Herbal Garden

Took these shots in the Ipoh Herbal Garden. 

If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur towards north, exit at Simpang Pulai Toll.  Turn left and head towards Petronas petrol station on your left.  A little bit further, you will come to a traffic light.  Turn right and go slow.  You will notice the signboard – in Malay – if I remember well.  The place opens on weekdays only.  You can tour the place on Saturday or Sunday if prior arrangements are made.  

There is a executive in charge – Mr Bala by name.  Many years in the botanical, he lives and breathes herbs.  It is here that I was mesmerized at the numerous plants that he faithfully gathered from all corners of Malaysia.  Naturalists would love this place.  Plants for cancer, diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, asthma, etc – it is like walking into a ‘green hospital’.  State your concern and hey presto, a plant is recommended.  Mr Bala is due to retire soon and if you are ‘kiasu’ like me, better make a trip there and get as much info as possible. 

Now  coming back to my pics.  I remembered hearing that the sap could blind the eyes and toxic if ingested.  So I threw them away though they were growing so beautifully in my garden.  Only to discover later via my pics that the sap could be used as antidote for centipede and scorpion’s bite. 

I want to kick myself !

For more info, check out http://www.bt.com.bn/features/2010/09/29/ipohs-majestic-history-and-breathtaking-nature.  Maybe you wish to retire there.  I am still thinking......