Several ailments, for which there is no definite remedy in Allopathy, can be cured by Medicinal plants, herbs and spices. There are thousands of such herbs in our country. We are witnessing a recent, growing awareness of these herbs abroad. Unfortunately, after the advent of allopathy (or English medicine, as it is called), medicinal herbs lost their ancient pride of place in our country.

Of late, we have not been giving any worthwhile attention to these plants. They are at the verge of annihilation. Fortunately, in Tamilnadu, several such rare varieties of herbs are even now available at Kollimalai, Uthagamandalam and several such places. Since people of our generation are not aware of the significance and value of these plants, they are allowed to perish unhonoured and unsung.

It is heartening that the Botany Department of the Pachaiyappan College in Chennai has been actively engaged in the endeavour to protect them from total extinction. They are in the process of developing a herbal farm. The Institution is also listing out the details of herbs and the places where they grow. They collect these plants with the help of the tribals and the Forest officials. Besides, the students and the faculty of the botany Department are also developing Test Tube Herbs in the Cell growth Research Unit at the College. The College has now hundred and twenty varieties of rare species of herbs.

No doubt, this is an attempt to preserve and protect the rich abundance that nature has bestowed us with. It deserves all the support and patronage of our society.