Some novel folk treatments among the tribes of uttar pradesh

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Some novel folk treatments among the tribes of uttar pradesh
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:

Harish Singh, G.S. Bisht


Ancient Science of Life:

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

Full text available for: Some novel folk treatments among the tribes of uttar pradesh

Year: 1999

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This paper presents a report on novel plant-based treatments and associated beliefs practiced by various tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh, India. The research highlights traditional remedies used by the Boxas of Nainital, Bijnor, and Dehradun districts, as well as the Tharus of Gonda and Saharia tribes of Lalitpur. Despite the availability of modern medical facilities, the tribes continue to rely on ancient methods and plant species for treating ailments and maintaining their cultural heritage. The documentation aims to preserve this valuable knowledge, which is at risk of disappearing due to modernization and environmental changes.

Unique Folk Remedies: The Role of Local Flora

One significant aspect of the paper is the usage of specific plant species with believed medicinal properties among these tribes. For instance, the Boxas of Nainital utilize various plants such as the seed paste of Holorrhena antidysentrica for urinary disorders and the root of Achyranthes aspera as a fertility aid. Similarly, the Tharus of Gonda and Baharaich employ Abrus precatorius as an abortifacient and Musa paradisiaca root juice as a contraceptive. These practices showcase how tribal communities have cultivated intricate relationships with local flora, relying on their traditional knowledge as an integral part of health care and communal practices, despite the lack of scientific validation.

Conclusion

The folk treatments documented in this study, while rooted in traditional beliefs, highlight the potential effectiveness and reliability of these remedies within the tribal communities that use them. There is a pressing need to collect, catalogue, and scientifically investigate these folkloric practices to preserve the rich heritage of indigenous knowledge. Not only does this ensure that the wisdom of these communities is not lost, but it also opens avenues for exploring the therapeutic potential of plants ingrained in cultural practices. The authors advocate for widespread recognition and dissemination of such knowledge to bridge cultural gaps and enhance health care solutions both in rural and urban settings.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What types of folk treatments are reported among Uttar Pradesh tribes?

The tribes of Uttar Pradesh, such as Boxas and Tharus, use various plant-based remedies for ailments. These include treatments for scorpion stings, snake bites, contraceptives, and methods believed to aid conception and facilitate childbirth.

How do Boxas of Nainital treat urinary disorders?

The Boxas of Nainital apply a seed paste of Holorrhena antidysentrica on the penis or vagina and on the lower stomach to alleviate urinary disorders, showcasing their unique traditional practices.

What beliefs accompany the use of traditional remedies among these tribes?

Tribal groups believe in the supernatural powers of plants, associating various species with specific remedies and treatment outcomes, such as wearing plant roots for fertility or scattering leaves for an easy delivery.

What is the significance of documenting these folk treatments?

Documenting folk treatments is crucial as these practices are rapidly disappearing due to modernization. Collecting and preserving this knowledge can provide valuable insights for scientific research into their medicinal properties.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Some novel folk treatments among the tribes of uttar pradesh”. 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:
Scorpions are arachnids known for their venomous sting, which can cause significant discomfort and medical emergencies. In the paper, traditional treatments are described that utilize plant-based remedies, such as the leaf paste of Oxalis corniculata, to alleviate pain and symptoms associated with scorpion stings in tribal communities.

2) Taru (Taṟu):
The Tharu are an indigenous tribal community in Uttar Pradesh, India, known for their close connection to the forest and traditional medicinal practices. They utilize local flora, incorporating unique beliefs and methods, to treat various ailments, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and knowledge of natural remedies.

3) Mustard oil:
Mustard oil, extracted from mustard seeds, is commonly used in traditional medicine as a topical treatment. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In the paper, it is mentioned as a carrier for administering plant remedies, enhancing their therapeutic effects against conditions such as post-delivery fever.

4) Mustard:
Mustard refers to the plant species from which mustard oil is derived. It plays a significant role in traditional diets and medicine. The oil obtained from mustard seeds is utilized in various folk remedies due to its medicinal properties, underscoring the importance of locally sourced ingredients.

