Bio Diversity Enhancement

Ottamooli

The unique climatic conditions of Kerala, humid and tropical, provide an ideal habitat for a large number of economically and medicinally important plants. Lichen, algae, herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees, they are all used for traditional treatments. These plants are significant for the wellbeing of people; yet, a large proportion of the population are unaware of these species and their medicinal value. Traditionally, every homestead was rich in with a variety of medicinal plants that were being used as home remedies for several common illnesses. As time went by, traditional medicine took second place to mainstream medicine and a lot of knowledge about common home remedies have almost disappeared. If the knowledge of simple home remedies for common ailments can be disseminated among the people again, medicinal plants will once more be a part of home gardens and these herbs will be conserved. Ottamooli (Home Remedies) is a package of activities carried out by TIES for conservation of medicinal plants and popularisation of their use as home remedies. One of the long term impacts of this programme is the overall conservation of bioresources. TIES has a medicinal plant nursery in its campus which offers native species to public. Apollo (Perambra & Kalamassery), Kalamassery Science Park, Chalakudy Municipal Park, and Kottayam Collectorate are some campuses were TIES has established