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Tribal remedies for snakebite from orissa

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Tribal remedies for snakebite from 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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Author:

K S Murthy, P C Sharma, Prem Kishore


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Tribal remedies for snakebite from orissa

Year: 1986

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This communication presents an ethnobotanical analysis of 13 plant species used by the tribal populations of Orissa, India, for the treatment of snakebites. The study, conducted by K.S. Murthy, P.C. Sharma, and Prem Kishore, highlights the rich reliance of these communities on local flora to address health issues, alongside their belief in traditional practices involving mantra and tantra. A significant portion of Orissa's population, approximately 23%, consists of tribal communities who have maintained a close relationship with their natural surroundings, making it a valuable area for research in ethnobotany.

Traditional Healing Practices

One notable treatment described is the use of Calotropis gigantea, commonly known as Arka, for snakebites. The root-bark of the white flowered plant is ground into a paste with water and applied locally to the bite area, while a second preparation involving the root mixed with ghee is administered internally. This dual approach underscores the holistic methods employed by tribal healers, combining topical and internal treatments which reflect a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of local plants. The application of such indigenous knowledge contributes to the broader understanding of traditional medicine in contemporary healthcare practices.

Conclusion

The reliance on plant-based remedies by tribals in Orissa signifies an important aspect of herbal medicine that has been passed down through generations. These practices, documented in this study, not only emphasize the importance of local biodiversity but also the potential for incorporating traditional knowledge into modern medicinal treatments. As the world increasingly recognizes the value of alternative therapies, further research into these tribal remedies could lead to significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of snakebites and other ailments.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the study on tribal remedies?

The study focuses on the use of 13 plant species for treating snakebite among tribals in Orissa, detailing their botanical names, local names, and methods of administration.

How do tribal people treat snakebites traditionally?

Tribals traditionally treat snakebites using plant-based remedies alongside practices like mantra rituals, utilizing local natural resources that have been passed down through generations.

What is one method of administering Calotropis gigantea for snakebite?

For Calotropis gigantea, the root-bark is ground with water to form a paste, which is applied locally. A fine paste with ghee is also administered internally.

Which plant's juice is used internally after a snakebite?

The juice of Ficus religiosa is administered internally as a traditional remedy for snakebite, showcasing the diversity of plants used in ethno-medicine by tribal communities.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Tribal remedies for snakebite from 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) Water:
Water is a critical component in traditional remedies, used for diluting or mixing plant pastes for administration, making the medicine easier to consume. In the context of snakebite treatment, it serves as a medium for delivering herbal ingredients internally, enabling the active compounds from plants to work effectively against venom.

2) Mantra (MÄntra, Mamtra):
Mantra refers to the chants or incantations used by tribal healers during treatment. These spiritual practices are integral to the healing process, as the tribal people believe that invoking these mantras can aid in protecting the patient and enhancing the effectiveness of the herbal remedies used for snakebites.

3) Arka (Ä€rka, ArkÄ):
Arka is the local name for Calotropis gigantea, a plant used in traditional medicine for snakebite treatment. Its root-bark is prepared into a paste and applied to the affected area, highlighting the importance of local flora in the medicinal practices of tribal communities in Orissa.

4) Uraria lagopodioides:
Uraria lagopodioides, known locally as Ghursae, is a plant whose root paste is utilized in snakebite remedies. Its preparation involves mixing with water and administering orally while also using drops through the nostrils, demonstrating the holistic approach to treatment involving both topical and internal applications.

5) Ocimum sanctum:
Ocimum sanctum, also known as Tulasi, is revered in traditional medicine for its presumed therapeutic effects. In the context of snakebite treatment, it is combined with other roots to extract juice for nasal and oral administration, showcasing the collaborative use of diverse herbs in tribal healing practices.

6) Alangium salviifolium:
Alangium salviifolium, referred to as Dholanku, plays a vital role in a specific herbal preparation with Globba bulbifera for treating snakebites. Its rhizome is pounded together with other plants, highlighting the significance of plant synergy in developing effective traditional remedies by tribal healers.

7) Prishniparni (Pṛśniparṇ�, Prishni-parni, Pṛṣṇiparṇ�):
Prishniparni is the Sanskrit name for Uraria lagopodioides, underlining its importance in Ayurvedic medicine. Its root is used in formulations for snakebite treatment, further emphasizing the cultural and medicinal significance of specific herbs that are rooted in the historical practices of healing in the region.

8) Dronapushpi (Droṇapuṣpī):
Dronapushpi is the Sanskrit name for Leucas cephalotes. This plant is employed in the management of snakebites, applying its pounded leaves with salt locally. Its classification alongside other medicinal plants illustrates the rich botanical knowledge among tribal healers and their reliance on native flora for health remedies.

9) Parijata (PÄrijÄtÄ, PÄrÄ«jÄta, PÄrijÄta, ParijÄta):
Parijata is the Sanskrit term for Nyctanthes arbortristis, a plant used in snakebite treatment. Its fine root paste is administered orally, showcasing how local flora is incorporated into traditional remedies, reflecting both an understanding of physical healing as well as cultural beliefs surrounding plants.

10) Science (Scientific):
In this context, science refers to the systematic study and documentation of traditional medicinal practices, particularly the ethno-botanical research conducted on plant remedies for snakebites. It aims to validate traditional knowledge, providing insights into plant properties and potential therapeutic uses grounded in empirical observation.

11) Tantra (TantrÄ, Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra encompasses the esoteric practices and spiritual rituals integral to the healing processes among tribal peoples. Alongside herbal treatments, the belief in tantra illustrates the intertwining of physical and spiritual healing methods, highlighting the holistic worldview prevalent in tribal cultures of Orissa.

12) Tulasi (Tulasī):
Tulasi is another name for Ocimum sanctum, a plant highly valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It is commonly used in combination with other roots in snakebite treatments, showcasing its significance in local health practices and the broader medicinal traditions prevalent in the region.

13) Sharman (Åšarma, SarmÄ, Sarma, Sharma, Åšarman):
Sharma, as one of the authors, signifies the scholarly involvement in documenting traditional remedies. The research conducted by Sharma and colleagues is pivotal in recognizing and preserving indigenous knowledge systems related to plant-based treatments, emphasizing the importance of integrating modern scientific study with traditional practices.

14) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee is clarified butter used as an ingredient in certain remedial preparations, particularly for blending with plant pastes. It serves both as a carrier for medicinal properties and as a soothing agent in topical applications, emphasizing the significance of dietary components in traditional healing methods.

15) Salt (Salty):
Salt is utilized in the preparation of remedies involving plant juices, particularly to enhance their effectiveness. Its presence in the healing processes reflects not only its culinary uses but also its role in traditional medicine, as it may help extract properties from plants or enhance flavors in medicinal mixtures.

16) Drug:
Drug, in this context, refers to the medicinal properties extracted from various plants used in the treatment of snakebites. The plants listed offer specific pharmacological effects believed to counteract venom, emphasizing the reliance on natural substances and the traditional knowledge that informs the use of these 'drugs' in herbal medicine.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Tribal remedies for snakebite from orissa�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Local application, Sanskrit name, Mode of administration, Internal administration, Traditional treatment, Local name, Plant drug, Leaf juice, Ethno botanical studies, Fine paste, Snakebite treatment.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Old tradition, Specific plant.

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