Hinduism, as we all know, is not exactly a religion but a way of wellness. Its culture, festivals, and traditions are all scientifically proven and have stood the test of time, only to show the world that they are not just mere superstitions or blind faith but are purposive facts. Each and every step, from morning till night and the whole year, according to the changing seasons are well-designed packages to combat the seasonal onset of diseases and allergies.

Our ancient sages and rishis are no less than the present day naturalists. They lived harmoniously with nature, blending our rituals in giving due respect in acknowledging nature as a whole (the five natural forces – earth, water, fire, air and space along with the plant and animal kingdoms) and in turn being protected, i.e., “Vruksho Rakshathi Rakshithaha”. Most of our festivals coincide with seasonal transitions, each festival being associated with a particular God or Goddess. And they in turn are associated with certain favourite leaves, flowers and fruits.

Ganesha Chathurthi is just round the corner and the very obvious changes in our surroundings can be noted in:

The change of season – summer to monsoon

The general landscape – lush green surroundings, seasonal blooms, overflowing ponds and lakes.

The weather – overcast skies, mild sunshine and sudden showers.

Though the weather be pleasant, it’s a harbinger of unwanted guests – cough, cold, throat infection, fever, breathing problems, swine flu, diarrhoea, malaria, skin infections, etc.

Has anyone wondered about the offerings made to Ganesha, the Vigna Vinaashaka, Budhi Kaaraka, and Arogya Pradaayaka? The offerings include 21 varieties of leaves along with specific mantras. Going by the season, there must be a good reason why these particular leaves are offered, apart from the reason that they are available aplenty during this time. Each of these is known to have an abundance of medicinal values that can combat all those troublesome illnesses mentioned earlier.

Let’s familiarise ourselves with the names and practical uses of some of these leaves.

1) Om Sumukhaya namaha – Maachi Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Maachi patram
Telugu name : Davanamu
Used to cure:
nervous disorders
intestinal diseases
mental disorders
weakness
Good for:
digestion

2) Om Ganadhipaya namaha – Bruhathi Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Bruhathi patram
Telugu name : Vaakudu / Nela Mulaga
Used to cure:
-urinary disorders
-cough
-asthma

3) Om Uma Puthraya namaha – Bilva Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Bilva patram
Telugu name : Maaredu
Used to cure:
-diarrhoea
-piles
-diabetes

4) Om Gajananaya namaha – Durva Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Durva patram
Telugu name : Garika
Used to cure:
-eczema
-syphilis
-vomiting
-diarrhoea
Good for:
clotting of bleeding wounds

5) Om Harasunave namaha – Dattura Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Dathura patram
Telugu name : Ummetha
Used to cure:
-asthma
-whooping cough
-intestinal diseases
-skin diseases
-joint pains

6) Om Lambodharaya namaha – Badari Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Badari patram
Telugu name : Regu
Used to cure:
-Dysentery
-Fever
-wounds and hurts
-Good for:
-digestion
-purifying blood

7) Om Guhagrajaya namaha – Apamarga Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Apamarga patram
Telugu name : Uttareni
Used to cure:
-piles
-boils
-skin allergies
-stomach ache
-Good for:
-digestion
-gums and teeth

8) Om Gajakarnaya namaha – Tulasi Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Tulsi patram
Telugu name : Tulsi patram
Used to cure:
-Cough
-Cold
-Fever
-Dysentery
-vomiting
-intestinal worms
-skin diseases
-asthma
-Good for:
-hair
-gums and teeth
-digestion
-stress relieving

9) Om Ekadanthaya namaha – Chuta Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Chutha patram
Telugu name : Mamidi
Used to cure:
-cracks in feet
-diphtheria
-throat infections
-diabetes

10) Om Vikataya namaha – Karaveera Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Karaveera patram
Telugu name : Pacha Ganneru
Used to cure:
-heart diseases
-urinary disorders
-wounds
-leprosy

11) Om Binnadanthaya namaha – Vishnukranta Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Vishnu krantha patram
Telugu name : Vishnu krantha patram
Used to cure:
-Nervous disorders
-fever
-Good for:
-enhancing memory power

12) Om Vatave namaha – Dadima Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Dadima patram
Telugu name : Danimma
Used to cure:
-malaria
-wounds

13) Om Sarveswaraya namaha – Devadaru Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Devadaru patram
Telugu name : Devadaru patram
Used to cure:
-skin diseases
-wounds
-fever
-diarrhoea

14) Om Phalachandraya namaha – Maruvaka Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Maruvaka patram
Telugu name : Maruvaka
Used to cure:
joint pains

15) Om Herambhaya namaha – Sindhuvaara Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Sindhuvaara
Telugu name : Vaavili
Used to cure:
-cholera
-liver diseases
-heart diseases
-inflammation
-fever
-head ache

16) Om Surpakarnaya namaha – Jaji Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Jaaji patram
Telugu name : Jaaji patram
Used to cure:
skin diseases
mouth ulcers
Good for:
cooling the body

17) Om Suragrajaya namaha – Ganika Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Ganika patram
Telugu name : Kamanchi
Used to cure:
-heart diseases
-skin diseases
-piles
-cough

18) Om Ibhavaktraya namaha – Sami Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Sami patram
Telugu name : Jammi
Used to cure:
-Asthma
-Cough
-Good for:
-digestion
-reducing body heat

19) Om Vinayakaya namaha – Ashvatha Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Ashvatha patram
Telugu name : Raavi
Used to cure:
-Wounds
-Skin & foot cracks
-Skin diseases
-mental disorders
-fertility disorders
Good for:
-digestion
-increasing sperm count
-increasing fertility in women

20) Om Surasevithaya namaha – Arjuna Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Arjuna patram
Telugu name : Maddhi
Used to cure:
-heart diseases
-cough
-cold

21) Om Kapilaya namaha – Arka Patram Samarpayaami.

Sanskrit name : Arka patram
Telugu name : Tella Jilledu
Used to cure:
-skin diseases
-cough
-asthma
-Ear-ache
-elephantiasis
-leprosy

So, in the process of touching and offering these leaves to Lord Ganesha devotionally, along with the specific manthra and retaining them in the house for 3 to 9 days, the aromatic and the medicinal oils are released into the surroundings. These are meant to be inhaled by people present in the premises, thus, paving a way to physical, mental, emotional wellness.

[NOTE: The medicinal properties given here are of that particular plant/tree, as per Ayurvedic Medicine. These are only indicative, so do consult a doctor for treatment purposes.]

Just imagine the presence of Ganesha in the entire flora around us, in our gardens, and even in our temples. He literally exists there and protects us through these divine life forms naturally, all through the year ensuring wellness to mankind and mother earth. So, cease to ponder on the reasons and remedies for man’s ailments. Nature in its bounty has provided us the answers, which we only need to be aware of. A sound body and mind is only a leaf away!

*** SARVE JANA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU ***