Moolikavana

 Hi, all! Welcome to what's around us. What's around us is a platform which shares some of the hidden species in this world which are living with us, sharing the similar air and water and benefiting mankind directly or indirectly. There are number of species in this world which has medicinal properties in it. In my previous articles, I had mentioned about the benefits of Abutilon indicum (Article: A sacred shrub https://whatsaroudus.blogspot.com/2018/09/sacred-shrub.html ) and Vitex nirgundi (Article: Vital Vitex https://whatsaroudus.blogspot.com/2019/08/vital-vitex.html) In today's article, let's know more about the medicinal plants. 

Last month I happened to visit Agasthya foundation, Kuppam municipality, India. Agasthya is a nonprofit Organization spread across 172 acres. Agasthya has the most creative way of teaching the concepts of science, mathematics and arts to the rural kids. There are well structured labs with suitable equipment to experience the concepts. One such is, square wheeled tricycle riding on the bumpy platform. A live experience of a simple physics. 

https://youtu.be/0lO-47z7RWQ 

Apart from the creative teaching, this campus is fringed with beautiful flower gardens and biodiversity. It falls under the tropical belt and scrub jungle being home for 700 plant species and 1lakh plants. In simple words the campus is mesmerisingly beautiful! Near to the guest house where we stayed was a beautiful garden named 'Moolikavana'. Moolikavana is a medicinal garden of carved out in a human shape. 

Moolikavana is designed in such a way that a person can find the natural remedies for all his health issues from tip to toe. This has been very thoughtful built from the guidance of a renowned Ayurvedic doctor Venkatashamaiah and eminent Environmentslist Dr. Yellappa reddy who developed the concept.

So let's see what's there inside this 'Magnificent Moolikavana'. 

Aerial view of Moolikavana, Agasthya foundation.

Photography by Madan G 

There is a huge outline of human lying, for each its body parts, respective medicinal plants have been grown. For instance, on the crown bringaraja plants are grown indicating the benefits of the plant on hairs. Likewise for all the vital organs and body parts respective medicinal plants have been grown. 

1. Hairs: Bringaraja 

Photography by Sangeetha Michahial

Bringaraja (Eclipta prostrata) or false daisy does wonder for hairs. Leaves are crushed or ground into paste and applied on hairs. It reduces premature greying of hairs, add lusture and bounce to the mane. I add the crushed leaves of bringaraja to the coconut oil to apply on my hairs. 

2. Brain: Brahmi 

Photography by Sangeetha Michahial

Brahmi is a boon to us from the nature. It is useful to us in many ways. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) or water hyssop is called as ondhelga soppu, which means a plant with one leaf. Brahmi acts as a brain tonic helping in brain development. I remember my mom used to mix the Brahmi powder with ghee and honey and used to feed us early morning. Apart from this Brahmi is used in making chutneys and other culinary purpose. 

3. Eyes: Crepe jasmine

Tabernaemontana divaricata commonly called pinwheel flower, crape jasmine belongs to the family Apocyanaceae. In Kannada it's called as Nandi battalu. The flower petals are used to make traditional Kajal/kadige which is good for the eye health. 

4. Teeth: Indian medlar or bakula

Mimusops elengi or bakula fruits, seeds, flowers and barks are used in dental ailments. It cures bleeding gums and other dental issues. 

5. Throat: Ginger

We all know about the uses of ginger. Ginger has been used in our culinary purpose since time immemorial. My granney used to say that having ginger tea early morning is good for digestion, gastritis, sore throat, cough etc. So ginger rhizome is the best medicine for throat related issues. 

 

6. Skin: Aloe Vera and neem

Aloe vera is another boon for us from nature. Aloe vera is used in various ways from tip to toe. I use aloe gel for my hairs and skin. Its the best remedy for dry skin and dry hairs. Having aloe vera juice with a dash of lemon juice is good for your gut as well. (Take physician advice before consuming any plants or plant products orally). 

Azadirachta indica (Neem): Leaves are used externally to ward of skin disease. Neem is used in various cosmetics and medicinal products in India due to its antimicrobial properties.

7. Lungs: Malabar nuts 

Adathoda vesica (adusoge) is native to Asia. The stomata of the leaves are oval in shape unlike other dicots which are kidney shaped. Leaves concoction is used for Lung congestion.

8. Heart: Gugal

Commiphora wightii commonly called as myrrh tree or Gugal produces resins from the bark. Resin of this is good for healthy heart. The resin is also used in incense and perfume industry. 

9. Stomach: long pepper

Piper longum belongs to the family of Piper nigrum is been used as a spice in India and Pakistan. The  fruit of the plant is used as a remedy for indigestion. 

10. Liver: Gale of the wind

Phyllanthus neruri or Gale of the wind is called as Nellanalli in Kannada. Entire plant used for liver diseases, mainly to treat jaundice. It's called as keezharnelli in Malayalam, I remember when I was a kid and had jaundice I was given the fresh extract of this plant. It tastes very bitter but works very well on your liver. 

11. Pancreas: Indian Tinospora

Tinospora cordifolia commonly called as Amrutha balli. Leaves and stem are used to control diabetes. Leaves are also used to control fever and cough. 

12. Kidney: Hogweed (Kannada - Kommegida/Punarnava)

Boerhaavia diffusa, is a prostrate weed grown widely in wasteland in India. Can be easily identified by their reddish leaves arranged opposite to one another. Entire herbs used for a healthy kidney. 

13. Palm and foot: Lipstick plant

(Kannada-Rangamalli)-Seeds are made into paste and applied to palm and foots as an coolant.

14. Bones: Devil's backbone

Cissus quadrangularis (Kannada –Mungraballi/Asthisamharaka)-Stems used for bone disorder and for a health bone. It is known to promote bone health and relieve joint pain. 

15. Female reproductive system: Aloe Vera

Aloevera in Kannada it's called as lole-sara meaning chain of mucilage. Drinking a glass of alo vera juice can help to relive from painful periods. Well, this reminds me of something! In my next article I will be sharing some interesting facts on the menstrual cycle.

16. Male reproductive system: Indian ginsing

Withamia somnifera commonly called as ashwagandha. Can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men.  Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine since time immemorial. 

So these were some of the prominent plants of Moolikavana. Along with these there are few more medicinal and useful plants grown in the garden. 

Did you know, out of billions of species in this world, we have hardly identified a few million species and know about them. Yet there are plenty of species in this world which we haven't explored. There are numerous plants which are present in this world with lots of benefits which we haven't explored yet. Most of the traditionally used plants are now ignored. It's time for us to know the value of these magnificent medicinal plants and get benefitted. 

If you know any such medicinal plants and their uses then don't forget to share it in comment box. See you soon with another exciting article.

Special thanks to the team of Agasthya, foundation, Kuppam and Holoeducation team, Mysore. 

I am grateful for Mr. Lakshya sir for his guidance and providing the necessary information. 

This article is dedicated to Mrs. Jessy Reena and Ms. Evangeline Mercy on account of their birthdays.