PATNA: Although it is a lesser known fact, the Patna zoo has a wonderful collection of exotic and rare herbal plants. Spread over 2.5 acres of land, this herbal garden promises a remedy for possibly every ailment. Named after Dhanvantari, God of Ayurveda medicine, this garden has 70 varieties of medicinal plants with therapeutic qualities.
Developed since 1980, this garden has it all from “brahmi” (helps enhance the intelligence quotient) to “bhringraj” (helps restrict hair fall and early greying) to “sarpagandha” and “ashwagandha” (treatment of heart diseases and high blood pressure).
Of bamboo alone, six different varieties can be found here. As a remedy for diabetes, variety of plants like “sindhumar”, “sadabahar”, “chirayata” and cinnamon are available along with Stevi a substitute for sugar.
“Sudarshan”, a herb whose different parts are effective for various diseases is also found here. Its bulb is used as tonic and laxative, root is emetic and diaphoretic whereas the seeds are purgative . “Shyam tulsi” or red holy basil leaves cures ear-related ailments while “pith bhringraj” is for eye-related problems.
For kidney and gall bladder stones “patthar chur” is said to be extremely effective. “Punarnava” which helps in curing kidney problems is also found here.
Even patients of arthritis can look for “harjod” and “khas” herbs which help in giving relief from joints pain. “Vanhaldi” and “ghritkumari” known for curing skin-related problems, “ajwain patta” for curing stomach related problems all grow here in abundantly. These besides, herbal plants loke “vasya” which helps in threating people suffering from asthma, “piper” for cough and “musta” for treatment diarrhoea and “laung-tulsi” which can cure all types of blood-related diseases are also found here. Even “prishtaparni”, which is an important constituent of Chyawanprash is cultivated here.
Interestingly, a statue of a man in a lying position to illustrate precisely the use of each of these herbs has also been erected in the garden.
“We do keep these plants on display at regular intervals. The aim is to propagate their use and importance among visitors, specially those having interest in knowing about these herbal plants,” Patna zoo deputy director Pravin Kumar told TOI.
According to Kumar, the zoo authorities also make these plants available to people on special request.