Veterinary use of plants among tribales of orissa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Veterinary use of plants among tribales of orissa
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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Malaya K. Misra, Sudhansu S. Das
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Veterinary use of plants among tribales of orissa
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The use of plants for medicinal purposes, particularly in veterinary care, is a significant aspect of traditional practices among rural and tribal communities in India. This paper focuses on the veterinary use of 20 plants against 10 animal diseases in the Ganjam district of Orissa, as utilized by the local tribal population, specifically the Sabar tribe. With around 85% of the Indian population residing in rural areas and often relying on folk remedies, the documentation of these traditional practices is essential for understanding indigenous knowledge and its role in animal healthcare.
Traditional Remedies for Animal Diseases
One of the notable insights from the study is the array of plant-based remedies traditionally used to treat specific ailments in cattle. For example, Aegle marmelos (Bela) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) are employed against black-quarter disease. The leaves of Aegle marmelos are boiled and applied to the affected area of the cattle, while Neem leaves, when boiled in oil, offer external relief and internal treatment for various issues. Additionally, the application of Bombax ceiba (Simuli) bark paste for bone fractures and the use of Mucuna prurita to expel intestinal worms highlight the diverse therapeutic applications of these indigenous plants. Such practices indicate not only a deep understanding of local flora but also the intricate relationship between the community's cultural heritage and animal health.
Conclusion
The exploration of traditional veterinary practices among the tribes of Ganjam district reveals a wealth of ethnobotanical knowledge focused on animal healthcare. The documentation of these remedies underscores the importance of traditional medicine in rural settings and calls for further scientific investigation into the effectiveness and pharmacological properties of these plants. By bringing attention to these indigenous practices, there is potential for enriching contemporary veterinary medicine while preserving cultural heritage. Future studies are encouraged to encompass a broader range of communities to uncover more about the ethnoveterinary traditions in the state.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study in Ganjam district?
The study focuses on the veterinary use of 20 plants to treat 10 animal diseases among tribal communities in Ganjam district, Orissa.
How were plants collected and documented in the study?
Plants were collected from the tribal areas, processed, dried, and identified with the help of floras. Herbarium specimens were deposited at Berhampur University.
What types of animal diseases were addressed in the study?
The study addressed diseases like abscesses, black-quarter, foot and mouth disease, dysentery, and issues related to delivery and milching.
What is the significance of this research on plant use?
The research highlights traditional veterinary practices and encourages further scientific studies on ethnobotanical uses, aiming to document and validate folk remedies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Veterinary use of plants among tribales of orissa�. 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) Animal disease:
Animal diseases refer to ailments affecting livestock, including cattle, which can impact their health and productivity. The text emphasizes traditional remedies from plants used by tribes in Ganjam district of Orissa to treat various animal diseases, demonstrating the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge in veterinary medicine.
2) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the use of plants and their extracts as remedies for ailments. The paper highlights the significance of traditional medicinal practices, particularly the folk medicines derived from local flora, demonstrating their relevance in treating animal diseases among tribal communities.
3) Dolichos biflorus:
Dolichos biflorus, known as Kolatha, is a plant mentioned in the text for its veterinary applications. Its seeds provide a decoction that helps improve milching in cows and treats dysentery in cattle, showcasing the plant’s utility in tribal veterinary practices.
4) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is mentioned in the paper for its medicinal properties in treating black-quarter disease and glossitis in cattle. The use of neem highlights the significance of this plant in traditional veterinary practices and its efficacy in animal health care.
5) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, referred to as Bela, is utilized in preparing decoctions for treating black-quarter disease in cattle. This plant’s application in local veterinary medicine underscores its role in the traditional health care system among the tribes in Orissa, connecting folklore with practical animal care.
6) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, known as Harida, is mentioned for its decoction, which aids in treating foot and mouth disease and cleaning ulcers in cattle. Its presence in folklore medicine indicates the plant's recognition for its therapeutic properties within veterinary practices.
7) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, identified as Kalara, is used for facilitating the removal of the placenta in cattle post-delivery. This application underscores the plant's role in traditional animal husbandry practices and reflects the reliance of tribal communities on local flora for veterinary solutions.
8) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, locally known as Kaincha, is believed by tribes to cure cataracts in cattle. Its use illustrates how indigenous knowledge informs practices aimed at treating specific ailments, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance of plant-based remedies in livestock care.
9) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, known as Jada, is mentioned for its leaves' application alongside salt to facilitate the removal of the placenta in cattle. This highlights the plant's therapeutic potential and the traditional methods used by tribal communities for animal health management post-delivery.
10) Bombax ceiba:
Bombax ceiba, or Simuli, is utilized for external application on bones affected by fractures or severe sprains. The incorporation of this plant in veterinary practices reflects the historical knowledge of its remedial properties and the role of local flora in healing animal injuries.
11) Science (Scientific):
Scientific methods and approaches are essential in validating traditional remedies and understanding their efficacy. The paper calls for integrating ethnobotanical knowledge and modern science to enhance veterinary practices and promote sustainable health solutions for livestock in tribal communities.
12) Botany:
Botany, the study of plants, is pivotal in understanding the utilization of local flora for medicinal purposes. This text underscores the intersection of ethnobotany and veterinary practice, as it documents plants used by tribal communities for treating animal ailments, inviting further botanical research.
13) Mishra (Miśra):
Misra refers to Malaya K. Misra, one of the authors of the study. His contribution emphasizes the importance of documenting traditional veterinary practices and plant uses among tribal communities in Ganjam district, reflecting the collaborative effort to preserve indigenous knowledge.
14) Ulcer:
Ulcers, particularly in the context of livestock, represent open sores or lesions that can affect the health of animals. The paper highlights specific plants, like Terminalia chebula, used to treat this condition, underscoring the connection between traditional plant use and disease management in veterinary medicine.
15) Neem:
Neem, or Azadirachta indica, is revered for its medicinal properties and is frequently used to treat various ailments. Its use in veterinary applications, especially for treating black-quarter disease, demonstrates the importance of this plant in traditional and folk veterinary medicine.
16) Worm:
Worm infestations in cattle can lead to serious health issues, impacting productivity. The text mentions Mucuna prurita as a remedy for intestinal worms, showcasing the reliance on traditional knowledge of plants to address such health challenges in livestock.
17) Salt (Salty):
Salt appears in various traditional remedies for livestock, such as its combination with Ricinus communis for aiding delivery. Its presence emphasizes the integration of common kitchen ingredients in veterinary medicine practices, reflecting the simplicity and accessibility of folk treatments.
18) Veterinary medicine:
Veterinary medicine encompasses the study and practice of preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases in animals. The paper illustrates how traditional plant medicines contribute significantly to this field, particularly within rural and tribal communities reliant on indigenous knowledge for animal health care.
19) Cow dung:
Cow dung is frequently used in traditional veterinary remedies, often mixed with other plant materials to prepare pastes for application. Its relevance in the paper signifies the cultural practices intertwined with animal care and local resource utilization in managing livestock health.
20) Purification:
Purification refers to the ritualistic cleansing of animals before applying certain traditional remedies. This practice highlights the significance of cultural beliefs intertwined with veterinary treatments, reflecting how spiritual or traditional practices inform the medical approaches in tribal communities.
21) Agriculture:
Agriculture is closely linked to animal husbandry, as healthy livestock contributes to farming productivity. The text indicates the historical context of veterinary practices within agricultural settings, showing how traditional plant use supports both crop and livestock health in rural societies.
22) Discussion:
Discussion in the paper reflects on the findings related to plant use in treating animal diseases. It emphasizes the need for documenting traditional practices and invites further research to explore the scientific basis of these remedies, contributing to broader veterinary knowledge.
23) Ayurveda (Ä€yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, has roots in the use of plants for healing. Although the paper mentions the lack of references in Ayurvedic texts regarding veterinary uses, it emphasizes the continuity of traditional practices in animal health derived from its principles.
24) Tamarind:
Tamarind, notably its pulp, is included in traditional remedies for veterinary care, such as with Cassia occidentalis for aiding in post-delivery placenta removal. Its application signifies the usefulness of diverse plant parts in traditional veterinary contexts and their relevance in local health practices.
25) Karanja (Karañja, KÄrañjÄ, Karamja):
Karanja, or Pongamia pinnata, is noted for its oil used in treating fractures in cattle. This highlights the plant's medicinal value, reinforcing the thematic focus on local flora in providing traditional solutions to common veterinary issues faced by tribes in the region.
26) Malaya (MÄlaya):
Malaya in this context refers to Malaya K. Misra, the researcher involved in documenting tribal plant usage. His work underscores the importance of preserving and sharing indigenous knowledge about veterinary practices and plant-based remedies, crucial for cultural heritage and modern veterinary science.
27) Sahaja (SahajÄ, Saha-ja):
Sahaja, the Oriya name for Terminalia tomentosa, is linked to treatments for foot and mouth disease in cattle. The use of specific local names reveals the cultural significance of plant knowledge within indigenous communities and the continuity of plant use in veterinary practices.
28) Harita (HÄrÄ«ta, HÄrita, HÄritÄ, HaritÄ):
Harida is the local name for Terminalia chebula, which is used for treating foot and mouth disease and ulcer care in cattle. Highlighting its usage reflects how traditional remedies are grounded in cultural practices and the ongoing relevance of botanical knowledge in veterinary medicine.
29) Karata (Karaá¹a):
Karada, referring to Cleistanthus colinus, is utilized in traditional remedies for foot and mouth disease. Its application illustrates the intersection of ethnobotany and veterinary medicine, showcasing the local knowledge of plants and their roles in managing livestock health.
30) Kanta (KÄnta, Kaṇá¹a, KÄntÄ, Kamta, KÄná¹Ä�):
Kanta, or Bambusa bambos, is significant in animal care as it supports healthy placenta removal after delivery. This plant’s mention illustrates the importance of local species in addressing specific veterinary needs and emphasizes traditional practices in livestock management.
31) Limba (Liṃba):
Limba, or Azadirachta indica, plays a vital role in treating cattle ailments such as black-quarter disease. The association of local plant names with their medicinal applications underlines the deep-rooted knowledge within tribal communities regarding effective veterinary solutions.
32) Veda (VedÄ):
The term Vedic connects to ancient Indian texts that form the foundation of traditional medicine, yet lacks mention of veterinary practices. Despite this, the continuity of plant use in animal treatment reflects the cultural evolution of such knowledge from historical traditions to modern applications.
33) Straw:
Straw is mentioned as a method of administering Mucuna prurita to treat intestinal worms in cattle, highlighting the practicality and accessibility of traditional remedies. This reflects the resourcefulness of tribal communities in utilizing readily available materials for effective animal care.
34) Musha (Musa, MusÄ, MūṣÄ�, Muá¹£Ä�, Musá):
Musa, specifically referring to banana, is integrated into traditional veterinary practices. The leaves mixed with other plants to prepare remedies for diseases such as black-quarter showcase the interconnection between different flora in addressing animal health concerns within indigenous veterinary systems.
35) Lata (LÄá¹a, LatÄ):
Lata, indicated here as Cissus quadrangularis, highlights its role in treating fractures in cattle. The mentioning of local plant names emphasizes the cultural significance of indigenous plant knowledge and its continued application in community-based veterinary practices.
36) Bela (Bēla):
Bela, or Aegle marmelos, is noted for its role in treating cattle diseases. Its presence in the text underscores the plant's value within traditional remedies and reflects the local community's reliance on accessible plants to address veterinary needs effectively.
37) Milk:
Milk production is crucial for livestock owners and is mentioned in relation to specific plants like Dolichos biflorus, which is believed to enhance milching. This highlights the economic and cultural significance of milk in rural communities, linking traditional practices to agricultural livelihoods.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Veterinary use of plants among tribales of orissa�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Animal disease, Traditional medicine, Traditional remedies, Folk medicine, Plant Resources, Treatment method, Application methods, Indigenous plant.