Amarbel: Tree's Enemy, Human's Panacea? Unveiling its Dual Nature and Health Benefits

• Amarbel (Cuscuta), a parasitic plant found in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, is a significant threat to trees, causing them to weaken and die.
• It lacks leaves and chlorophyll, relying entirely on host plants for nutrition by sucking sap through haustoria.
• Amarbel poses a serious problem for farmers, impacting crops like sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, and fruit trees, leading to production losses.
• Beyond agriculture, it threatens forest biodiversity by engulfing small plants and shrubs, causing local species to disappear.
• Despite its destructive nature to plants, Amarbel is highly beneficial for human health, used for hair growth, digestive issues, liver detoxification, immunity, and heart health.

Why It Matters: Amarbel is a destructive parasitic plant for trees but offers numerous health benefits for humans.