Ethnomedicine of bhil tribe of jhabua district, m. p.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Ethnomedicine of bhil tribe of jhabua district, m. p.
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Bhil tribe, recognized as the third-largest tribe in India, primarily inhabits the districts of Dhar, Jhabua, Khargone, and Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh, with significant populations in neighboring states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. This study highlights their reliance on a diverse array of wild plant species for herbal remedies treating various ailments. An ethno-medico-botanical survey conducted in the tribal blocks of Jhabua uncovered traditional knowledge surrounding seventy-five plant species and their therapeutic applications, gathered through interviews with tribal medicine men known as 'Badwa' and knowledgeable community members.
Rich Ethnomedicinal Practices
The survey's findings reveal a treasure trove of indigenous medicinal practices centered on local flora. For instance, "Achyranthes aspera," known locally as Andijhara, is employed in decoction form to treat fever, while the leaves are used in a paste for skin issues. Similarly, "Adiantum philippense," or Kajaria, has leaves whose ash mixed with cow's ghee is applied to treat pimples. Other notable examples include "Aloe barbadensis" (Pathi), used for skin eruptions, and "Asparagus racemosus" (Sarwari), which enhances potency. This robust ethnobotanical knowledge underscores the Bhils’ intimate connection with their natural environment and the potential for discovering new medicinal applications derived from these plants.
Conclusion
The ethnobotanical survey in Jhabua district underscores the rich heritage of medicinal plants utilized by the Bhil community, highlighting their significance for both healthcare and cultural identity. The findings not only document valuable traditional knowledge that could lead to the discovery of new therapeutic agents but also point to the necessity of preserving these practices and resources. The establishment of agro- and forest-based cottage industries focused on herbal extraction could further empower the tribal populations while promoting sustainable use of local biodiversity. Continued research in this field is imperative to systematically screen these plant resources for pharmacological potential and to safeguard the knowledge of traditional medicine.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
J. K. Maheshwari, B. S. Kalakoti, Brij Lal
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Ethnomedicine of bhil tribe of jhabua district, m. p.
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the ethnic background of the Bhil tribe in Madhya Pradesh?
The Bhils are one of India's largest tribes, residing primarily in the Dhar, Jhabua, Khargone, and Ratlam districts of Madhya Pradesh, as well as neighboring Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
What type of plants do the Bhils use for medicinal purposes?
The Bhils utilize a variety of plant species found in the wild as herbal remedies for various ailments, with an ethno-medico-botanical survey identifying seventy-five specific plant species and their therapeutic uses.
How was the ethnobotanical survey conducted for this study?
The survey involved visiting twenty tribal villages in Jhabua district, engaging with local medicinal practitioners known as 'Badwa', and confirming information across different villages to understand traditional plant uses.
What is the importance of the findings from this research?
The findings highlight the rich potential of medicinal plants in Jhabua district, suggesting opportunities for agro-based industries and employment generation while emphasizing the need for further research into tribal folk medicine.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethnomedicine of bhil tribe of jhabua district, m. p.”. 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) Water:
Water is a vital component in many medicinal preparations and treatments as described in the ethnomedicinal practices. It serves as a solvent for the extracts and is often used to mix plant powders or juices, making it essential for the administration of herbal remedies like decoctions and pastes.
2) Swelling:
Swelling refers to the physical condition where body parts become enlarged due to inflammation or injury. Many plant-based remedies in the ethnobotanical survey, such as those from Balanites aegyptiaca or Aloe barbadensis, are applied to reduce swelling, showcasing traditional medicinal approaches towards treating this condition.
3) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the various herbal remedies used by the Bhil tribe to treat ailments. The paper highlights their traditional knowledge of over seventy-five plant species employed as medicinal solutions, reflecting a profound understanding of ethnomedicine and its role in the community's health care practices.
4) Fish poison (Fish venom):
Fish poison refers to plants like Wrightia tinctoria and Xeromphis spinosa utilized by the Bhil tribe to catch fish. The application of these plants as poisons illustrates the practical integrative aspects of ethnobotany, where natural substances serve dual purposes in subsistence and medicinal capacities.
5) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a key factor in many ailments treated by herbal remedies. Traditional practices among the Bhils include the use of plants such as Anisomeles indica and Calotropis gigantea, which are specifically applied to reduce inflammation, showcasing a targeted approach to managing health issues.
6) Madhya (Mādhya):
Madhya refers to the state of Madhya Pradesh, where the Bhil tribe resides. The region’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge forms the backdrop for this ethnobotanical survey, contributing to the understanding of local flora and its significance in indigenous medicinal practices.
7) Sugar:
Sugar is often added to herbal preparations to enhance flavor or improve palatability. In the Bhil traditions, plants like Mitragyna parvifolia are mixed with sugar to create medicinal concoctions, underlining the importance of combining ingredients for effective treatment in customary medicine.
8) Blood:
Blood is referenced in the context of plant remedies addressing blood-related conditions, such as dysentery or leprosy. Ethnomedicine among the Bhils employs specific plants to treat these ailments, showcasing a nuanced understanding of blood health and the use of various species for their therapeutic properties.
9) Kali (Kālī, Kāli, Kāḻi):
Kali refers to the local name for Ocimum basilicum, a plant known for its medicinal uses. Ethnobotanical practices illustrate the significance of local vernacular in recognizing herbal remedies that are pivotal in treating ailments within the Bhil community.
10) Fish:
Fish symbolizes both a dietary staple and a target for traditional fishing methods using poisonous plants. The ethnobotanical survey shows the dual connection the Bhil tribe has with fish, utilizing local flora for sustenance and as a part of their cultural practices.
11) Hand:
Hand can signify the act of preparation and administration of herbal remedies. The physical aspect of using hands in the extraction and application of plant substances is intrinsic to traditional medicine, amplifying the tangible connection between practitioners and medicinal plants.
12) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is often used in herbal preparations as a carrier for the active compounds in plants. Its role in traditional medicine among the Bhils signifies the blending of dietary practices with health treatments, enhancing the efficacy of various herbal applications.
13) Milk:
Milk is commonly associated with nourishment and is sometimes utilized in conjunction with herbal remedies to enhance their effects. In Bhil practices, certain plants are administered with milk, indicating a synergistic approach to therapy that integrates dietary components with healing herbs.
14) Salt (Salty):
Salt is used in various traditional remedies both as a preservative and as an active component in treatments. Its inclusion in the curing process highlights the broader context of food as medicine within the Bhil tribe’s practices, illuminating the cultural ties between diet and health.
15) Drug:
Drug in this context encompasses the various phytochemicals identified in plant species with therapeutic potential. The study aims to evaluate these plants for their drug properties, aligning traditional practices with modern pharmacological validation to recognize their true medicinal value.
16) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is revered in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. Its use referenced in the survey underscores local beliefs about enhancing immunity and healing properties, showcasing how the tribe utilizes potent natural sources for health management.
17) Desmodium gangeticum:
Desmodium gangeticum is noted for its applications in treating dysentery among the Bhil people. This plant’s inclusion in the survey highlights the local understanding of digestive health and the importance of specific plant characteristics in addressing gastrointestinal issues.
18) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, known for its purported benefits in improving vitality and potency, demonstrates the cultural emphasis on reproductive health among the Bhils. The traditional uses tied to this plant reflect a broader understanding of fertility and gender health in indigenous medicine.
19) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is cherished for its role in managing diabetes. The study reveals the Bhil tribe's intricate knowledge of using specific plants to address chronic conditions, linked to lifestyle and dietary habits, showcasing the interplay between nature and health.
20) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba serves dual purposes in traditional practices, being used both for its medicinal benefits and as a means to protect crops from pests. Its identification in the survey showcases the holistic relationship between agriculture and ethnomedicine within the Bhil community.
21) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis is known for its purgative properties and use against worms. The ethnobotanical study emphasizes how this plant is intertwined with local health practices, where its natural efficacy is mobilized towards managing parasite-related ailments among the Bhil population.
22) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, or Bael fruit, is recognized for its therapeutic applications against stomach disorders. The inclusion of this plant in the study highlights traditional dietary practices that prioritize natural remedies for gastrointestinal health, reflecting indigenous knowledge on plant uses.
