Folk remedies for jaundice from Coimbatore and Palghat districts.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Folk-lore medicines for jaundice from coimbatore and palghat districts of tamil nadu and kerala, india
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:

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Author:

A. S. Sankaranarayanan


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Folk-lore medicines for jaundice from coimbatore and palghat districts of tamil nadu and kerala, india

Year: 1988

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study conducted by A. S. Sankaranarayanan explores folk-lore medicines for jaundice in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu and the Palghat district of Kerala, India. Through ethnobiological research, twenty different medicinal preparations derived from local plants and animals were documented. Interviews with tribal medicine men and rural practitioners led to the identification of these remedies, which were confirmed through visits to various villages, including Alathur, Thathamangalam, and others. Importantly, two plants—Alysicarpus vaginalis DC. and Justicia tranquebariensis L. f.—were newly documented for their use in treating jaundice and have been selected for further phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Medicinal Combinations: A Unique Approach

A noteworthy aspect of the study is the combination of various plants and their parts used in the treatment of jaundice, showcasing a rich tradition of herbal medicine. For example, a combination involving the roots of Phyllanthus fraternus and camphor, administered three times a day, emphasizes a methodical approach to the treatment regime. Another preparation includes a paste made from equal parts of Lawsonia inermis and Centella asiatica, combined with jaggery and rice husk, highlighting the careful selection of local ingredients for medicinal use. Such combinations not only point to the community's understanding of herbal pharmacology but also provide insights into potential therapeutic effects that warrant further investigation.

Conclusion

The research underscores the significance of traditional medicine in rural India, particularly regarding the treatment of jaundice. By identifying both single-drug preparations and unique combinations, the study opens avenues for deeper exploration into the pharmacological properties of these folk remedies. The acknowledgment of two newly reported plants serves as a foundation for continued research in ethnomedicine, suggesting that the rich biodiversity and traditional practices in these regions hold valuable keys to potential new treatments. The author expresses gratitude for the financial support received from the Department of Environment, Government of India, which highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in preserving and understanding indigenous medical knowledge.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the purpose of the study conducted in Tamil Nadu and Kerala?

The study aimed to explore folk-lore medicines for jaundice in Coimbatore and Palghat districts, identifying local plant and animal remedies through interviews with tribal medicine men and rural Vaidyas.

How many remedies were gathered during the ethnobotanical exploration?

A total of twenty remedies were gathered, two of which were newly reported. Some remedies feature interesting combinations of plant and animal parts used in local treatments for jaundice.

What were the two newly reported plants for treating jaundice?

The two newly reported plants for treating jaundice are Alysicarpus vaginalis DC. and Justicia tranquebariensis L. f. These were included for further phytochemical screening and pharmacological studies.

What type of support did the study receive for its research?

The author received financial assistance from the Department of Environment, Government of India, New Delhi, under the MAB Programme, facilitating the ethnobiological research conducted in the region.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Folk remedies for jaundice from Coimbatore and Palghat districts.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Milk:
Milk serves as a common medium in folk medicine preparations for jaundice, often combined with plant pastes. It is valued for its nutritional content and soothing properties, which may help patients tolerate the potency of herbal remedies. In many formulations, it acts as a carrier for other medicinal ingredients.

2) Drug:
In the context of this study, 'drug' refers to any biologically active substance derived from plants, animals, or minerals used to treat jaundice. The documented remedies highlight the significance of local flora and fauna in traditional healthcare, showcasing the synergy between culture and natural resources.

3) Water:
Water is noted as a vital component in the preparation of medicinal infusions and pastes. It acts as a solvent to extract active compounds from herbs, facilitating their therapeutic effects. Clean and filtered water is emphasized for safety and efficacy in traditional medicinal practices.

4) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut is used in various forms, including juice and oil, in traditional remedies due to its reputed healing properties. Coconut water is frequently highlighted for its hydrating and electrolytic benefits, making it an integral part of the treatment regimen for liver-related ailments like jaundice.

5) Honey:
Honey is used as a sweetener and a natural remedy due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In folk medicine, it not only enhances the flavor of bitter herbal concoctions but also improves palatability, making it easier for patients to consume herbal treatments.

6) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, also known as Amla, is a key medicinal plant recognized for its high vitamin C content and liver-protective properties. It features prominently in traditional formulations aimed at alleviating jaundice, highlighting its role in improving liver function and overall health.

7) Azadirachta indica:
Known as Neem, Azadirachta indica is celebrated for its diverse medicinal properties, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It is often integrated into remedies for jaundice due to its purported blood-purifying qualities, making it a significant component in traditional Ayurvedic practices.

8) Adhatoda vasica:
Adhatoda vasica, or Vasaka, is recognized for its effectiveness as an expectorant and for treating respiratory ailments. Its inclusion in herbal mixtures aimed at jaundice illustrates the holistic approach of folk medicine, addressing associated symptoms beyond just liver health.

9) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or Turmeric, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the context of jaundice treatment, it plays a critical role, believed to assist in detoxification and liver regeneration while providing a vibrant color to traditional remedies.

10) Coconut water:
Coconut water is highlighted for its hydrating properties and its role in cooling the body, making it particularly beneficial during illness. Its use in conjunction with herbal treatments for jaundice underscores its importance in replenishing lost fluids and nutrients.

11) Medicine:
The term 'medicine' encompasses various practices and substances used to prevent, diagnose, and treat health conditions. The document emphasizes traditional medicine and folk remedies, showcasing the effective and culturally relevant use of local plants in the treatment of jaundice.

12) Salt (Salty):
Salt is mentioned in the context of dietary restrictions for patients suffering from jaundice. Its avoidance is believed to reduce liver stress and fluid retention, defining an important aspect of traditional dietary practices in managing health conditions.

13) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris is recognized for its potential benefits in boosting liver function and overall health. It serves as a key ingredient in some folk remedies for jaundice, bringing attention to its traditional use in promoting wellness in similar conditions.

14) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing. The study reflects Ayurvedic principles by documenting the utilization of local flora and fauna in the treatment of jaundice.

15) Sugar:
Sugar is often included in herbal formulations to enhance flavor and mask bitterness, particularly in traditional remedies. Its role as a palatable adjunct showcases the importance of patient compliance in effective treatment outcomes.

16) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, known as Guduchi, is renowned for its immunomodulatory and detoxifying effects. Its presence in jaundice treatments reflects traditional knowledge of its properties in supporting liver health and overall bodily functions.

17) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, or Haritaki, is acknowledged for its laxative and detoxifying qualities, making it a key component in formulations aimed at cleansing the liver. Its inclusion underscores the integration of various therapeutic aspects in traditional medicine for liver ailments.

18) Mangifera indica:
Mangifera indica, or Mango, is used in folk remedies due to its rich nutritional content and therapeutic properties. Its young leaves or buds are often incorporated into treatments for jaundice, reflecting local cultural practices and their relation to health.

19) Terminalia bellirica:
Terminalia bellirica is noted for its astringent properties and role in digestive health. In the context of jaundice, it is utilized for its potential to support liver function and detoxification processes, showcasing its importance in traditional herbal mixtures.

20) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, or Castor oil plant, is recognized for its purgative effects. Its utilization in traditional remedies for jaundice highlights the understanding of its laxative properties, which may help eliminate toxins from the body.

21) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants that can influence health. The paper emphasizes the need for phytochemical screenings of traditionally used plants, indicating the potential for discovering novel therapeutics for liver-related ailments such as jaundice.

22) Atalotakam (Āṭaloṭakam):
Atalotakam is a traditional name for a plant used in folk remedies. The inclusion of local nomenclature in the study illustrates the importance of regional knowledge in herbal medicine and the ethnobiological significance of specific plants in treating jaundice.

23) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Buttermilk is often used as a carrier for other herbal treatments due to its digestive benefits. In the traditional context, it serves to improve palatability and nutrient absorption, showcasing regional dietary practices in health management.

24) Haridra (Hāridra, Haridrā):
Haridra, or turmeric, is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in liver health. The inclusion of this herb in folk remedies for jaundice highlights its traditional significance in promoting detoxification and supporting metabolic functions.

25) Jaggery:
Jaggery is used as a natural sweetener in various traditional formulations. Its importance lies in both enhancing flavor and providing vital minerals, reflecting the holistic nature of folk medicine in addressing health issues like jaundice.

26) Eranda (Eraṇḍa, Eramda):
Eranda refers to the Castor plant and is known for its medicinal properties, including its purgative effects. Its incorporation in traditional remedies demonstrates the understanding of its role in the detoxification process, particularly in treating liver ailments.

27) Badari (Badarī, Bādari):
Badari represents a specific plant (Ziziphus) used in folk medicine. Its utilization in remedies for jaundice illustrates the deep-rooted traditional knowledge of local flora and its therapeutic applications in health-related issues.

28) Nimba (Nīmbā):
Nimba, or Neem, is a vital plant in Ayurvedic medicine. Its use in treatment for jaundice reflects its reputation for detoxification and blood purification, highlighting the cultural significance of indigenous plants in traditional healing practices.

29) Veppu:
Veppu refers to a specific traditional plant known for its medicinal value. The documentation in the study emphasizes the importance of such regional plants in the formulation of effective herbal remedies against jaundice.

30) Vasa (Vāsā, Vāsa, Vasā, Vaśā, Vasha):
Vasa, or Adhatoda, symbolizes an important herb in traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory issues. Its integration into therapeutic practices for jaundice suggests a holistic approach to healing, addressing multiple symptoms associated with the ailment.

31) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is mentioned concerning dietary recommendations for patients. Its importance as a staple food highlights the cultural practices surrounding nutrition and health management, particularly during illness like jaundice.

32) Hand:
The mention of 'hand' in the herbal preparation process signifies the traditional methods of preparing remedies. It reflects the artisanal aspect of folk medicine, where practitioners' skills and knowledge play a crucial role in effective treatment.

33) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drug actions and effects. The paper's emphasis on pharmacological studies of traditional remedies indicates a bridge between traditional medicine and modern scientific validation, shedding light on the therapeutic potentials of local plants.

34) Daruharidra (Dāruharidrā, Daru-haridra):
Daruharidra, known for its medicinal qualities, is noted in the treatments for liver health. Its inclusion highlights traditional knowledge of plant properties, demonstrating the intersection of culture and medicine in folk practices.

35) Yashtimadhu (Yaṣṭimadhu, Yashti-madhu, Yaṣṭīmadhu):
Yashtimadhu, or Licorice, is recognized for its antioxidant effects. Its use in formulations for jaundice showcases traditional wisdom in leveraging plant properties for therapeutic benefits, illustrating the depth of knowledge in herbal medicine.

36) Dronapushpi (Droṇapuṣpī):
Dronapushpi represents a plant used in traditional remedies. The study's reference to local names emphasizes the rich ethno-botanical heritage that informs medicinal practices, highlighting the importance of plant diversity in folk medicine.

37) Japapushpa (Japāpuṣpa, Japa-pushpa):
Japapushpa refers to the hibiscus flower, valued for its health benefits. Its application in jaundice remedies underscores cultural practices in employing botanicals for treating ailments, emphasizing local knowledge and practices.

38) Vibhitaka (Vibhītaka):
Vibhitaka is a significant medicinal plant within traditional systems. Its inclusion in treatments for liver health reflects the comprehensive knowledge of local flora and their respective therapeutic uses in folk medicine.

39) Koshataki (Kosātakī, Kośātakī):
Koshataki is highlighted as an important herb in traditional medicine. Its use in herbal preparations emphasizes the relevance of local flora in treating conditions such as jaundice, showcasing regional medicinal practices.

40) Haritaki (Harītakī):
Haritaki is well-known for its detoxifying and digestive properties. Its role in treatment for jaundice reflects traditional understanding of plant-based interventions aimed at restoring liver function and general health.

41) Gokshura (Gokṣura, Go-kshura):
Gokshura is traditionally used for its adaptogenic properties. Its mention in the study highlights the extensive use of diverse plants in folk remedies for various ailments, including jaundice, illustrating the importance of plant knowledge.

42) Science (Scientific):
The term 'science' in this context refers to the systematic study and validation of traditional knowledge through research and experimental methods. The call for phytochemical analysis aligns with scientific inquiry into the efficacy of traditional remedies.

43) Vaidya:
Vaidya denotes a traditional healer or practitioner of Ayurveda. Their knowledge and expertise in herbal medicine play a critical role in community health, particularly in administering remedies documented in this study for conditions like jaundice.

44) Shanka (Śaṅkā, Saṅkā, Sanka, Samka):
Shanka refers to the conch shell, utilized in traditional medicine preparation. Its incorporation exemplifies the diverse sources in folk remedies, emphasizing the cultural practices surrounding natural materials for health treatments.

45) Bitter:
Bitter refers to the taste profile of many herbs used in traditional medicine. The study's reference to the bitterness emphasizes the need to balance medicinal efficacy with palatability in folk remedies, influencing patient compliance.

46) Cilli (Cillī):
Chili is mentioned in dietary restrictions for jaundice patients, highlighting the traditional understanding that spicy foods may exacerbate certain conditions. This reflects a holistic approach in folk medicine that considers diet as a crucial component of health.

47) Mesha (Mesa, Meṣa, Meṣā, Mesā):
Mesha refers to a local name associated with specific plants used in traditional treatments. Its documentation points to the importance of linguistic and cultural context in understanding herbal remedies and their applications.

48) Amra (Amrā, Āmra, Āmrā):
Amra represents mango within traditional medicine. Its inclusion in remedies indicates the significance of local fruits in healing practices, showcasing the integration of diet and health in folk traditions.

49) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee is highlighted as a traditional fat used in remedies. Its properties as a nourishing agent make it an essential part of folk medicine, often incorporated into various treatments for its health benefits.

50) Inci (Iñci, Imci, Incī):
Inch often represents measurement or precision in herbal preparation. In a medicinal context, it underscores the importance of accurate dosing and preparation methods in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes in traditional remedies.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Folk remedies for jaundice from Coimbatore and Palghat districts.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Cow milk, Medicinal preparation, Coconut oil, Method of Administration, Cultural practice, Treatment regimen, Phytochemical screening, Local name, Pharmacological studies, Tender coconut water, Coimbatore district.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Filtered water, First-hand information.

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