Herbal Star plants on show at Oushadhi By Faris Arakkal

LEAFY GUARDIANS: The model of 27 star plants exhibited at Oushadhi, Thrissur. If you are an aswathi- born, plant a Kajra tree or if your star is bharani , you have to look after an Amla. According to the principles of Astrology, all the 27 stars have particular trees. Planting and taking care of these tree can bring good to the person concerned. Even sometimes these plants can help the healing of diseases as well. "Even though it is essentially a matter of belief, people just pick and plant the sapling of their star in these days", says Oushadhi Panchakarma Hospital Superintendent Dr KS Rajithan. Citing the example of actor Kavya Madhavan, who received her own star plant in a function held at the hospital, Dr Rajithan said that Oushadhi was on a mission to propagate the idea of preserving trees. "The star plant reflects your character", says Payas O.L, who is an organiser of various researches conducted in the field of medicinal plants. "Your star plant has the features of you", adds Payas. Oushadi has been taking efforts for the last some years to bring back the culture of planting trees especially medicinal plants. Around hundred schools in the district have now planted medicinal plants. All students including beginners take keen interest in collecting and planting star plants. KS Rajithan who has been in this field for 8 years says that the 'roots' of the star plants can be seen in the centuries-old culture and tradition of India. He adds that collection of star plants like vanni, vetti, karimaram are not so easy, as they are mostly found in dense forests.