Herbal medicine survey of Paniya tribes in Nilgiri Hills, South India.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Folk herbal medicine: a survey on the paniya tribes of mundakunnu village of the nilgiri hills, south 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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P. N. Arul Manikandan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Folk herbal medicine: a survey on the paniya tribes of mundakunnu village of the nilgiri hills, south india
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper presents an ethnobotanical survey of the Paniya tribes in Mundakunnu village, located in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. The region is characterized by its rich biodiversity and variety of vegetation types, including evergreen forests and shola forests. The study highlights the traditional uses of plants by the Paniyas, an indigenous tribal community that relies on a wealth of botanical knowledge for treating various ailments. The survey documents a total of 52 plant species used for medicinal purposes, encompassing a range of conditions from pain relief to treating gynecological issues.
Traditional Medicinal Plant Uses
The significance of traditional herbal medicine among the Paniya tribe is particularly evident in their use of locally sourced plants for health care. A notable example is Acorus calamus, commonly known as Vasambu, which the Paniyas utilize for managing conditions such as epilepsy and headaches. The rhizome is crushed and applied to the forehead for headache relief, illustrating the tribe's application of botanical knowledge in everyday health management. This survey underscores the reliance on wild plants for medical treatments, with preparations typically administered as pastes, infusions, or decoctions, pointing to the importance of maintaining these traditional practices in an age where modern medicine is becoming more prevalent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ethnobotanical survey emphasizes the rich medicinal flora present in India, particularly among tribal populations like the Paniya tribes. Although this community possesses extensive knowledge of herbal remedies, there is a pressing need for pharmacological research to explore the active principles and biological activities of the plants documented in the study. This research can enhance the understanding and validation of traditional healing practices, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable cultural heritage while potentially contributing to modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the ethnobotanical survey conducted?
The survey investigates traditional plant usage by the Paniya tribes in Mundakunnu village for various ailments, documenting 52 plant species utilized for medicinal purposes.
What types of ailments do the Paniya tribes treat with plants?
The Paniya tribes use plants for analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, antidiabetic, gynecological problems, and other ailments like bone fractures, venereal diseases, and skin issues.
What was the methodology for collecting ethnobotanical information?
Information was gathered through discussions with tribal medicine men and elderly persons during field trips conducted between November 2002 and April 2003.
How are the medicinal plants documented in the survey?
Medicinal plants are documented with botanical names, vernacular names, family details, descriptions, and their specific medicinal uses, arranged alphabetically for reference.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Herbal medicine survey of Paniya tribes in Nilgiri Hills, South India.”. 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) Paniya (Paṇiya, Pānīya, Pāṇiyā):
Paniya refers to a tribal community in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. The community is known for its traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses. The ethnobotanical survey highlighted their utilization of various herbs for treating ailments, reflecting their deep cultural connection to nature.
2) Water:
Water is a crucial element for preparing medicinal concoctions. In the context of traditional herbal medicine, it often serves as a solvent for infusions, decoctions, and syrups, extracting medicinal properties from plant materials. Effective herbal remedies often depend on the quality and purity of water used in their preparation.
3) Milk:
Milk is commonly used in traditional medicine for its nutritional properties and as a base for herbal preparations. It can enhance the absorption of active compounds from plants. In the survey, buffalo milk was mentioned as a carrier for herbal remedies aimed at addressing digestive issues.
4) Discussion:
Discussion signifies the importance of knowledge exchange in the context of ethnobotanical studies. Engaging with tribal elders facilitates the collection of traditional practices and medicinal knowledge, ensuring that valuable practices are documented and preserved for future generations, thereby contributing to the field of ethnobotany.
5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses substances or practices used for relief of ailments, both herbal and conventional. The Paniya tribe's reliance on plant-based medicines reveals the rich biodiversity of the Nilgiris and highlights the need for preservation of indigenous medical knowledge, particularly in the face of modern healthcare advancements.
6) Swelling:
Swelling indicates an inflammation or accumulation of fluids in body tissues often synonymous with injury or infection. In the Paniya's traditional practices, various herbal remedies, including paste applications, are utilized to mitigate swelling, showcasing their localized knowledge about treating common ailments effectively using indigenous flora.
