how plants growing in high altitude mature more slowly due to the challenges, which means the plant has more time to absorb nutrients from the surrounding soil, resulting in smaller plants with higher concentrations of essential oils and complex chemical compounds. These compounds contribute to a diverse range of flavors and aromas, much like the saying goes: the greater the effort, the sweeter the reward! :D Additionally, the challenging environmental conditions also mean that there are fewer pests and absolutely no need for human interference in the form of pesticides, resulting in a truly pure and organic product.
But perhaps one of the most intriguing discovery is also the emergence of adaptogenic properties in these plants, offering a holistic approach to wellness by promoting resilience and mitigating the effects of stress. With potential benefits ranging from cognitive enhancement to mood regulation, they represent a beacon of hope in our quest for natural remedies in an increasingly complex world.
The narrative of high-altitude flora embodies resilience, adaptation, and unexplored possibilities. At Makoii, our aim is to persist in uncovering the mysteries of these botanical wonders with minimal intervention. We admire not only the beauty of these solitary plants but also strive to harness their therapeutic potential, crafting products that promote holistic rituals to enrich your life. We hope that what we create reflects pureness, wellness, simplicity and most of all respect because we acknowledge that above and beyond the high rugged mountains, amidst the clouds and peaks of the Himalayas, lies a world of generous beautiful plants.