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Medico-Ethnobotany of Kalahandi District: Ear and Mouth Diseases

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A Contribution To Medico- Ethnobotany of Kalahandi District, Orissa on Ear And Mouth Disease
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.

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.

Author:

Nalini Sadangi, Rabindra N. Padhy, Rajani K Sahu


Ancient Science of Life:

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

Full text available for: A Contribution To Medico- Ethnobotany of Kalahandi District, Orissa on Ear And Mouth Disease

Year: 2005

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study detailed in this article presents an ethnobotanical survey conducted in Kalahandi district, Orissa, focusing on the medicinal practices of tribal communities for treating ear and mouth diseases. Kalahandi, characterized by its unique physiographic features, is home to diverse flora, which local tribal populations utilize for various medicinal purposes. The research is based on interviews with traditional healers and knowledgeable village elders, uncovering the reliance on herbal remedies over conventional medical treatments for ailments like earaches and mouth sores.

Novel Herbal Treatments for Ear and Mouth Ailments

A significant aspect of the research is the documentation of ten plant species employed by the tribal healers to treat ear and mouth diseases. Each species, such as Bambusa vulgaris and Spondias pinnata, is applied through traditional methods, often involving the preparation of juice from leaves or fruits at lukewarm temperatures. Notably, many of these plant species have not been previously reported in literature for their medicinal use in treating ear and mouth diseases, highlighting the unique ethnomedical practices in the region. This survey not only emphasizes the efficacy of traditional methods but also reveals new plant species that could contribute to modern medicinal practices.

Conclusion

The findings of this ethnomedicinal survey underscore the valuable knowledge possessed by traditional healers in Kalahandi district regarding plant-based treatments for ear and mouth ailments. The study advocates for further research to document and preserve this ethnobotanical knowledge, as well as to explore the potential medicinal properties of the plants identified. By bridging traditional practices with modern scientific approaches, there is an opportunity to enhance healthcare options in the region, offering cost-effective and efficient treatment alternatives informed by the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What ethnomedicinal practices were observed in Kalahandi district?

The ethnomedicinal practices of tribal people in Kalahandi district involve using various plants for treating ear and mouth diseases, primarily relying on herbal remedies rather than conventional medicine.

What types of plants are commonly used for ear treatment?

Ten different plant species were identified, including Bambusa vulgaris, Cleome viscosa, and Dendropthe falcate. These plants are utilized for their warm juice, which is applied to treat earaches and infections.

Which methods are used to prepare these herbal remedies?

Preparation of herbal remedies typically involves warming leaves or fruit, collecting their juices, and applying them at lukewarm temperatures directly into the ear for effective treatment.

Why is further research on Kalahandi's medicinal plants necessary?

Additional research is required to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of traditional healers, which can lead to discovering more effective, affordable herbal remedies for ear and mouth diseases.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medico-Ethnobotany of Kalahandi District: Ear and Mouth Diseases�. 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) Mustard oil:
Mustard oil is referenced in the ethnomedicinal practices of the Kalahandi district for treating ear diseases. It is used in various preparations, particularly associated with the application of leaf juices derived from plants like Trichosanthes bracteata, which demonstrates its significance as a carrier or medium in traditional healing methods.

2) Gossypium herbaceum:
Gossypium herbaceum, commonly known as cotton, is listed as one of the plant species utilized for treating ear infections. The fruit of this plant is warmed and its juice is applied to the ear. Its inclusion highlights the diverse range of flora used by tribal healers for medicinal purposes.

3) Knowledge:
Knowledge, particularly in the context of ethnobotany, refers to the traditional healing practices and the understanding of medicinal plants held by tribal communities. The article emphasizes the importance of documenting this knowledge to preserve and leverage the effective remedies these communities have used for generations.

4) Mahendra (MÄhendra, Mahemdra, Maha-indra):
Mahendra refers to Mahendra Pal Singh, a noted author involved in compiling and publishing works on Indian medicinal plants. His contributions to the field are acknowledged in the references, signifying the significance of scholarly work in enhancing the understanding and documentation of ethnobotanical practices.

5) Mustard:
Mustard, in the context of this survey, is primarily associated with mustard oil, which plays a role in various medicinal preparations. The mention of mustard signifies the relevance of commonly used edible oils in traditional healing, showcasing how local resources are integrated into medicinal practices by tribal healers.

