Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) is a thorny shrub native to the Himalayan region, the Nilgiri hills of South India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and parts of Nepal. It grows at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 meters and features yellow woody stems and bright yellow roots. Traditionally, the dried root and stem bark have been used in herbal mixtures and natural dyeing practices. Daruhaldi contains a natural alkaloid called berberine, known for its vibrant color and historical presence in botanical collections and local preparations.