Increasing the secretion of breast milk-indigenous Practices in Andhra Pradesh
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Increasing the secretion of breast milk-indigenous Practices in Andhra 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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N. Ramarao, A. Rajendran, A.N. Henry
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Increasing the secretion of breast milk-indigenous Practices in Andhra Pradesh
Year: 2000
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study presented in the Ancient Science of Life aims to document indigenous practices in Andhra Pradesh concerning the increase of breast milk secretion among new mothers and lactating women. Conducted through ethnobotanical research in various tribal areas, the study identifies thirteen useful plants traditionally used for enhancing lactation. The significance of these plants lies not only in their medicinal properties but also in the cultural knowledge surrounding their usage, which is often overlooked. This effort seeks to preserve traditional botanical knowledge which has not been sufficiently documented in the past.
Importance of Traditional Knowledge in Enhancing Lactation
One of the key findings of the research is the recognition of specific plants associated with increasing milk secretion in lactating mothers. For instance, Cleome monophylla, known locally as ‘Gorjuoi Sang’, is commonly utilized by various tribes for its lactation-enhancing properties. The tender leaves of this plant are consumed as a vegetable, demonstrating the integration of traditional knowledge with everyday diets among the indigenous communities. The study highlights the need for further pharmacological and phytochemical analysis of these plants to substantiate traditional claims and explore their nutritional benefits. By identifying and utilizing such plants, the communities can continue to support breastfeeding and maternal health effectively, even in the face of modern medical practices.
Conclusion
The loss of traditional knowledge, particularly in healthcare practices such as lactation enhancement, presents a significant challenge for indigenous groups amidst increasing exposure to modern medicine. The study emphasizes the urgent need to preserve and disseminate information about these traditional plants and their uses, as they are beneficial not only for enhancing the health of mothers and infants but also for maintaining cultural heritage. There is a pressing need to educate both rural and urban populations about the nutritional value of breast milk and the medicinal plants identified in this research, to empower women with knowledge that supports maternal and child health. Ultimately, the integration of traditional practices with modern education could lead to improved health outcomes in these communities.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study in Andhra Pradesh?
The study aims to document plants used by indigenous people to increase breast milk secretion among new mothers and lactating women, exploring their traditional knowledge and applications in various tribes of Andhra Pradesh.
How many plants were identified in this research?
The research identified 13 useful plants that either were less known or unknown previously, highlighting their significance in promoting lactation among new mothers and lactating women in Andhra Pradesh.
What method was used to gather information about these plants?
Data was gathered through intensive field studies involving interviews with local chiefs, herbal doctors, elderly women, and mothers from different tribes, ensuring accurate documentation of traditional uses and local names for each plant.
Why is traditional knowledge about these plants important?
Traditional knowledge about plants used for increasing lactation is crucial to preserving cultural practices, as modern medicine often overlooks these methods, risking the loss of valuable health resources and practices among indigenous communities.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Increasing the secretion of breast milk-indigenous Practices in Andhra 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) Milk:
Milk is a crucial substance for nursing infants, providing essential nutrients for growth. The study emphasizes the importance of increasing breast milk secretion among new mothers in Andhra Pradesh, revealing indigenous practices, plants, and methods used by tribal communities to enhance lactation and promote maternal health for optimal infant development.
2) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the traditional and ethnobotanical information documented in the study. It highlights the urgency to preserve indigenous practices regarding plant uses for increasing milk secretion. By documenting this knowledge, the study aims to prevent its loss in the face of modern medicine, ensuring cultural and health sustainability.
3) Godavari (Godāvarī, Godāvari, Go-davari):
Godavari is a significant river region in Andhra Pradesh where various tribes reside. The study focuses on this geographical area for collecting ethnobotanical data. It explores the plant species used by local tribes to enhance lactation, reflecting the rich cultural and botanical diversity of the Godavari valley and surrounding districts.