6) Drug:
Drug in this context is indicative of the plant-based remedies derived from various species used by traditional healers to treat ailments like ear and mouth diseases. The study promotes the notion that plants can serve as effective and economical alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals.

7) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu is referenced for its role in treating tongue infections and mouth sores, highlighting its relevance in traditional medicine. The combination of its bark with ghee (clarified butter) illustrates the intricate methods used by healers to formulate effective remedies from locally available plants.

8) Discussion:
The discussion section of the paper synthesizes the findings of the ethnobotanical survey, comparing local practices with existing literature. It emphasizes the novel uses of plants documented in the study, highlighting gaps in current understanding of ethnomedicine and the need for further investigation into traditional healing methods.

9) Godavari (GodÄvarÄ«, GodÄvari, Go-davari):
Godavari is mentioned as a significant river in India, and indirectly reflects the ecological diversity of the Kalahandi district where traditional medicine is practiced. The river system supports biodiverse flora which serves as a resource for local medicinal practices utilized by tribal communities in the area.

10) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the broader category of healing practices that includes the use of herbal remedies derived from plants such as those discussed in the study. The ethnomedicinal practices highlight the relationship between culture, nature, and health care, reflecting traditional approaches to healing in tribal societies.

11) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study and documentation of ethnomedicinal practices. The article contributes to the scientific understanding of traditional medicinal uses of plants, promoting the importance of interdisciplinary research in validating and preserving indigenous knowledge on health care.

12) Rajani (RajanÄ«, RÄjanÄ«):
Rajani K. Sahu is one of the authors involved in the study, underscoring the collaborative effort in documenting ethno-botanical practices. The contribution of multiple researchers emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the survey, integrating perspectives from various academic backgrounds into understanding traditional medicine.

13) Mishra (Miśra):
Mishra, a cited author, contributes to the collective body of work surrounding Indian medicinal plants. Their inclusion in the references reflects the ongoing scholarly dialogue regarding traditional health practices and the importance of comprehensive documentation in preserving and promoting ethnobotanical knowledge.

14) Rasna (RÄsnÄ, Rashna, Rasona, Rasa-una):
Rasna refers to Vanda tessellata, a plant whose leaf juice is used in treating ear infections. Its inclusion demonstrates the specific application of local flora in ethnomedicine, showcasing the unique plant species that hold significance in traditional healing practices within the Kalahandi district.

15) Gupta (GuptÄ):
Gupta, as referenced in the work, indicates the authors involved in compiling knowledge on Indian medicinal plants. Their research showcases the interconnections between traditional practices and scientific inquiry, contributing to an understanding of plant-based therapies and their importance in broader ethnobotanical studies.

16) Anda (Aṇá¸a, Amda, Aṇá¸Ä, Aná¸Ä�):
Amda is the local name for Spondias pinnata, a plant extensively used in traditional remedies for ear and mouth diseases. Its mention in the study signifies the cultural relevance of local flora and the traditional knowledge systems that utilize these plants for health care within the tribal communities.

17) Ghi (Ghī, Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is used in the preparation of medicinal remedies, highlighting how traditional healers incorporate various substances into their treatments. The combination of plant juices with ghee underscores the complexity of traditional formulations and the importance of local resources in ethnomedicine.

18) Salt (Salty):
Salt is referenced in the preparation involving Bambusa vulgaris, where granules are collected for use in treating ear ailments. Its use reflects the diverse methods of application in traditional medicine and demonstrates the significance of simple natural substances in the healing processes employed by tribal healers.

19) Shaka (SÄka, Åšaka, Saka, ÅšÄka, SakÄ):
Saga, referring to Cholorophytum arundinaceum, is identified in the study as a plant used for earache remedies. Its mention illustrates the variety of plants utilized by tribal populations in Kalahandi for specific ailments, tying the local flora to traditional medical practices and cultural heritage.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Medico-Ethnobotany of Kalahandi District: Ear and Mouth Diseases�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Research methodology, Tribal people, Health care, Traditional healer, Plant species, Plant drug, Voucher specimen, Tribal Pockets, Herbal method, Ethnomedicinal practice.

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