Folk medicine of the irulas of coimbatore forests
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Folk medicine of the irulas of coimbatore forests
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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P. Balasubramanian, A. Rajasekaran, S.N Prasad
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Folk medicine of the irulas of coimbatore forests
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Irula tribe residing in the Coimbatore forests of Tamil Nadu has a rich tradition of utilizing medicinal plants for various health-related purposes. Despite previous ethnobotanical studies, specific information regarding the medicinal uses of plants within this tribe has remained limited. This paper presents a comprehensive account of 25 plant species identified and used by the Irulas for medicinal treatments. Conducted through field surveys in various Irula villages between November 1993 and August 1994, this study involved interviews with elderly tribal members, documenting their knowledge and practices surrounding these plants.
Effective Use of Medicinal Plants for Healing
The detailed enumeration of 25 medicinal plant species reveals the extensive knowledge the Irulas possess about their local flora. For example, Ailanthus excelsa (Peevari) is used for treating fever in cattle by applying a pounded bark mixture, while Andrographis paniculata (Pacchilai) serves as a body wash to relieve pain. Notably, many species identified have undergone scientific validation for their medicinal value, including Glycosmis arborea (Mulaikuluki), which is used to treat tumors, and Hibiscus ovalifolius (Pullaithekku), whose leaf juice acts as a refrigerant. The diversity of applications spans from treating scorpion bites to controlling menstrual issues, indicating a holistic understanding of health and wellness in Irula culture.
Conclusion
This study significantly enhances the existing knowledge about the medicinal practices of the Irulas of Coimbatore by documenting previously unreported plant species and their uses. The findings highlight the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge, which has immense potential for contemporary medicine and biodiversity conservation. It underscores the need for further research and documentation to protect and sustain the valuable ethnobotanical heritage of the Irula tribe, ensuring that their wisdom in using local plants continues to benefit future generations and the wider community.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the study on the Irulas?
The study focused on documenting 25 medicinal plant species used by the Irulas of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, including their scientific names, local names, and medicinal uses not previously reported.
How were the medicinal plants identified in the study?
The plants were identified using standard floras, particularly Gamble (1936), and confirmed at the Botanical Survey of India in Coimbatore. Voucher herbarium specimens were also deposited for future reference.
What types of plants were documented in the Irula tribe's medicine?
The study documented 25 species, including trees, shrubs, climbers, and herbs. These plants were used for various medicinal purposes ranging from treating fevers to managing snake bites.
How was the information about medicinal uses collected?
Field surveys were conducted in Irula tribal villages, where elderly tribal members were interviewed to gather details about the medicinal uses of plants based on their traditional knowledge.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Folk medicine of the irulas of coimbatore forests”. 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) Scorpion:
Scorpion bites are a concern in many regions, including those inhabited by the Irula tribe. The paper discusses the medicinal plants used to treat such bites, highlighting the importance of traditional remedies in managing this health issue. The mention of antidote plants reflects the tribe's deep understanding of local flora.
2) Water:
Water is a common medium used in various traditional medicine practices. In the context of the Irula tribe, it serves as an essential component for preparing medicinal pastes or decoctions from plants to treat ailments, demonstrating the integrative use of natural resources in traditional healing.
3) Milk:
Milk, particularly cow's milk, plays a significant role in the medicinal practices of the Irula tribe. It is mixed with various plant ingredients to enhance health benefits, such as increasing milk production in lactating mothers, exemplifying the harmonious relationship between livestock and herbal medicine.
4) Cuminum cyminum:
Cuminum cyminum, known commonly as cumin, is highlighted in the context of the Irula tribe's medicinal practices. Used in combination with other plants, it emphasizes the significance of this spice in traditional remedies, showcasing the diverse applications of widely recognized culinary herbs in ethnopharmacology.
5) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, used by the Irulas for treating blisters and headaches, reflects the traditional knowledge regarding plant applications. Its inclusion in the study underscores the relevance of local flora in managing common ailments and the community's reliance on indigenous plant species for health care.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science in this study encompasses the systematic exploration and understanding of medicinal plants utilized by the Irula tribe. It bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary botanical research, fostering an appreciation for the complexity of ethnomedicine and its contributions to biodiversity and healthcare.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the traditional understanding and practices of the Irula tribe concerning medicinal plants. Collecting and documenting this knowledge is essential for preserving cultural heritage and could contribute to broader medicinal research and applications in modern healthcare.
8) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the various practices, including the use of plants, aimed at treating health issues. This paper highlights the traditional medicinal practices of the Irula tribe, focusing on the role of specific plants and their preparations in providing remedies for a range of ailments.
9) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common health issue addressed by the Irula tribe using traditional plant remedies. The mention of specific plants that help alleviate symptoms demonstrates the tribe's resourcefulness in seeking natural solutions for gastrointestinal disturbances, emphasizing the role of ethnobotany in local healthcare.
10) Swelling:
Swelling, often a symptom of inflammation or injury, is treated by the Irula tribe with specific medicinal plants. Their knowledge of effective remedies is crucial for managing this condition, illustrating the importance of traditional medicine in providing immediate solutions to physical ailments in the community.
11) Kalyani (Kalyāṇī, Kalyāṇin, Kalyāṇi, Kalyānī, Kalyanin):
Kalyani refers to one of the authors of previous ethnobotanical studies focused on the Irula tribe. The mention of prior research contributes to the continuum of knowledge surrounding traditional plant use, reinforcing the foundation for further studies and the recognition of indigenous practices.
12) Pivari (Pīvarī, Pīvari):
Peevari is the local name for Ailanthus excelsa, a plant noted for its use in controlling fever in cattle. Its inclusion highlights the Irula tribe's deep knowledge of flora and their practical applications in both human and animal health within their ecological surroundings.
13) Chinna (Chinnā):
Chinna, meaning 'small' in Tamil, is part of the local name for Hybanthus ennaespermus, a plant used to treat body heat and fever in children. This highlights the tribe's nuanced understanding of species based on size and their therapeutic potential, revealing traditional naming conventions.
14) Nelli:
Nelli refers to the local name for Phyllanthus virgatus, a plant used for reducing body heat and treating jaundice. Its significance in traditional medicine underscores the importance of local flora in addressing common health concerns and reflects the intersection of culture, health, and nature.
15) Hand:
The term 'Hand' in this context refers to the use of plant preparations administered through direct application, particularly for labor pain management. It signifies the practical aspects of healing that involve hands-on methods, illustrating the embodied knowledge and techniques of the Irula tribe in treating ailments.
16) Cita:
Sida is referenced as a component in a medicinal paste for treating blisters, displaying the interconnectedness of various plant species in traditional formulations. This illustrates the complexity of ethnobotanical knowledge where multiple herbs are combined for enhanced therapeutic effects, showcasing the Irula tribe’s comprehensive herbal practices.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Folk medicine of the irulas of coimbatore forests’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Traditional knowledge, Traditional practice, Menstrual disorder, Decoction of leaves, Medicinal use, Scorpion bite, Folk medicine, Local name, Plant specimen, Scientific name, Field survey, Coimbatore district.