4) Piper longum:
Piper longum, commonly known as long pepper, is a traditional medicinal plant mentioned in the study. It is used by various tribes as an ingredient in preparations aimed at promoting lactation. The inclusion of this plant underscores the integration of local flora into health practices important for maternal nutrition.
5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses both the modern and traditional practices for health and healing. The study reveals the intersection of ethnobotanical knowledge and herbal medicine as a means to improve breastfeeding among mothers. It serves as a reminder of the significance of integrating traditional healing with contemporary medical approaches.
6) Jaggery:
Jaggery, a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap, is utilized in various remedies, including mixtures to enhance lactation. In the study, jaggery is frequently combined with other local components, emphasizing the role of dietary practices in supporting health and wellness among lactating mothers in tribal communities.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological knowledge refers to the study of the biological effects of plant compounds. The research suggests that the plants listed might possess pharmacological properties that can stimulate lactation. This aspect is crucial for understanding how traditional knowledge of medicinal plants can contribute to modern pharmacology and health improvement strategies.
8) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is featured in the study as a plant that is administered alongside other traditional remedies. Its inclusion signifies the role that common ingredients in local diets play in enhancing health for new mothers, linking cultural practices with beneficial dietary components.
9) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their health benefits. The study highlights the need for pharmacological and phytochemical investigations of the identified plants to better understand their potential effects in increasing milk secretion, showcasing the intersection of traditional medicine and scientific inquiry.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context relates to the systematic approach taken in the study to investigate traditional practices and plant use among indigenous populations. By employing scientific methods to document ethnobotanical data, the research aims to validate and preserve traditional knowledge within contemporary scientific paradigms for future generations.
11) Garlic:
Garlic, known scientifically as Allium sativum, is highlighted in the study as part of an herbal remedy to support lactation. Its role in traditional preparations underscores the cultural importance of this plant in maternal health practices, reflecting how dietary choices are integrated into health strategies within tribal communities.
12) Costus:
Costus, specifically Costus speciosus, is identified in the study as a significant plant used by local tribes to enhance lactation. Its traditional applications reflect the diverse uses of local flora and the importance of documenting such practices to preserve knowledge critical for maternal and child health.
13) Kanda (Kaṇḍa, Kandā, Kamda):
Kanda refers to the term used in the study for the rhizome of Costus speciosus, a plant recognized for its lactogenic properties. The local terminology emphasizes the cultural connection the tribes have with their natural resources and their unique methods for supporting new mothers through dietary practices.
14) Pala (Palā, Pāla):
Pala, a term used in the context of certain plant species in tribal nomenclature, signifies the local knowledge and the relationship between the tribes and the plants they utilize. Understanding such local names enhances the study’s depth, illustrating how indigenous peoples interact with their environment for health benefits.
15) Diet:
Diet serves as the foundation for health and nutrition, particularly during pregnancy and lactation. The study indicates that proper dietary practices, including the use of local plants, strongly influence breast milk production, underscoring the essential link between food choices and maternal health outcomes within indigenous communities.
16) Fish:
Fish is referenced in the context of local dietary practices, particularly among tribes in Andhra Pradesh. It is used in preparations with various plant ingredients, highlighting how traditional diets are crafted from local resources, contributing to the nutritional intake required for lactating mothers and their infants.
17) Salt (Salty):
Salt is often used in cooking and medicinal practices, enhancing flavor and acting as a preservative. The study reflects its inclusion in essential dietary mixtures that may support lactation, demonstrating the traditional knowledge of food preparation among tribal communities while underscoring the connection between diet and maternal health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Increasing the secretion of breast milk-indigenous Practices in Andhra Pradesh’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Cultural significance, Breast milk, Modern medicine, Local name, Plant Resources, Plant species, Pharmacological studies, Nutritional analysis, Traditional medicinal knowledge, Ancient Science of life, Diet during pregnancy, Ethnobotanical research, Field studies, Indigenous practice, Herbal doctors, Lactating women.