23) Bombax ceiba:
Bombax ceiba is noted for its vitality-enhancing properties, showing the cultural significance of this species among the Bhil tribe. Its application in promoting vigor indicates how traditional practices harness natural resources for improving overall health, aligning closely with community wellness.
24) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a symptom addressed in traditional medicine, with specific plants used for their antiemetic properties. The responses from the survey indicate a sophisticated understanding of symptom management and the role of ethnomedicine in providing relief for nausea among the Bhil tribe.
25) Turmeric:
Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. In the context of this ethnobotanical survey, the uses of turmeric reveal the deep-rooted traditions surrounding its application, emphasizing its importance as a staple ingredient in both cooking and medicine.
26) Scorpion:
Scorpion bites represent a serious health threat that calls for immediate and effective treatment. The knowledge of specific plants used for scorpion stings underscores the tribal wisdom surrounding first aid and emergency responses to venomous creatures in the local environment.
27) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a historical and social concern addressed by traditional remedies in tribal communities like the Bhils. The investigation reveals how specific plants are believed to alleviate symptoms, demonstrating a proactive approach to managing conditions viewed as pressing community issues.
28) Jaggery:
Jaggery serves not only as a natural sweetener but also plays a role in various health remedies in traditional practices. Its incorporation in preparations signifies the blending of culinary and medicinal uses within the Bhil tribe, highlighting local resourcefulness in addressing health challenges.
29) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of plant properties and therapeutic applications. This ethnobotanical research aligns traditional knowledge with scientific inquiry, paving the way for validating the efficacy of indigenous remedies and exploring their potential in contemporary medicine.
30) Brahmi (Brāhmī):
Brahmi, recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties, illustrates how indigenous knowledge recognizes the significance of certain plants for mental health. The study highlights Brahmi's therapeutic uses, affirming its role in traditional practices aimed at enhancing memory and supporting brain function.
31) Kumbhi (Kumbhī):
Kumbhi denotes Careya arborea, a plant used for reducing facial swellings. Its identification reflects local naming conventions and traditional medical practices that emphasize specific plants for targeted treatments within the Bhil tribe's wellness repertoire.
32) Popati (Pōpaṭī, Popaṭī, Pōpaṭi):
Popati refers to Physalis minima, a plant utilized for its medicinal effects. The need for localization in the study underscores how indigenous names are crucial in documenting traditional knowledge, revealing community practices centered on health and plant utilization.
33) Costus:
Costus highlights the use of plants like Costus speciosus in traditional veterinary medicine. The application of this plant for treating cattle reinforces the interconnectedness of human and animal health within the tribal practices of the Bhil community.
34) Sukha (Sukhā):
Sukha refers to ailments that denote dryness, often treated with various herbal remedies. The understanding and naming of these conditions illustrate how the Bhil tribe categorizes health issues, applying specific plant resources to counteract symptoms that characterize their traditional beliefs.
35) Pathin (Paṭhi, Pathi, Pāṭhin, Pathī):
Pathi refers to Aloe barbadensis, recognized for its topical applications for skin eruptions. The knowledge surrounding Pathi embodies traditional approaches to dermatological treatments, showcasing the extensive plant-based remedies utilized by the Bhil tribe for skin health.
36) Kanda (Kaṇḍa, Kandā, Kamda):
Kanda signifies Costus speciosus and its use as a herbal treatment. The local knowledge about this plant highlights its significance in alleviating conditions, showcasing how specific plant uses are embedded in the cultural practices of processing and applying medicinal flora.
37) Mahua (Mahuā):
Mahua refers to Madhuca longifolia, a vital plant in Bhil culture for both its nutritional and medicinal value. Its various uses in relief and sustenance emphasize how the community integrates specific plants into their lifestyle, linking diet with health benefits.
38) Bela (Bēla):
Bela pertains to Aegle marmelos, linked to gastrointestinal health within the community. The local utilization of this plant illustrates its significance in traditional diets and remedies aiming to address stomach issues, framing its role as a key resource in the ethnomedicine of the Bhils.
39) Neem:
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is revered for its broad-spectrum healing properties in traditional medicine. Its inclusion in the survey accentuates the comprehensive understanding that the Bhil tribe holds regarding the preventive and curative applications of local flora to enhance community health.