From collecting saplings during work trips to caring for a diverse herb garden at home, Kerala systems architect Ezekiel Poulose has grown his farm into a sanctuary for more than 500 medicinal plants, preserving rare species and promoting mental calm through his family tradition of farming.
- Started hobby 15 years ago inspired by family
- Collects rare medicinal plants on work trips
- Farm has 500+ diverse herbs with healing properties
What happened
Ezekiel Poulose, a systems architect from Kerala, began collecting medicinal plants as a hobby nearly fifteen years ago. Inspired by his father’s interest in herbs and his family’s farming background, he started with simple plants like nutmeg and gradually expanded his collection. Over time, he gathered more than 500 varieties on his four-acre farm in Chottanikkara. Many of these plants are rare and carry traditional medicinal values, such as chakkarakolli for reducing sweet cravings and anali vegam used as an antidote for snake bites.
During his work-related travels, Ezekiel would seek out and purchase saplings from other enthusiasts, carefully transporting them to his farm. The COVID-19 lockdown and subsequent work-from-home arrangements allowed him to dedicate even more time to nurturing his extensive herb garden, transforming his hobby into a meaningful conservation effort.
Why it feels good
Ezekiel’s journey is a heartening example of how a simple personal interest can blossom into something much larger, benefiting both the environment and the community. His work actively preserves rare medicinal plants that might otherwise become scarce, helping to safeguard traditional knowledge and natural resources. This echoes a satisfying blend of innovation, heritage, and environmental care.
Beyond conservation, Ezekiel finds peace and mental calm through his farming, highlighting the therapeutic value of hobbies rooted in nature. His story encourages others to explore similar pastimes that connect them with the earth, foster mindfulness, and respect the wisdom passed down through generations.
What to enjoy or watch next
Fans of gardening and natural wellness could explore cultivating their own small herb gardens, starting with familiar medicinal plants and expanding as they gain confidence. Ezekiel’s example also invites curiosity about local traditional plants and their uses, opening the door to deeper learning about herbal medicine and sustainability.
For those inspired to support plant conservation, researching community-supported agriculture or botanical garden programs focused on medicinal herbs can be rewarding. Keeping an eye on similar individual efforts and grassroots farming initiatives in Kerala and beyond can provide fresh stories of connection, resilience, and green innovation.