Kashmir‘s “Herbal Man” Cultivates a Thriving Medicinal Garden
Nestled in the picturesque Achabal region of south Kashmir, a government school lecturer by day transforms into a passionate herbalist by night. For two decades, Manzoor Javaid, affectionately known as the “Herbal Man of Kashmir,” has nurtured a thriving garden brimming with over 100 varieties of medicinal plants. This sprawling garden is a treasure trove of traditional knowledge, harboring both common and rare species renowned for their potent healing powers, even holding the potential to combat serious ailments like cancer.
“I’ve dedicated 20 years to this project. Our focus has always been on collecting seeds from diverse regions, prioritizing plants with proven medicinal properties,” Javaid explains.
The collection is vast and diverse. It includes unique vegetables like Chinese cabbage, wild garlic, and Swiss chard. The garden is dotted with renowned healing herbs such as Taraxacum officinale, known for its liver benefits, and Valeriana wallichiana, valued for its antidepressant properties. Among the rarities is Bistorta affinis, traditionally used to treat bleeding and ulcerative colitis and the potent Taxus wallichiana, a source of compounds with anti-cancer properties.
Javaid is committed to not only growing these plants, but also sharing his knowledge with the community and beyond. He envisions a future where herbal cultivation becomes a viable career path for young people. He sees vast potential for economic development.
Every spring, Javaid seeks to expand his garden, dedicated to helping others understand – and benefit from this ancient knowledge.
“We can extract food supplements, nutraceuticals, oils, and even create delicious, infused teas from this collection,” Javaid reveals, highlighting the possibilities for a thriving, sustainable herbal industry.
He envisions a future where young people are equipped to participate in a robust medicinal plant sector. To achieve this, he advocates for the inclusion of herbalism as a dedicated subject in school curriculums, aligning it with tourism, acknowledging its potent tourist appeal, attracting a growing number of visitors eager to learn more about….”Manzoor” is very much a world unto himself”, a naturally gifted healer with a deep understanding of how they all work in harmony.
What inspired Manzoor Javid to dedicate himself to preserving medicinal plants?
## Kashmir’s ”Herbal Man”: A Conversation with Manzoor Javid
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Manzoor. Your dedication to preserving medicinal plants is truly inspiring. Could you tell us about your journey as the “Herbal Man of Kashmir”?
**Manzoor Javid:** Thank you. It all started about 20 years ago. I was always fascinated by the healing power of nature and the traditional uses of plants. I wanted to learn more, so I began collecting and cultivating different medicinal species. Over time, my small collection bloomed into a garden of over a hundred varieties [[1](https://risingkashmir.com/meet-kashmirs-herbal-man-with-his-garden-of-medicinal-wonders/)].
**Interviewer:** That’s an incredible collection! What kind of plants can people find in your garden?
**Manzoor Javid:** It’s a diverse mix. From common herbs found in kitchens to rarer species treasured in traditional medicine. I have plants known to soothe ailments, boost immunity, and even those believed to combat serious diseases.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned traditional knowledge. How important is it to preserve this wisdom in the face of modern medicine?
**Manzoor Javid:** Traditional knowledge is invaluable. It’s a legacy passed down through generations, offering unique insights into the healing properties of nature. While modern medicine plays a crucial role, embracing traditional practices can provide a holistic approach to health and well-being.
**Interviewer:** Your garden is truly a testament to that philosophy. What are your hopes for the future of your work?
**Manzoor Javid:** I hope to continue expanding my collection and sharing my knowledge with others. Ultimately, I want to see more people appreciate and utilize the healing power of nature, not just for themselves but also for the preservation of this rich cultural heritage.