Plants used as antidotes by the tribals of bihar
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Plants used as antidotes by the tribals of bihar
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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Kaushal Kumar, A.R. Murthy, O.P. Upadhyay
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Plants used as antidotes by the tribals of bihar
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper discusses the use of ethnomedicinal plants by the tribal communities of Bihar, focusing specifically on plants used as antidotes for insect bites, scorpion stings, and snake bites. Bihar is home to a diverse tribal population, with significant groups including the Santhal, Paharia, Oraon, and Munda, among others. The research highlights the long-standing tradition of phytotherapy within these communities and references previous studies that have contributed to the understanding of their medicinal plant lore.
Plants as Antidotes for Venomous Bites
One of the significant findings of this research is the specific use of various plants in treating bites from insects and snakes. For instance, Achyranthes aspera, known as Apamarga, is employed for scorpion stings through the application of its crushed fresh roots and leaf paste. Similarly, Aristolochia indica, associated with multiple tribes, is mixed with the roots of Rauvolfia serpentina and Croton rozburghii to create a remedy for snake bites. The study underscores the reliance of tribal people on their indigenous knowledge and practice when confronted with such medical emergencies, revealing a deep cultural connection to the surrounding flora.
Conclusion
The research underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of Bihar's tribal communities in utilizing local plants for medicinal purposes, particularly as antidotes for venomous bites. Their knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants represents not only a vital aspect of their cultural identity but also an important contribution to the broader field of ethnobotany. Future studies could explore the pharmacological properties of these plants and their potential applications in modern medicine, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary healing practices.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on tribal medicinal plants?
The study investigates ethnomedicinal plants used as antidotes by tribal communities in Bihar, specifically targeting treatments for insect bites, scorpion stings, and snake bites.
Which tribes are primarily studied in this ethnobotanical research?
The study focuses on several tribes including Santhal, Paharia, Oraon, Munda, Ho, Asur, Kharwar, and Baiga, who are significant tribal communities in Bihar.
How do tribal communities treat snake and insect bites?
Tribal communities traditionally apply crushed plant roots or leaf extracts to affected areas. They often avoid food and take baths, believing it aids in recovery.
What methods were used to gather data in this study?
An intensive survey was conducted among tribal communities, including interviews with tribal medicine men and noting down traditional practices and plant usage.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Plants used as antidotes by the tribals of bihar”. 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) Insect:
Insect refers to a type of small creature that may be venomous or play a role in traditional medicine among tribal communities. The text outlines various ethnomedicinal plants used by tribes in Bihar to treat insect bites, emphasizing their reliance on local flora for healing.
2) Medicine:
Medicine in this context denotes the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. The paper discusses ethnomedicinal practices among Bihar's tribal peoples, detailing specific plants utilized for treating ailments, particularly bites from insects and snakes, highlighting the significant role of traditional medicine within these communities.
3) Dravyaguna (Dravyaguṇa, Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the properties and uses of herbal drugs. The study originates from the Department of Dravyaguna at Banaras Hindu University, highlighting the importance of this field in understanding and documenting traditional medicinal practices of tribal populations in Bihar.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science, in the context of this paper, refers to the systematic study of medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications. The research conducted employs scientific methods to document and validate the traditional knowledge of plants used by tribal communities for treating various bites, bridging folklore and formal scientific inquiry.
5) Scorpion:
Scorpion refers to a venomous arachnid whose sting can cause significant harm. Tribal communities in Bihar employ specific plants as antidotes to scorpion stings, showcasing their profound knowledge of local flora as remedies and underlining the interplay of natural elements in cultural healing practices.
6) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma is likely referring to Prof. P.V. Sharma, a noted scholar in Ayurveda acknowledged in the paper for his contributions to the field. His expertise underscores the scholarly and authoritative backdrop against which the ethnomedicinal practices of Bihar's tribes are examined and validated.
7) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, vital here as the research involves the identification and classification of ethnic medicinal plants used by tribal communities. The paper demonstrates the intersection of botany with traditional knowledge, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices in medicine.
8) Water:
Water is a critical element in tribal therapeutic practices, especially following snake bites where sufferers take excess baths. The study reveals cultural beliefs surrounding water's role in healing, highlighting unique practices among the tribes of Bihar and their holistic approach to recovery.
9) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is highlighted as a plant used by various tribes in Bihar for treating insect bites. Its traditional use underscores the rich ethnobotanical knowledge of local populations and the inherent medicinal properties attributed to this plant in traditional healthcare systems.
10) Tamarindus indica:
Tamarindus indica, or tamarind, is used in traditional treatments for snake bites among tribal communities in Bihar. The paper illustrates its application, reflecting the vital role of this plant in local medicinal practices and reinforcing the connection between culture and the natural environment.
11) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba is a plant cited for its application in treating scorpion stings within the tribal contexts of Bihar. Its mention in the study indicates the importance of plant diversity for therapeutic purposes, emphasizing ethnobotanical practices and traditional plant lore prevalent among the local tribes.
12) Gmelina arborea:
Gmelina arborea is identified in the text as a plant used to treat insect bites. This highlights the reliance on local flora in traditional medicine and the significance of this plant in the health practices of Bihar's tribal populations, showcasing their deep understanding of medicinal plants.
13) Kakajangha (Kākajaṅghā, Kākajaṅgha, Kaka-jangha):
Kakajangha is the Ayurvedic name for Vitex peduncularis, a plant used in snake bite remedies. Its inclusion illustrates the regional nomenclature and emphasizes the role of local names in recognizing the cultural and medicinal significance of plants among tribal communities in Bihar.
