Plants from the traditional medical system of the nilgiri tribes
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Plants from the traditional medical system of the nilgiri tribes
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 study undertaken focuses on the medicinal practices of the Nilgiri tribes in Tamil Nadu, India, highlighting their ethnobotanical knowledge. The Nilgiri district, known for its diverse flora, harbors several indigenous tribal groups, including the Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Irulas, and Kattunayakas. The research documents the use of 34 plant species for various medicinal applications, showcasing the vital role of traditional herbal remedies in treating common ailments among these communities.
Medicinal Plant Applications: A Cultural Treasure
One significant aspect of the study is the therapeutic utilization of plants like Achyranthes aspera, Rubia cordifolia, and Tectona grandis. These plants are used across different tribal groups for similar health issues such as wound healing, jaundice treatment, and easing labor pains. For instance, Achyranthes aspera serves a dual purpose, providing relief for both wounds and childbirth, exemplifying the shared medicinal knowledge that transcends tribal boundaries. The study not only highlights the specific applications of these plants but also indicates a broader cultural exchange of herbal practices among the tribes, reinforcing the notion that collective traditional knowledge can lead to the identification of effective therapeutic agents.
Conclusion
The findings of this ethnobotanical survey underscore the importance of preserving traditional medicinal wisdom, particularly in light of the potential for discovering pharmacologically active compounds. The study concludes that the rich tapestry of folk beliefs and practices regarding herbal treatments among the Nilgiri tribes can contribute significantly to modern medical systems. It advocates for further research into these traditional practices to enhance our understanding of their therapeutic effects while ensuring the conservation of cultural heritage and biodiversity in the region.
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.
S. Rajan, M. Sethuraman, D. Suresh Baburaj
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Plants from the traditional medical system of the nilgiri tribes
Year: 1997
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Nilgiri tribes?
The study highlights the medicinal applications of 34 plants used by Nilgiri tribes, documenting their traditional herbal practices and treatments for various common ailments.
Which tribal groups are studied in the Nilgiri district?
The study focuses on six tribal groups: Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Irulas, Paniyas, and Kattunayakas, each with unique traditions and uses of medicinal plants.
How was data collected for this ethnobotanical study?
Elderly individuals with knowledge of traditional medicine were interviewed, with information organized by tribal groups and plant species, detailing their medicinal applications.
What significance do the findings have for modern medicine?
The study's findings emphasize the potential for discovering pharmacologically active compounds in traditional plants, suggesting that traditional knowledge can complement modern medical systems.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Plants from the traditional medical system of the nilgiri tribes”. 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) Kurumba:
Kurumba refers to one of the tribal groups in the Nilgiri district known for their expertise in hunting and food gathering. They are skilled in honey collection and have a diverse diet largely consisting of wild tubers and fruits, reflecting their deep understanding of their forest ecosystem and resource management.
2) Water:
Water is a vital resource for all life forms and plays a crucial role in traditional medicinal practices among the Nilgiri tribes. Many herbal remedies involve decoctions or extracts made with water, highlighting the importance of hydration and its therapeutic applications in treating various ailments.
3) Paniya (Paṇiya, Pānīya, Pāṇiyā):
Paniya is a tribal community that primarily lives in bamboo huts at the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Their socio-economic status is low, and they engage in labor for survival, demonstrating resilience while their knowledge of local medicinal plants contributes to their cultural heritage.
4) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context pertains to the indigenous understanding of medicinal plants and their applications within the Nilgiri tribes. This traditional knowledge is crucial for health, agriculture, and conservation, underscoring the importance of preserving and documenting indigenous wisdom for future generations.
5) Keri (Kērī, Kerī):
Keri signifies a clan subdivision within the Kota tribe, highlighting the social structure and kinship norms. Keri exogamy is practiced, which prevents marriages within the same clan, thereby promoting genetic diversity and maintaining social cohesion, crucial for the tribe's cultural integrity.
