Irula Tribe's Ethno-Medical Plant Knowledge, Chengal Combai, Nilgiris
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Ethno Medical Knowledge of Plants Used By Irula Tribes, Chengal Combai, the Nilgiris, 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 Irula community in Chengal Combai, located in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, possesses rich ethnomedical knowledge regarding the use of plants for medicinal purposes. This paper presents findings from a field survey that documented the medicinal applications of 22 plant species, which belong to 17 different families. The traditional uses of these plants range from treating common ailments such as coughs and headaches to more severe conditions like snake bites and rheumatism. This indigenous knowledge is significant, as it highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices among tribal communities in India.
Traditional Medicinal Practices of the Irula Community
The study found that the Irula people utilize various plants in multiple forms, such as juices, pastes, and decoctions, to address different health issues. For example, they use the leaf juice from Cyclea peltata for relief from cough and body pain, while leaf paste from Ruta graveolens is applied for stomach ailments. The majority of these medicinal plants are obtained from local flora, reflecting the community's intimate knowledge of their environment. This connection between the Irula people and their natural surroundings has allowed them to develop a sustainable method of resource utilization that does not harm the ecosystem, thereby maintaining their traditional practices over generations.
Conclusion
The ethnobotanical study of the Irula community reveals a wealth of traditional knowledge that is invaluable for both cultural preservation and modern medical applications. The careful documentation of these practices underscores the necessity of preserving such knowledge amidst growing ecological challenges and the loss of biodiversity. Efforts should be made to recognize and support indigenous practices that promote sustainability and resource conservation, as they play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of both the community and their ecosystem.
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.
M. Murugesan, V. Balasubramaniam, H. Arthi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Ethno Medical Knowledge of Plants Used By Irula Tribes, Chengal Combai, the Nilgiris, Tamilnadu
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the ethnomedical study in this paper?
The study focuses on the ethnomedical knowledge of plants used by the Irula tribe in Chengal Combai, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, documenting 22 plant species used for various medicinal purposes.
How was the ethnobotanical information gathered for this study?
Ethnobotanical information was collected through interviews with elder medicine men and local knowledgeable individuals during field surveys conducted between 2002 and 2003.
What types of ailments are treated with these medicinal plants?
These plants are used to treat ailments such as cough, cold, body pain, earache, headache, diarrhea, snake bite, and rheumatism, among others.
How do the Irula tribes ensure sustainable use of medicinal plants?
The Irula tribes maintain harmony with nature by utilizing plant resources responsibly and avoiding ecological disturbances, reflecting their traditional knowledge of sustainable practices.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Irula Tribe's Ethno-Medical Plant Knowledge, Chengal Combai, Nilgiris”. 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) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world and the underlying principles that govern it. In the context of this article, it is particularly relevant to the exploration and validation of ethno medical practices and the understanding of plant species used by tribal communities for medicinal purposes, showcasing the intersection of traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry.
2) Water:
Water is essential to life and plays a critical role in many biological processes, including the extraction and administration of medicinal plant remedies. In the traditional practices described, water is frequently involved in the preparation of medicines, serving as a medium for decoctions, juices, and pastes used for various treatments.
3) Knowledge:
Knowledge denotes the information, understanding, and skills acquired through experience or education. In this context, it highlights the valuable ethnomedical knowledge possessed by the Irula tribes, reflecting generations of wisdom about the uses and benefits of local plant species for health care and ecological conservation.
4) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The article focuses on the traditional medicinal practices of the Irula tribes, documenting the various plants utilized as remedies for ailments, emphasizing the significance of traditional medicine in maintaining health.
5) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a physiological condition where the contents of the stomach are forcibly expelled. It represents an ailment for which several plant-based remedies, such as leaf pastes and juices, are employed by the Irula tribes, reflecting their understanding of treating digestive troubles with local flora.
6) Insect:
Insects are a diverse group of organisms that can cause various problems, including allergies and bites. The article mentions the use of certain plants, like Plumbago zeylanica, as a remedy for insect bites, showcasing the practical applications of traditional knowledge in addressing common health issues.
7) Botany:
Botany is the branch of biology that studies plants and their interactions with the environment. In this article, botany is significant as it underpins the documentation and understanding of medicinal plants used by the Irula tribes, being key to both their ethno medical practices and biodiversity conservation.
8) Rubia cordifolia:
Rubia cordifolia is a plant mentioned in the article that the Irula tribes utilize for its ethno medicinal properties. The leaf juice is administered orally to treat cough, cold, and nervous disorders, showcasing the specific applications of this plant in traditional medicine.
9) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica is another plant featured in the study, employed by the Irula tribes for its medicinal benefits. The roots are ground and used externally to treat insect bites, indicating its importance in local treatment practices and the value of biodiversity in health care.
10) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba is a plant noted for its potential use as a sleeping tablet, although it carries risks of overdose. Its mention illustrates the balance of traditional medicine practices, where some plant remedies can have both therapeutic benefits and dangers, reflecting a need for caution.
11) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis and interpretation of findings from research. In this article, it relates to the reflection on the ethnobotanical survey results among the Irula tribes, emphasizing their knowledge of medicinal plants and the implications for biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization.
12) Allergy:
Allergy is an immune response to a substance that the body reacts to as harmful. The article refers to local plant remedies used to mitigate insect allergies, indicating the role of traditional knowledge in addressing health conditions that affect the wellbeing of the Irula tribes.
13) Sugar:
Sugar is a carbohydrate that not only serves as a sweetening agent but also plays a role in various traditional preparations. In the context of the article, sugar is included in the medicinal preparation of Centella asiatica, which is mixed with sugar candy to enhance its digestibility and therapeutic properties.
14) Blood:
Blood represents a vital fluid in the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients. In traditional medicine, regulating blood circulation is essential, as indicated in the article where the Irula tribes use specific plant remedies to aid in this process, linking plant use to broader health concerns.
15) Milk:
Milk is a nutritious liquid that is often used in various cultures for its health benefits. In the context of traditional medicine depicted in this article, milk is suggested to be used with certain plant preparations, enhancing the believed efficacy of treatments while showcasing traditional dietary practices.