The article Gorakshaganja: Why does an ordinary roadside herb carry the name of one of India's greatest yogis? by Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat and Kallare M in the Native Circle knowledge repository explores the herb Aerva lanata that reaches back to the Nath tradition of medieval India. This article explores an intriguing ethnobotanical mystery that bridges India's traditional knowledge systems, Ayurveda, folklore, and contemporary scientific research.The herb's distinctive ash-smeared appearance and ability to break down dense urinary stones beautifully mirror the ascetic lifestyle and healing practices of the Nath yogis. Excerpt of the article Widely distributed across India and traditionally used in the management of urinary disorders, particularly Ashmari (urinary calculi), Aerva lanata has long been valued in Ayurveda and folk medicine. Beyond its medicinal importance, the herb carries traditional names such as Gorakshaganja, Gorakh Booti, and Goraksha Pindi, raising compelling questions about its historical association with the Nath tradition and the movement of medicinal knowledge across the Indian subcontinent. Drawing upon classical Ayurvedic literature, ethnobotanical traditions, the author's field observations, and recent pharmacological studies, the article examines the plant's cultural significance while distinguishing established evidence from areas that require further research. It highlights how oral traditions, village healers, and wandering practitioners contributed to preserving ecological knowledge long before the emergence of formal scientific institutions. The article encourages renewed interdisciplinary research into India's medicinal plant heritage, recognising traditional knowledge as an important foundation for contemporary scientific inquiry. To read the complete article, click here.