7) Ulcer:
An ulcer is a sore that can occur on the skin or mucous membranes and can cause considerable discomfort. In the surveyed traditional practices, certain plants are specifically recognized for their effectiveness in treating ulcers, indicating a nuanced understanding of herbal medicine among the Paniya community.
8) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation often refers to a distressing feeling arising from conditions such as ulcers or digestive issues. Traditional herbal treatments documented in the survey illustrate the Paniya tribe's use of specific plants to alleviate this painful symptom, highlighting their expertise in addressing gastrointestinal and dermatological complaints.
9) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut is a multi-purpose plant known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. In traditional medicine, its oil and milk are used for topical applications and internal remedies. The Paniya tribe utilizes coconut in various forms, indicating its significant role in their dietary and health practices.
10) Honey:
Honey serves as both a natural sweetener and a traditional remedy, renowned for its antibacterial properties. In the Paniya tribe's herbal medicine practices, honey is used in concoctions for cough remedies, demonstrating its versatility as both a food and a therapeutic agent within their cultural practices.
11) Blood:
In traditional medicine, 'blood' often symbolizes health and vitality. Several herbal remedies are designed to improve blood health or treat conditions arising from blood-related issues, such as purifying blood or alleviating internal bleeding. The Paniya tribes' knowledge of these remedies highlights their holistic approach to health.
12) Drug:
A drug refers to any chemical substance used for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. In this context, herbal plants utilized by the Paniya tribe function as natural drugs, underlining the significance of medicinal plants in their treatments and the potential for pharmacological research on these herbs.
13) Zingiber officinale:
Zingiber officinale, known as ginger, is valued for its medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and digestive aids. The survey indicates its application in various ailments such as nausea, pain, and respiratory issues, thus representing a crucial ingredient in the traditional health practices of the Paniya tribe.
14) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, or amla, is recognized for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. It plays a pivotal role in traditional medicine systems for enhancing immunity and overall health. The Paniya use it for various ailments, emphasizing its importance in their herbal pharmacopoeia.
15) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Bermuda grass, is utilized in traditional practices. Its leaves are recognized for their therapeutic properties, particularly in alleviating stomach issues. The documentation of this plant in Paniya remedies illustrates the tribe’s in-depth knowledge of local flora and their uses.
16) Solanum indicum:
Solanum indicum, a species of nightshade, is known for its historical use in traditional medicine. The Paniya tribe has identified it as a remedy for certain blood conditions and digestive problems, showcasing the detailed medicinal knowledge held by indigenous communities regarding local plant species.
17) Santalum album:
Santalum album, or sandalwood, is celebrated for its aromatic properties and medicinal applications. The oil extracted from its wood is used for skin ailments, reflecting the cultural significance and therapeutic value attached to this plant within the Paniya community’s traditional medicine practice.
18) Ocimum sanctum:
Ocimum sanctum, popularly known as holy basil or tulsi, is revered for its medicinal qualities, especially in stress relief and immune support. The Paniya tribe utilizes it for various treatments, illustrating its widespread recognition in traditional health practices throughout India.
19) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is acknowledged for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Its application in wound care and skin problems demonstrates the Paniya tribe’s understanding of its benefits, a testament to turmeric's significant role in Ayurveda and rural medicine.
20) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Buttermilk is often used in traditional diets and remedies for its cooling properties and digestive benefits. The Paniya tribe utilizes buttermilk as a base for certain herbal concoctions, indicating its integral role as both a food source and therapeutic medium in their daily health practices.
21) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, known as bitter gourd, is recognized for its antidiabetic properties. The Paniya tribe employs it in various treatments, signifying its value in managing blood sugar levels and highlighting the tribe's comprehensive understanding of plant-based remedies for chronic conditions.
22) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drug action and the effects of herbal remedies on biological systems. There is a pressing need for pharmacological research into the traditional uses of plants by the Paniya tribe, which could validate and uncover active compounds within their ethnobotanical practices.
23) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, commonly called sweet flag, is valued for its neuroprotective properties. In traditional remedies, the Paniya tribe utilizes its rhizome to treat ailments like epilepsy and headaches, showcasing their detailed understanding of its medicinal benefits amid their rich ethnobotanical knowledge.
24) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, known as garlic, is highly regarded for its health benefits, including antimicrobial and cardioprotective effects. The Paniya tribe's use of garlic paste to treat cough exemplifies its importance in their traditional medicine, highlighting its multifaceted applications in health and wellness.
25) Cocos nucifera:
Cocos nucifera, or coconut, is essential in traditional medicine for its versatile uses, from oil for topical applications to milk for dietary inclusion. The Paniya tribe’s employment of coconut indicates its nutritional and therapeutic significance within their daily practices and health remedies.
26) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common symptom associated with various ailments and can lead to dehydration. In traditional medicine, specific plants are used to alleviate nausea and prevent vomiting, reflecting the Paniya tribe's extensive botanical knowledge aimed at managing common digestive disturbances.
27) Scorpion:
Scorpions are venomous arachnids whose stings can lead to severe symptoms. The Paniya tribe recognizes certain plants as antidotes for scorpion stings in their traditional practices, which showcases their extensive understanding of local fauna and their corresponding medicinal flora for emergency situations.
28) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The Paniya tribe utilizes specific herbs, like Acorus calamus, as traditional remedies to manage this condition, reflecting their deep-rooted knowledge in using plant compounds for neurological health concerns.
29) Kurumba:
Kurumba refers to another tribal community residing in the Nilgiris alongside the Paniya tribe. The presence of multiple tribal groups in the region contributes to a rich tapestry of traditional medicinal knowledge, enabling intercommunity exchanges and fostering a broader understanding of ethnobotanical practices among indigenous populations.
30) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease affecting the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. Indigenous practices, such as using herbal remedies among the Paniya tribe to manage symptoms of leprosy, indicate the deep-seated traditional knowledge that seeks to address such serious health concerns within their communities.
31) Buffalo (Buffaloes):
Buffaloes are domesticated animals providing milk and labor in agricultural activities. In the context of traditional medicine, buffalo milk is sometimes used in herbal preparations, illustrating the agricultural and nutritional interconnections integral to the Paniya tribe’s lifestyle and their reliance on local resources.
32) Itching:
Itching is a common irritation caused by various skin conditions or insect bites. In traditional practices, specific plants are utilized by the Paniya tribe to alleviate symptoms of itching, reflecting their comprehensive understanding of dermatological health and the remedies derived from local flora.
33) Science (Scientific):
Science involves systematic studies and observations to understand natural phenomena, including plant properties in ethnobotany. The importance of documenting traditional knowledge, like that of the Paniya tribe, contributes to scientific understanding, potentially leading to the discovery of new drugs and treatments derived from plants.
34) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their uses, properties, and relationships within ecosystems. Understanding the ethnobotanical knowledge of tribes such as the Paniya enriches botanical science, as it documents traditional practices and may uncover plants with medicinal potential yet to be explored.
35) Sugar:
Sugar is often used in traditional preparations to enhance the flavor of herbal remedies. The use of sugar in concoctions, such as those by the Paniya, is indicative of integrating dietary elements with medicinal practices, showcasing a holistic approach to health and wellness in their culture.
36) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a fundamental mineral in human nutrition and is often utilized in food preservation and flavoring. In traditional herbal practices, salt may also play roles in certain health remedies, emphasizing its significance beyond dietary use, particularly in the Paniya community's medical formulations.
37) Cita:
Sida refers to a genus of flowering plants with various species, some of which possess medicinal properties. The Paniya tribe’s use of Sida species in traditional medicine highlights the extensive knowledge they possess regarding local flora and its therapeutic applications, which may contribute to regional biodiversity.
38) Soil:
Soil is the upper layer of earth crucial for plant growth and biodiversity. In the context of ethnobotany, the richness of the soil in the Nilgiri Hills contributes to the diversity of medicinal plants utilized by the Paniya tribe, linking environmental health to traditional practices.