6) Medicine:
Medicine relates to the various herbal remedies developed and utilized by the Nilgiri tribes for treating ailments. The traditional medical systems offer insights into the complex relationship between plants and healing, and emphasize the significance of maintaining biodiversity in therapeutic practices.
7) Camara (Cāmara, Camará):
Camara refers to Lantana camara, a plant mentioned for its medicinal properties among the Nilgiri tribes. Known for its styptic effects, it is used to stop bleeding and treat wounds, demonstrating how traditional knowledge aligns with modern botanical uses and highlights the ethnobotanical significance of local flora.
8) Honey:
Honey is revered among the Nilgiri tribes, not just as a food resource, but also for its therapeutic benefits. For the Kurumbas, honey is a staple that reflects their expertise in foraging and understanding the medicinal qualities of natural products, enhancing their health and nutrition.
9) Rubia cordifolia:
Rubia cordifolia, known as 'Sappli Koth' among tribes, is a climbing herb used to treat jaundice and menstrual pain. Its therapeutic applications demonstrate the convergence of traditional knowledge and pharmacological potential, reinforcing the importance of biodiversity for health and medicine among these communities.
10) Mangifera indica:
Mangifera indica represents the mango tree, culturally significant and used in traditional medicine. The unripe mango fruit, in conjunction with other plant parts, serves as a remedy for stomach ailments, reflecting the integration of dietary practices and medicinal applications in the local health paradigms.
11) Dysmenorrhea (Dysmenorrhoea):
Dysmenorrhoea is a common ailment for which herbal remedies are sought among the Nilgiri tribes. The traditional knowledge regarding specific plants used to alleviate menstrual pain underscores the importance of ethnobotany in providing solutions for women's health issues in various cultures.
12) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals refer to bioactive compounds derived from plants, which are significant in medicinal applications. The exploration of traditional remedies can lead to the discovery of new phytochemicals that could enhance modern medicine, emphasizing the need for research in herbal pharmacology.
13) Discussion:
Discussion in this context reflects the interpretation of findings regarding plant usage and traditional medicine among the Nilgiri tribes. It serves to draw connections between ethnobotanical knowledge and contemporary scientific inquiry, facilitating the preservation of traditional practices and their relevance in modern health care.
14) Evolution:
Evolution relates to the development of traditional medicinal practices, shaped by cultural, environmental, and historical factors. Understanding how tribal communities have adapted their knowledge of plants over generations is key to appreciating their current practices and the preservation of biodiversity.
15) Scorpion:
Scorpions are associated with specific traditional healing practices for their venomous bites, particularly within the Irula community. Their expertise in magico-religious cures reflects the integration of cultural beliefs and biological understanding in addressing health challenges posed by local fauna.
16) Science (Scientific):
Science pertains to the systematic study of the natural world, which can draw from indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants. The interplay between traditional practices and scientific validation of herbal medicines highlights the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in advancing healthcare.
17) Valli (Vallī):
Valli translates to 'creeper' in the context of Thunbergia fragrans, a climbing herb used for snakebite treatment in traditional medicine. Its mention underscores the importance of plant morphology in identifying and utilizing flora for specific therapeutic applications.
18) Kollu:
Kollu refers to Macrotyloma uniflorum, a climbing herb known for its medicinal uses including as an abortifacient. This highlights the role of indigenous plants in reproductive health and the cultural significance of plant-based treatments within the Paniya community.
19) Ulcer:
Ulcers are health conditions linked to digestive issues among many communities. The incorporation of specific plant remedies by the Nilgiri tribes showcases their empirical knowledge of herbal treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, reinforcing the bridge between traditional and modern medical practices.
20) Mango:
Mango, specifically the unripe mango, is used traditionally for its medicinal properties to treat stomach discomfort. It exemplifies how local flora is not only a dietary staple but also holds significant therapeutic value, making it an integral part of the tribal medicinal repertoire.