14) Discussion:
Discussion signifies the section where findings from the ethnobotanical survey are analyzed. It emphasizes the tribal communities' belief systems in ethnomedicinal practices, providing insight into their relationship with plant usage and persistence of traditional knowledge in the face of environmental changes.
15) Aparajita (Aparājitā, Aparājita):
Aparajita, or Clitoria ternatea, is recognized for its medicinal use in snake bite treatments. The mention indicates not only the plurality of plant species utilized in traditional remedies, but also the integrative role of plants in the health practices of Bihar's indigenous populations.
16) Marakata (Mārakata, Mārakāṭa):
Mara-kata, referring to a tribal name for a plant used to treat snake bites, illustrates the importance of local terminology and its cultural significance in the healing practices of the tribes. It underscores the cultural context surrounding the use of specific plants for medicinal purposes.
17) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that emphasizes holistic health and natural remedies. The context of this study highlights the integration of Ayurvedic principles within tribal practices, revealing how traditional knowledge parallels formal Ayurvedic teachings in the utilization of medicinal plants.
18) Apamarga (Apāmārga, Apamārga):
Apamarga, known as Achyranthes aspera, is featured as a remedy for scorpion stings. Its prominent role in traditional medicine among Bihar's tribes emphasizes not just its therapeutic properties, but also the continuity of traditional practices in sustainable healthcare.
19) Karihari (Karihārī):
Karihari is associated with Murraya paniculata in medicinal practices. The mention serves to connect local names with their therapeutic applications, important for understanding cultural specificity in ethnomedicine and the richness of biodiversity in traditional practices.
20) Vijnana (Vijñānā, Vijñāna):
Vijnana, meaning knowledge or science, reflects the systematic understanding and documentation of traditional medicinal practices. This term underscores the scholarly approach to exploring the deep-rooted ethnomedicinal wisdom of Bihar's tribal communities and their relationship with the environment.
21) Karkati (Karkaṭi, Karkaṭī):
Karkati refers to the Ayurvedic name for Carica papaya, noted for its use in treating insect bites. This highlights the intersection of common names and uses in traditional practices, showcasing the wealth of knowledge held by the tribal communities in utilizing plants for healthcare.
22) Eranda (Eraṇḍa, Eramda):
Eranda is the Ayurvedic name for Ricinus communis, and its mention reflects its role in traditional remedies. This term underscores the significance of plant knowledge among tribal groups in addressing health issues, particularly in relation to insect bites or stings.
23) Ankola (Aṅkola, Amkola):
Ankola, attributed to Alangium salvifolium, signifies a plant used in insect bite remedies. Its inclusion exemplifies the specificity and diversity of ethnomedicinal practices among tribal groups, highlighting the intricate relationship between local flora and health traditions.
24) Amlika (Amlikā, Āmlikā, Amlīkā, Āmlīkā):
Amlika refers to the Ayurvedic name for Tamarindus indica, used for snake bites. This name anchors the plant within local healing practices, emphasizing the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems in identifying and utilizing natural resources for health care.
25) Bitter:
Bitter reflects the sensory experience associated with certain poisons. The paper mentions that individuals suffering from bites often avoid food post-sting, which may relate to the bitterness of their experience and traditional beliefs surrounding the treatment of venomous interactions.
26) Costus:
Costus, referring to Costus speciosus, is recognized in the text for its application in traditional medicine. This highlights the plant's role within the local treatments for snake bites and reinforces the importance of plant biodiversity in ethnic medicinal practices.
27) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta references one of the researchers involved in previous studies on ethnomedicinal plants in Bihar, showcasing the collaborative and cumulative nature of research in this domain. His contributions illustrate the continuity of ethnobotanical knowledge and its scholarly recording over time.
28) Kanda (Kaṇḍa, Kandā, Kamda):
Kanda may refer to a type of plant tuber, specifically within the Cyperaceae family, used for its medicinal properties. Its mention links traditional practices to specific plant parts and highlights the community's deep knowledge of their local flora.
29) Nimba (Nīmbā):
Nimba is the Ayurvedic name for Azadirachta indica, utilized for its therapeutic properties in treating insect bites. This term illustrates the connection between cultural identity and the use of local plants in traditional medicine, emphasizing community reliance on natural remedies.
30) Sanga (Saṅga, Śaṅga, Saṃga, Shanga, Shamga, Samga, Samga):
Sanga refers to Curculigo orchioides, indicated in the text as a remedy for scorpion stings. The naming highlights the local terminology tied to specific plants, emphasizing the rich ethnobotanical knowledge within tribal communities and their sustainable use of plant resources.
31) Raja (Rāja, Rājā):
Raja, in this context, can be interpreted as 'king,' perhaps suggesting the prominence of certain medicinal plants within the hierarchy of traditional healing practices. It symbolizes the respect and value placed on specific species among tribal people in Bihar.
32) Arka (Ārka, Arkā):
Arka refers to the latex from Calotropis procera, noted for its application in insect bite remedies. This highlights how local tribes employ specific plant parts, such as latex, for therapeutic benefits, showcasing a thoughtful, knowledgeable approach to managing health utilizing natural resources.
33) Daru (Dāru):
Daru often relates to tree or wood, in this context possibly referring to the application of various medicinal trees in traditional practices. The term speaks to the broader knowledge of how materials from trees are utilized among tribal communities in health management.
34) Kita (Kīṭa, Kīta):
Kita may refer to the root part of plants used in herbal remedies, emphasizing the focus of traditional practices on specific plant components for addressing health issues. The knowledge of which parts to use exemplifies the rich ethnobotany present in Bihar's tribal lore.