An Aloe Vera plant at Horton Plains Cloud Forest.
Ayurvedic medicine has been present in Sri Lanka for over 2,500 years, and with an abundance of exotic plant species found on the island, its inhabitants continue to practice this esteemed doctrine. Western scientists are typically quick to denounce the validity of these herbal practices, but in actuality few clinical trials have ever been done to test its accuracy. Ironically, a significant amount of the medicines we are familiar with in the west, actually come from the same plants used in Ayurveda. Anyways we are not here to have a debate on whether eastern medicine is better than western medicine. No matter which school of thought you decide put your faith in, if more rainforests on the planet continue to get cut down, there may be a shortage of ingredients to produce any medicine at all.
The cloud forests of central Sri Lanka receive the most moisture on the island, and combined with its temperate climate, and fertile soil, a great array of different beneficial plants grow here. Many of the items on our shelves right now, may as well be derived from properties that are native to this ecosystem. If you were to get an infection, the locals would take you on a quick trip to the Ayurvedic doctor, and he will prescribe a homemade concoction for the illness. Although it may sound easy to go in your backyard and grab some leaves for a cure, these doctors have an extensive knowledge of the region's flora. They know which plants are medicinal, poisonous, edible and even what smells good. Each plant has a usage aimed at targeting a specific ailment. How these people discovered that some leaves in their yard could cure chicken pox, is still a mystery.
If you visit the montane forests of Sri Lanka's highlands during a certain time of year, the ground will be covered in nelu flowers. They are a violet-purple flowering shrub that are only found in these high altitude forests. They are used for stomach disorders and respiratory illnesses. Ayurvedic doctors will pluck the necessary plants, and pound them in a wood grinder, to form the medicine. Indian wild gooseberries, which are highly regarded in Hinduism and Buddhism, are rich in vitamin C, and allegedly have many health benefits. The wood apple fruit, which also grows in central Sri Lanka, fights off digestive issues and can apparently help out with weight loss. I can already hear all the aunties reading this, running to find this plant. Cinnamon, cardamom and black pepper, which not only have great nutrition, but also add a packing punch to food, thrive in these wet habitats.
The Bhallataka plants, as it is known in South Asia, is revered for its various medicinal uses. This herb has been used since ancient times, and the fruit extract, is equipped with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-reproductive and hair growing properties. One big positive found in Ayurveda, that is often lacking in western medicine, is its absence of side effects! Many people stay true to herbal medicine, because there is a level of mental comfort in knowing that something natural, rather than unknown chemical compounds, are being ingested into your body. All my real Lankans growing up in the west know the infamous, and rather nasty drink, that our parents forced us to drink growing up. Yup, you guessed it, Koththamalli. Growing up, there was always a sense of secrecy of what would actually go into this magic potion, that could apparently cure anything bad. It has coriander seeds, ginger, pepper and cinnamon. It boosts immune system strength, and can reduce fever and inflammation. I mean, it worked for me!
We only went through a fraction of the medicinal plants that grow in the cloud forests of Sri Lanka, but it is rather interesting to learn about how Sri Lankan's innovatively use the nature around them to nurture their bodies. Around 25% of all pharmaceutical drugs come from plants in rainforests. With cloud forests being so rich in medicinal plants, that can cure many illnesses, the Sri Lankan government doesn't do enough to protect the few isolated habitats remaining. Scientific or not, I believe there is something to Ayurveda.
Sources:
-https://www.bonappetit.com/story/bedtime-koththamalli
Well written Shanuka. Ayruvedic medicine been there for centuries in SL and around the world, more focus need to be given to promote in SL combined with western medicine where applicable
Awesome post 👏As a true believer in Ayurveda, I can attest to the health benefits because I have gotten by using these old potions to be healthy since I arrived in the US
It’s no surprise that 🇺🇸 wanted To lease out “ Sinharaja “ forest for 100 Years. They know the value of all the plants at Sinharaja rain forest