The merchant and his garden

To him, curry leaves and ferns are medicines. Eat shoots and leaves for good health, Dr Raj Merchant tells R Nalini.

A cosy cottage-house with a garden and an outhouse that serves as a clinic – welcome to Merchant Wadi – the abode of the country’s only leaf therapist, Dr Raj Merchant.

As you enter the quiet surroundings, appealing hues of green, pungent fragrances of herbs, and a smiling Dr Merchant greet you. With a degree from the Indian College of Naturopathy and an experience of 28 years in leaf therapy practice, the 62-year-old explains that nature has a solution for every problem it gives you.

Leaf therapy is a type of treatment where parts of plants and chiefly leaves are used to cure patients of a number of ailments. “Every plant is medicinal,” he says, thereby inculcating a higher regard for the green beings. The 50-year-old garden, spread over 1.4 acres, is home to more than a hundred plants.

It began with his chance encounter in Gir forest with a holy man, who fed on a variety of leaves. “The aura of the holy man meditating attracted me,” says the therapist, who learnt a lot from the man. “Since ancient times, plants have been used to heal ailments, yet people find it difficult to believe in its curative powers,” he says.

Leaf therapy involves both intake and application. People respond well to plants from their own region. “My garden has plants that would grow in sea-coast areas,” he says, making clear that they may not suit someone from colder regions.

Referring to affordability, he says, “I charge my patients according to their pocket’s capacity. But I provide free treatment for cancer”. Costs vary according to gardening charges, availability of plants and expenses of the machine used to extract the juice from leaves.

Dr Merchant imparts his knowledge to medical students and others who have a basic understanding of medicine. He frequently visits rural areas and ensures his services reach the needy. His confidence, patience and warmth make him a likeable figure among his patients. The therapist is eloquent in around seven languages, including his mother-tongue, Kutchi.

A commerce graduate before naturopathy, he previously dealt in industrial laminates. Now he works 365 days a year, but somehow finds time to trade in gems.

“I have nothing to do with gem power; I only sell pieces,” he clarifies.

One of his three daughters, Dr Kavita Kapadia, has been practising leaf therapy with him, since the past six years. “I don’t want to burden her at such a young age,” he says with reference to retirement. He excitedly expresses his wish to convert his achievements into a book of memoirs.

“The patients, whom I have healed, are my success stories and their smiles are my awards,” says the unassuming sexagenarian.