Glimpses of folk medicines of dharmapuri forest division tamilnadu
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Glimpses of folk medicines of dharmapuri forest division tamilnadu
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper by T. Apparamantham and V. Chelladurai explores the folklore medicines of specific hilly regions within the Dharmapuri District of Tamil Nadu, India. The authors conducted a survey to gather information on the medicinal plants utilized by local forest dwellers, alongside traditional techniques for treating ailments, particularly for snake bites. They aimed to document the properties and uses of various plants indigenous to the area, highlighting their significance in the daily lives of the predominantly poor and illiterate population residing there.
Folk Remedies for Snake Bites: A Traditional Approach
One notable aspect discussed in the paper is the traditional techniques used by local inhabitants to treat snake bites. Two methods are described: the first involves placing a stone on the victim's head to prevent the spread of venom, followed by reciting a mantra and administering specific herbal remedies including Clitrullus colocynthis to induce vomiting and Cynodon dactylon applied to the bite site. The second technique employs the use of unripped papaya fruit, treated with salt and applied directly to the bite, which is believed to extract the poison. These methods reflect a blend of herbal medicine and cultural beliefs, showcasing how traditional knowledge systems can provide insight into managing medical emergencies in rural settings.
Conclusion
The study culminates in the authors' call for scientific research and clinical studies to validate and explore the therapeutic potentials of the documented medicinal plants and practices. The folkloric remedies not only demonstrate the resourcefulness of the local population in addressing health issues but also emphasize the need to preserve and promote this traditional knowledge. By investigating these plants scientifically, there is an opportunity to enhance their credibility and accessibility, potentially benefiting wider populations beyond those in the Dharmapuri forest division. Acknowledgments are made to various institutions for their support in conducting this research.
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.
T. Apparanantham, V. Chelladurai
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Glimpses of folk medicines of dharmapuri forest division tamilnadu
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are some folk medicines used in Dharmapuri District?
Folk medicines in Dharmapuri District include medicinal plants like Acacia arabica for asthma and snake bites, Artemisia vulgaris for peptic ulcers, and Melia azedarach to address female sterility, among others. Each has specific preparation methods and clinical applications.
What is the role of incantations in local treatments?
Incantations are used by forest dwellers for treating snake bites. One technique involves placing a stone on the head to prevent poison spread, followed by reciting mantras and applying herbal pastes to the bitten area for effective treatment.
What is the lifestyle of the people in Dharmapuri?
The people of Dharmapuri are generally poor and rely on agriculture supplemented by forest department wages. They primarily consume local staples like Cholam and Ragi, with rice reserved for special occasions due to its luxury status.
How can the effectiveness of local folk remedies be validated?
Validation of folk remedies requires scientific preparation and clinical research to explore their therapeutic potential. It is important to study these traditional practices to assess their effectiveness in treating common diseases and promote their benefits to broader communities.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Glimpses of folk medicines of dharmapuri forest division tamilnadu”. 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) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore or lesion that develops on the skin or internal surfaces due to the destruction of tissue. In the context of the text, various local plants and their medicinal properties are identified for treating ulcers, showcasing traditional knowledge about their healing potential.
2) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses substances or practices used for the treatment of illness or injury. The text provides an overview of folk medicines derived from local plants in Dharmapuri, highlighting traditional medicinal practices and their significance in the treatment of ailments among local populations.
3) Milk:
Milk is a nutritious liquid produced by mammals. In the folk medicine discussed, milk is used in various preparations, including being combined with plant pastes for effective treatment, showcasing its importance as a carrier or medium for delivering medicinal substances.
4) Mantra (Māntra, Mamtra):
Mantra refers to a sacred utterance or chant used in spiritual or healing practices. In the folklore techniques for snake bites, mantras play a role in invoking healing powers, indicating the integration of spiritual beliefs in traditional medicine among the local community.
5) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and personalized treatments. The mention of Siddha relates to the historical context of the medicinal practices described and underlines the cultural heritage of healing in the region.
6) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a medicinal plant celebrated for its adaptogenic properties. The text highlights its use in treating specific conditions, emphasizing its therapeutic role in traditional medicine and the necessity for further research into its health benefits.
7) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. The text discusses techniques and herbal remedies aimed at treating inflammation, reflecting the local population's understanding of health and wellness through natural products.
8) Babbula (Babbūla):
Babbula refers to the local name for Acacia arabica, a plant used in traditional remedies. It serves as an example of how local flora is identified and utilized in folk medicine, specifically for treating conditions like asthma and sore eyes.
9) Drug:
A drug is any substance used for medicinal purposes, and in this context, it pertains to the various plants and their extracts utilized for healing. The text provides insights into the folk remedies that constitute the traditional pharmacopoeia of the region.
10) Anogeissus latifolia:
Anogeissus latifolia is a plant used in traditional medicine, particularly for treating abdominal colic. Highlighting specific examples like this underscores the rich biodiversity of the region and its potential medicinal applications recognized by the local community.
11) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Bermuda grass, is noted for its application in folk remedies for snake bites. This demonstrates how specific plants are pivotal in addressing local health issues and reinforces the importance of ecological knowledge in traditional healthcare.
12) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product used in various food and medicinal preparations. In the text, buttermilk serves as a medium for applying herbal pastes, illustrating the intersection of diet and health in traditional remedies.
13) Krishnasariva (Kṛṣṇasārivā, Krishna-sariva):
Krsnasariva refers to Cryptolepis buchanani, a medicinal plant known for treating fissured soles. The emphasis on such specific plants showcases the knowledge diversity in local applications and signifies their cultural and therapeutic importance.
14) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the examination and interpretation of findings. In the context of this text, it highlights the importance of understanding and validating folk medicine practices, encouraging scientific discourse around traditional knowledge and its potential applications.
15) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. The text's call for scientific investigation into folk medicines underscores the importance of bridging traditional knowledge with scientific methodologies for validation and application.
16) Mahanimba (Mahānimba, Maha-nimba):
Mahanimba, or Melia azedarach, is highlighted for its use in treating female sterility. This plant serves as an example of traditional remedies that possess longstanding cultural significance and a potential for clinical investigation.
17) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and yogic practices. The text connects to the broader context of holistic healing practices found in most Indian medicinal traditions, including those seen in Siddha.
18) Vanaraja (Vanarāja, Vana-raja):
Vanaraja refers to a local variety of Bauhinia purpurea. The use of local names illustrates the community's deep connection with their environment and the accessible natural resources they utilize for medicinal purposes.
19) Vomiting:
Vomiting is often a mechanism to expel toxins from the body. In the snakebite treatment methods, inducing vomiting serves as a critical aspect of traditional practices, indicating an understanding of bodily responses to poisonous substances.
20) Kakadani (Kākādanī, Kaka-adani):
Kakadani is the local name for Capparis sepiaria, a plant utilized for treating snake bites. Providing local names emphasizes the relationship between cultural identity and the knowledge of local flora that serves medicinal purposes.
21) Jaggery:
Jaggery is a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane or palm sap and used in various preparations. In the herbal remedies discussed, jaggery not only adds flavor but may also enhance the absorption and effectiveness of medicinal concoctions.
22) Insect:
Insect refers to a class of small arthropods, some of which can pose health risks. Folk remedies addressing insect bites or stings demonstrate the community’s practical knowledge of local biodiversity and its implications for health.
23) Dhava (Dhāva):
Dhava is the local name for Anogeissus latifolia, known for its use in alleviating abdominal colic. This highlights the specificity of local knowledge and the reliance on indigenous plants for treating common ailments.
24) Water:
Water plays a pivotal role in health and medicine, often serving as a solvent or medium in herbal preparations. In traditional practices, its importance is emphasized for both consumption and as part of medicinal applications.
25) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is a staple food in many cultures, including the communities in Tamil Nadu. The text notes that rice is considered a luxury, drawing attention to dietary practices and the economic conditions impacting local populations and their access to food sources.
26) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a mineral essential for health, often used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in foods. In folk medicine, salt serves practical uses, such as in the treatment of snake bites, underlining the everyday relevance of common substances in traditional remedies.