Description
What is Irani Salam Panja?
Salam Panja (Hindi: सालम पंजा, Urdu: سالم پنجا) is the dried tuber of Dactylorhiza hatagirea, a ground orchid of the family Orchidaceae. It grows in the high alpine meadows and boggy grasslands of the Himalaya, at 2,600–5,000 metres. Each plant forms paired tubers with finger-like lobes, which is why it is called “panja” (palm or hand). In the trade it is sold as “Irani” Salam Panja.
Other names
Salam Panja, Irani Panja, Salab Panja, Mitha Panja, Himalayan marsh orchid, Dactylorhiza hatagirea.
Traditional and household uses
- Long used in Unani (as Salab) and mentioned in classical Ayurvedic literature.
- Orchid tubers like this are the traditional base of salep, a warm milk drink made in North India, Iran and Turkey.
- Usually ground into a fine powder just before use.
How to judge good quality
Whole, hard, hand-shaped tubers, creamy to light brown, clean, with no mould, dust or insect holes. We sort every batch by hand before packing.
Storage
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
FAQs
Is Salam Panja the same as Salab Misri?
No. Both are orchid tubers, but Salam Panja has the flat, finger-lobed “hand” shape, while Salab Misri tubers are usually round or oblong.
What pack sizes are available?
0.5 kg and 1 kg retail packs, from ₹15,750. For bulk quantities, use our wholesale enquiry page.
Do you deliver across India?
Yes, we ship to all states from Delhi.
