From Roots to Remedies : The healing hands of Laxmikutty Amma

In the dense, verdant forests of Kallar, nestled in Thiruvananthapuram, lives Lakshmikutty Amma, a tribal healer whose life is as entwined with the woods as the roots of the trees that surround her simple, thatched hut. At 75, she is a repository of traditional medicine, known affectionately as the "Grandmother of the Jungle." Lakshmikutty is not just a healer; she is a sage, carrying the wisdom of the Kaani tribe, and a beacon of hope to those who seek her help.

Her journey into healing began in childhood, under the tutelage of her mother, a midwife whose knowledge of herbs and natural remedies was profound. Lakshmikutty's education was not in the classrooms of concrete buildings but in the lush canopy of the forest and the lore of her tribe. Over the years, she has memorized more than 500 medicinal treatments, a testament to her incredible memory and dedication [oai_citation:8,Lakshmikutty Amma: A life in tune with Mother Nature](https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/aug/23/lakshmikutty-amma-a-life-in-tune-with-mother-nature-1861474.html) [oai_citation:7,LAKSHMIKUTTY AMMA - THE GRANDMOTHER OF THE JUNGLE](https://indiainstyle.in/article/lakshmikutty-amma-the-grandmother-of-the-jungle).

Lakshmikutty's expertise is sought after for snake and insect bites, for which she uses potions and pastes that she prepares from the forest's bounty. Her hands, which have tended to countless patients, work not just with herbs but with prayers, invoking the healing powers of nature. Her belief in the spiritual dimension of healing is profound; she performs rituals and pujas, asking for the well-being of those she treats, never losing faith in the sanctity of her ancient practices [oai_citation:6,Meet Padma Shri awardee Lakshmikutty, a 75-yr-old poison healer from Kerala](https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/meet-padma-shri-awardee-lakshmikutty-a-75-yr-old-poison-healer-from-kerala-118012800089_1.html) [oai_citation:5,LAKSHMIKUTTY AMMA - THE GRANDMOTHER OF THE JUNGLE](https://indiainstyle.in/article/lakshmikutty-amma-the-grandmother-of-the-jungle).

The recognition of her work came in 2018 when the Indian government honored her with the Padma Shri, one of the country's highest civilian awards. But accolades have not swayed her from her path; she remains in her forest, amidst the herbs and the wildlife, dedicated to her life's mission. Her home is open to all—people travel from far and wide, navigating the challenging terrain, drawn by stories of her miraculous cures [oai_citation:4,Lakshmikutty Amma: Grandmother of the Jungle](https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/blog/modern-worthies/lakshmikutty-amma) [oai_citation:3,Lakshmikutty Amma: A life in tune with Mother Nature](https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/aug/23/lakshmikutty-amma-a-life-in-tune-with-mother-nature-1861474.html).

Despite her acclaim, Lakshmikutty faces her own challenges. The absence of a road to her home, a plight she has highlighted in the hope of governmental action, complicates the journey for many who seek her out in urgent need. Yet, she continues, undeterred, her life a vivid tapestry of selflessness and service [oai_citation:2,Lakshmikutty Amma: Grandmother of the Jungle](https://www.rejectedprincesses.com/blog/modern-worthies/lakshmikutty-amma) [oai_citation:1,Lakshmikutty Amma: A life in tune with Mother Nature](https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2018/aug/23/lakshmikutty-amma-a-life-in-tune-with-mother-nature-1861474.html).

As the sun rises each day over Kallar, Lakshmikutty Amma walks into the forest, a silhouette against the dawn, gathering herbs, saving lives, and preserving the legacy of her tribe. Her story is not just one of healing but of profound harmony with nature, a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and the environment we inhabit.

References :

1. Business Standard: Meet Padma Shri awardee Lakshmikutty, a 75-yr-old poison healer from Kerala. [source](https://www.business-standard.com)

2. Wikipedia: Lakshmikutty. [source](https://en.wikipedia.org)

3. YourStory: Healer in the woods: Lakshmikutty, Kerala's herbal medicine expert. [source](https://www.yourstory.com)

4. My Words & Thoughts: Meet Lakshmikutty – The poison healer from Kallar who won Padma Shri award in 2018. [source](https://mywordsnthoughts.com)

5. Ayurveda Journals: LAKSHMIKUTTY AMMA - THE GRANDMOTHER OF THE JUNGLE. [source](https://www.ayurvedajournals.com)

6. New Indian Express: Lakshmikutty Amma: A life in tune with Mother Nature. [source](https://www.newindianexpress.com)

7. India In Style: LAKSHMIKUTTY AMMA - THE GRANDMOTHER OF THE JUNGLE. [source](https://indiainstyle.in)

8. Image Credits - brandkerelaoline.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Meghalaya’s Mukhim: From editor’s desk to reformist activism.

Image
In the verdant hills of Meghalaya, amidst its mists and mysteries, stands a figure emblematic of resilience and reform. Patricia Mukhim, a journalist and activist, has not only shaped the narrative of this Northeastern state but also fought tirelessly for the rights of its marginalized communities. Her story is one of courage, controversy, and an unwavering commitment to justice. A Voice for the Voiceless Patricia Mukhim’s journey began in the challenging terrains of journalism. As the editor of The Shillong Times, she used her platform to spotlight the critical issues facing Meghalaya—from environmental degradation to the rights of indigenous people. Mukhim’s work has been pivotal in promoting the Khasi matrilineal society while advocating for necessary reforms to empower women within this framework [1][2]. Battling for Environmental Justice Mukhim’s fervent activism extends to environmental conservation, a cause close to her heart given Meghalaya’s rich natural heritage. Her relentle...
Read more

The Barefoot Conservationist: Tulsi Gowda’s Walk with the Wild

Image
In the heart of Karnataka, where the shadows of the Western Ghats stretch far and wide, lives a guardian of the green. Tulsi Gowda, known as the “Encyclopedia of the Forest,” embodies the spirit of the earth in every breath she takes. Her life, deeply intertwined with the soil, is more than just a tale of a woman planting trees—it is a profound saga of survival, wisdom, and an indomitable bond with nature. Tulsi Gowda’s journey began in hardship. Born into the Halakki Vokkaliga tribe in Karnataka’s Honnalli village, she lost her father at the tender age of two. Poverty soon followed, forcing her to start working alongside her mother in a local nursery. “I did not play with dolls; I played with mud, leaves, and seeds,” she recalls, her eyes gleaming with the memory of her first sapling【1】【2】. Married before her teens, like many girls in her community, her path was carved by traditions and responsibilities. Yet, her connection with nature became her refuge and calling. A Bond with the Fo...
Read more