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TREASURE
HUNT
An exhibition on indigenous plants at
Vatakara, Kozhikode |
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Photo Gallery of indigenous plants |
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M. Rajesh,
Feb 16, 2011 |
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A report on
Harithamrutham, an exhibition on indigenous plants at Vatakara.
Chanthukkutty, a life dedicated to conservation of medicinal plants educates
the visitors.
While
Banyan tree is considered as the king of trees, who is the queen;
which are the ten members of Dashapushpam (ten flowers) family?
Chanthukutty has all
the answers of these questions.
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Recently, he has
educated hundreds of visitors at Harithamritam, an
exhibition organized to create awareness among
people on indigenous plantations and eco-friendly products at Vatakara
Town hall. Enthusiastic young children to experienced elders crowded
there to hear his simple and informative narrative.
When speaking on
Nalpamaram, the queen of trees, he explains the numerous curative
nature and aromatic excellence of its essence which is widely used to
cleanse the skin.
Poovankurunnu,
Mukkutty, Muyalcheviyan, Thiruthaly, Uzhinja, Karukappullu, Cheroola,
Vishnukranthi, Nilappana, Kanjannna (Kayyonni)
are the members of Dashapusham, the divine name in medicinal
plants. He says these plants signify ten Devata concept in Hindu
Puranas. |
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Chanthukkutty |
“A combination of all
the ten herbs in the form of paste, mixed in gruel is the best medicinal
food for high immunization of human body. If you take this medicine once in
a year, there is no need to worry about any diseases during that year.”
Besides that, he would
provide you the details of medicinal properties of each plant.
Thezhuthama
is a best medicine for the growth of new
cells.
Sarpagandhi
reduces the blood pressure.
You might have heard of
Rama Thulasi and Krishna Thulasi. But, Chanthukkutty shows the
third one, Vaikunta Thulasi.
Iruveli
has been famous for relieving many serious illnesses.
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Vatham Kolli
as the name signifies will help to reduce Vaatham (Rheumatics.
Vallippala
is best for the cure of Asthma.
The juice of
Adalotakam is the best medicine for phlegm, especially for small
kids.
When you look
Chembarathy, Sarpapola and Thechy, the nostalgia of
old gardens may enter our minds.
You might have
heard of the beautiful Malayalam love song “Parijatham Thirumizhi
Thurannu…”
The plant,
Paarijatham, looks beautiful as its fragrance.
Ilanji,
Maramulla, Sarpagandhi, Kadaladi, Jathy, Vellakkoova, Neermathalam,
Munja, Naykurana, Payyana….the
list and the benefits of the herbs goes as the flow of Chanthukutty’s
informative talk .
Over time, people
have been ignoring the best plants in their homesteads. Present
generations are mostly unaware of the value of the same. So instead of
using available greens from one’s own homesteads, we now purchase
commercially cultivated vegetables from markets. Unlike fresh, organic
and safe domestic produce, these are applied with harmful pesticides and
hormones. Chanthukutty’s words facilitate to think on this indigenous
information.
In this current scenario, where
people are simply attracted by the modern fast food culture,
Chanthukutty’s lecture demonstrations are an eye opener, to both rural
and urban mass. “If you take a handful of Tavara you will get a
quarter glass of blood.” (Tavara is small green plant that grows in
orchards. Its leaves are highly nutritious and delicious). |
Chanthukutty has been
conserving around 500 medicinal plants in his homestead at Koyilandy since
thirty five years.
When asked on what made
him to take this drive to dedicate his life for plants and trees, his answer
was:
My life philosophy is
based on the Rig-Veda verse:
“Which
is the periphery of the existence of life in this earth?
Life will exist on
this earth until you have healthy plants.”
He has inherited his
medicinal knowledge from his mother, Chirutha who had been an expert in
traditional herbal medicine. She had prescribed panacea for the health care
of rural folk to get rid of many diseases, at free of cost.
He had been a best
student and performed well in sports and games. In 1964, he got Two Star
Certificate of National Physical Efficiency Test.
With a brilliant
matriculation to his credit, Chanthukutty, dived in to explore the vast
ocean of medicinal plants. He spent time learning almost all the authentic
writings and available books on medicine and natural history and conducting
independent research. While learning Hortus Malabaricus, he realized
the wonders of most plants present in his own premise.
The unconditional
support from his family also helped him to maintain the robust garden of
medicinal herbs. His wife is also involved in watering the plants and
looking after the organic vegetable farm. He has three children, one
daughter and two sons.
During his journey with
medicinal plants, he had to suffer domestic and financial worries. Still he
holds on to his principle to protect the precious wealth of mankind.
His passion for plants,
trees and a unique collection of the rare aromatic and medicinal plants are
his wealth.
Presently, Chanthukutty
is on another similar mission. He has been entrusted with a project of
planting two lakh medicinal plants, by Shanthigiri Ashram authorities. With
his youthful energy even at an age of 65; clubbed with commitment and
passion for the purpose, the project would soon be another success story…
Photo Gallery of
indigenous plants
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| Adalotakam |
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| Chembarathy |
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| Mulluthali |
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| Parijatham |
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| Sarpapola |
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| Thazhuthama |
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| Thetchy |
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Vaikundathulasi |
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| Vathamkolli |
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- By M. Rajesh for CalicutNet.com |
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