Myrica esculenta (syn. M. nagi), commonly known as “Kaphal”, is a broad-leaved evergreen tree of the family Myricaceae. In India, this species holds significant ecological, cultural, and economic value and is widely distributed across the Himalayan region. Known for its highly nutritious and flavourful fruits, M. esculenta has long been valued by local communities for its diverse pharmacological and therapeutic benefits. Due to their short shelf life, the fruits are consumed fresh and are traditionally used in Ayurvedic and other medicinal systems. The fruits are rich in bioactive flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, tannins, saponins, and volatile oils, which collectively contribute to their antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Other parts of the plant such as bark, roots, and essential oils extracted from the flowers have been traditionally used to treat fever, cough, allergies, diarrhoea, and cholera. In the food industry, the species is used for the development of value-added products and medicinal formulations.