5) Musha (Musa, Musā, Mūṣā, Muṣā, Musá):
Musa is a genus of plants that includes bananas and plantains. In the context of the paper, Musa paradisiaca is specifically referenced for its root juice, which is believed to act as a contraceptive among indigenous tribes, demonstrating the importance of plants in cultural reproductive practices.

6) Post:
The term 'post' here refers to the period following childbirth. In tribal medicine, particular herbal treatments, such as stem decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, are traditionally administered to address post-delivery fever, showcasing the tailored approaches to maternal care in indigenous communities.

7) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi, is a medicinal plant renowned for its health-promoting properties. In the paper, its stem decoction is utilized in treating post-delivery fever, reflecting the plant's significance in traditional healing practices among various tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh.

8) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, known as Rosary pea, is a medicinal plant whose seed paste is used in traditional medicine. The Tharu tribe applies it as a poultice in abortion practices, exemplifying the reliance on specific plant species for managing reproductive health among indigenous cultures.

9) Oroxylum indicum:
Oroxylum indicum, or tree of the heavens, is valued for its medicinal uses in traditional folk medicine. In the study, its seed paste is mentioned as a treatment for post-delivery fever, illustrating the diverse application of local flora in tribal health management.

10) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, also known as sweet flag, is a plant used in traditional medicine. The paper notes its dried root being tied around pregnant women to facilitate easier delivery, emphasizing folk medicinal practices that are intertwined with cultural beliefs in healing.

11) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is recognized for its numerous health benefits. The paper describes its use as a folk remedy for gastric troubles, illustrating how basic culinary ingredients are also integral to traditional medicinal practices within tribal communities.

12) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The documentation of tribal folk treatments underlines the need to investigate these traditional practices scientifically, linking ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry.

13) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness gained through experience and education. The document emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge among tribal communities, as it informs their healthcare practices and contributes to cultural identity, especially concerning indigenous medicinal resources.

14) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The folk remedies highlighted in the paper illustrate practical applications of herbal medicine within tribal cultures, showcasing a holistic understanding of health that integrates spiritual beliefs and plant-based treatments.

15) Swelling:
Swelling refers to an abnormal enlargement of a body part, often due to inflammation or injury. The paper mentions treatments for body swelling using herbal remedies, reflecting tribal practices that address physical ailments through the application of specific plants with anti-inflammatory properties.

16) Training:
Training involves educating individuals in specific skills or knowledge areas. In the context of the paper, it highlights the need for training in traditional medicinal practices to preserve the rich folklore surrounding plant use, which is essential for sustaining cultural and medicinal knowledge among tribes.

17) Allergy:
An allergy is an immune system reaction to substances (allergens) that are typically harmless. The folk practices mentioned in the paper include the use of specific plants for conditions related to allergies, emphasizing the intersection of traditional knowledge and health conditions within tribal communities.

18) Kuda (Kudā):
Kuda refers to Holorrhena antidysentrica, a plant used in traditional medicine. The Boxas tribe applies its seed paste topically to treat urinary disorders, exemplifying the local utilization of specific plants that have cultural significance and perceived medicinal value within tribal practices.

19) Hand:
The hand is a crucial anatomical structure used in various tasks, including applying medicinal treatments. In the context of the paper, the hand may be referred to concerning applying herbal pastes or remedies, emphasizing the physical interaction with plant medicines in traditional healing practices.

20) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. In the context of traditional medicine, the plants and herbal preparations described can be viewed as natural drugs, showcasing the reliance on organic materials to address health issues within tribal communities.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Some novel folk treatments among the tribes of uttar pradesh’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Achyranthes aspera, Putranjiva roxburghii, Snake-bite, Cataract treatment, Traditional remedies, Scorpion sting, Cultural practice, Uttar Pradesh, Tribal communities, Financial assistance, Plant species, Ancient Science of life, Novel treatment, Herbal Remedie.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Supernatural power, Cultural milieu.

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