Pune: With growing interest in traditional wellness and home gardening, people are increasingly setting aside space on balconies, terraces and in small gardens to grow medicinal and aromatic plants.It’s not just the regular tulsi, aloe vera, mint, lemongrass, ajwain but also plants like giloy, ashwagandha, hadjod and others. “Growing medicinal plants at home is a simple way for families to reconnect with traditional knowledge. Even with limited balcony space, it is possible to grow these herbs,” said Ashish Kumar, a resident of Wanowrie and home gardener.“I have been growing ashwagandha and other medicinal plants like Gul vel for the past few years. Most of these grow from cuttings and are easy to care for as they are sturdy. We use them to make kadha to cure cold, cough and fever,” said Sudhanshi Dalvi, who has just completed his M Tech and is a resident of Wanawadi.Gardening experts said most of these medicinal plants need basic but consistent care. Giloy is a hardy climber and needs a sturdy support to grow, while ashwagandha prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight and should not be overwatered. Adulsa is a relatively hardy plant and can be grown in a home garden in a sunny or partly shaded spot with well-draining soil.Sarita Pillai, from Pimpri Chinchwad, has a small portion of her garden dedicated to medicinal plants. “I am growing Adulsa, insulin plant, hadjod (for joints and bones) in my garden. My grandfather had a lot of knowledge of these medicinal plants and I am carrying forward his interest. There is a specific way to consume these as well,” she said.Some residents are also growing Chirata, a small herb with bitter leaves and stems. It is traditionally associated with digestive health and fever-related preparations. “Pune’s climate is generally suitable for several such herbs, and many of them can be pre-ordered at local nurseries too,” said Keshav Ghiya, a resident of Bavdhan.While reliance on dried, packaged herbs and syrups may have reduced, residents said one needs to practise caution before consuming fresh home-grown herbs. “I have been growing several of these medicinal herbs for many years. They are easy to grow and need only basic care. However, it is important to know how to consume them, as excessive amounts can have adverse effects,” said a home gardener at Hadapsar.
