Faculty of Siddha Medicine

Field Visit to Pattipola

Date of Visit: July 4th 2025

Location: Pattipola, Nuwareliya

Time duration – 10.30 am – 1.00 pm

Participants- Second BSMS (39th BSMS).

Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam.

Supervisor: – Dr. (Mrs). V. Sathiyaseelan, Dr. (Mrs.) V. Milano prasad.

Guide: – Mr. J. Eugin Benat, Ms. A. Mayoori.

Institutions Visited:

  1. Herbal garden for research & extension – pattipola
  2. Department of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka

1. Introduction

As part of the curriculum for 2nd year BSMS students under the subject Mooligaiyiyal-II, this field visit was organized. It was arranged with the aim of identifying medicinal plants, gaining a comprehensive understanding about them, and enhancing practical exposure to research.The session was conducted during the academic field hours of the 2nd year BSMS students, guided by the academic staff and temporary demonstrators of the Department of Gunapadam.

2. Objective

The objective of this visit was to identify and document the medicinal plants growing in a specific area, along with their therapeutic uses, life cycle, toxic properties, and the medically useful parts.

3. Land Type and Climatic Season

The site is located in high lands of Nuwara eliya with loamy soil rich in organic matters, well drained ideal for medicinal plants. During the time of visit, the region was experiencing the Southwest Monsoon season.

4. Main Observations

We had the opportunity to observe and engage in two main areas of study:

a) Identification of Medicinal Plants

During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 29 varieties of medicinal herbal plants. We identified their botanical names and plant families, noted the parts of the plants used in medicine, and studied the ecological and medicinal significance of various species used in the Siddha healthcare system. We also noted botanical features (such as leaf shape, flowers, and bark), and their habitats. In the herbal garden, we observed 13 rare and significant medicinal plant species. Notable examples included: Cedrus deodara, Solanum torvum, Symplocos racemose, Berbaeris ceylanica, Symplocos cochinchinensis, Rhomdomyrtus tomentosa, Nelumbo lutea, Rubia cordifolia, Solanum ciliatum, Saraca asoca, Colocasia esculrnta, Drosera burmanni, Kokmodda

b) Nethouse plants such as Oxalis corniculata, Nardostachiys jatamansi, Datura stramonium

6.Conclusion

This awareness session on medicinal plants not only improved students’ knowledge about herbal medicine but also enriched their understanding of the medicinal value of these plants.