medicinal plants

Tarakam Chaturvedula always preached that a good student is one who learns from his mistakes and never fears failure. He now follows his own lessons.

Once an arid rock-strewn patch, the land now teems with lush green creepers, shrubs and trees - all thanks to a 53-year-old man who believed that forests could grow in cities too!

P G George’s lone efforts have led to the development of several black pepper varieties, one of which has even received accreditation from the National Innovation Foundation as well as Kerala Agricultural University.

Located in the bustling metro city of Kochi, Alungal Farms is his labour of love and sweat. It boasts over 2000 varieties of rare medicinal plants, 400 varieties of fruits, different flowers, vegetables, herbs, and even spices—all of which thrive in wild harmony!

Here are some common Indian plants and herbs that have healing and medicinal properties and can be easily grown in a garden or even a terrace.

In a world that is swears by pharmaceuticals and drug-based care, a switch towards the natural healing ability of Ayurveda is slowly coming back into focus.

The 60-plus Kusum Dahivalkar is a retired plantation officer of the Social Forestry Department in Nashik. And her life has been all about the forest, the flora and fauna.