STUDIES ON ETHNOMEDICINE AND ROLE OF TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (THPs) IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS (PHCs) IN THE TRIBAL DOMINATED AREAS OF RAJASTHAN- INDIA
HTML Full TextSTUDIES ON ETHNOMEDICINE AND ROLE OF TRADITIONAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (THPs) IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS (PHCs) IN THE TRIBAL DOMINATED AREAS OF RAJASTHAN- INDIA
G. S. Deora 1 and G. P. Sing Jhala 2
Center of Advanced Study, Department of Botany 1, Faculty of Science, Jai Narain Vyas, University, Jodhpur - 342005, Rajasthan India.
Department of Botany 2, Bhupal Nobles University, Udaipur - 313001, Rajasthan, India.
ABSTRACT: The tribal people depend on plants and plant products for their livelihood, and most of the people still depend on traditional herbal medicine suggested by traditional medicine men or traditional health practitioners (THPs) for their primary health care. In this paper 36 herbal formulations of 59 plant species belonging to 40 families to cure 16 common diseases suggested by 32 traditional health practitioners have been reported from the study area. The main aim of the present work was to give information and documentation of medicinal plants used by the tribals of the study area. The interviews, group discussions collected the ethnomedicinal information and give and take methods with tribal medicine men and traditional health practitioners mainly belonging to Bhil, Garasia, Kathodia and Meena tribes of the study sites. The present study was carried out in the tribal-dominated areas of Rajasthan such as Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, and part of Sirohi and Chittorgarh districts.
Keywords: |
Ethnomedicine, Traditional health practitioners (THPs), Herbal formulations (HFs), Ethnic people, Ailments, Primary health care (PHC)
INTRODUCTION: Search for external health longevity and to seek a remedy to relieve pain and discomfort promoted man to develop diverse ways and means of health care. The early man explored his immediate natural surroundings and tried many things like plants, animals, minerals and developed a variety of therapeutic agents and tonics. Over millennia that followed the most effective agents among them were selected by the process of trial and error empirical reasoning and even after experimentation. This effort has given in history by the name of medicine.
The knowledge gathered by generations was passed on to the posterity, and this practice is generally termed as traditional medicine or ethnomedicine.
In many eastern cultures as such those of India, China, and Arab world this experience was systematically recorded and incorporated into the regular type left system of medicine that developed and became a part of the’ Materia indica’ of the traditional system of medicine of these countries.
The ancient civilization of India, China, Greece, Arabs, and others developed their system of medicine in independent of each other, and all of them were predominantly plant-based. Infect unconscious selection of plants for use, as drugs probably began even before the dawn of settled civilizations. The traditional systems of medicine are very much alive even today over large plants of the globe.
In India, the world health assembly took note of vital role that traditional medicine play in health service, particularly the remote areas and draw attention to manpower reserve constituted by the traditional practitioners (resolution, WHA 29.72). Since about 80 percent of the total world’s population reside in developing countries, about 64 percent of the total population of the world utilize plants as drug, i.e. 3.2 billion people 1.
Almost all villages in India we can find people of any cast or community who treat different diseases with local herbal plants or “jari buttis”. These practitioners are known by different names at different places such as Ojha (Jharkhand), Vaidya (Bihar), Vaidhyaraj (Gujarat), Gunies (Rajasthan), Gaitas (Central India), Uche (Assam) and Danga Bhagat in Maharashtra. But by different literature in the world, they are called as tribal doctors, barefooted doctors, herbal doctors, tribal medicine man (TMM), folk healers, folk and layman practitioners. The international organizations such as WHO, IUCN, and WWF have recognized them as traditional health practitioners (THPs) 2. These known degree holder doctors posses distinctive an astonishing competence in bone setting, curing skin diseases, asthma, snake bites, and various human-animal ailments. The green waves in the utilization of medicinal plant s all over the world resulted in higher consumption. But researchers are engaged to unfold the multiple uses of the plants especially to document the folk knowledge about the plants.
Although good attempts have been made by various scientists in the field of this emerging branch of the botany especially in Rajasthan 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, but the picture is dismal when we turn our attention towards the ethnomedicinal plants and the role of traditional health practitioners (THPs) of remote areas of this state of Rajasthan, particularly in the study area. Keeping in mind Rio Earth Summit (1992) suggestions, that indigenous (Ethnic) people and other communities have a vital role in the environment because of their knowledge about plants and traditional practices in the developing countries. Given above, the present authors ventured to undertake this work to unlock the “mystery of wonder drugs” in the starving minds of the poor medicine man and sincere efforts of these barefooted or nondegree holders in the primary healthcare system.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Study Area and Dominated Tribal Community: Rajasthan the “Land of Kings” is the largest state with 3, 42, and 239 square kilometers located in the northwest side of India. The major tribal-dominated areas of the state are- Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Udaipur, part of Sirohi and Bhilwara district. These areas are dominated by Bhil, Meena, Garasia, Gameti, Damor, and Saharia, and few communities of Kathodia.
The main income of these tribal’s is agriculture, animal husbandry, labor, and work on forest products.
Climate and Vegetation: The state of Rajasthan located in the western part of India having different climatic condition with great fluctuations in the annual rainfall, humidity, and temperature. The climate of this area can be broadly classified into four distinct seasons, i.e. pre-monsoon, the monsoon, post-monsoon, and winter.
Average rainfall varies throughout the state. The western part consist of desert receives an average rainfall of 100mm. The south-eastern part receives an annual rainfall of 650mm. The state receives maximum rainfall from July to September in monsoon.
The temperature of the state also varies from 25-45 °C. The maximum 25-35 °C temperature was recorded from January to March whereas it was maximum from 35-45 °C, sometimes even 50 °C from May to June. The fertile soil of this area sustains mixed xerophytic and mesophytic vegetation. Cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, cotton, maize, mustard, and sugarcane are mainly grown in rabbi seasons.
Data Collection: Ethno-medico-botanical surveys were conducted in the tribal-dominated areas such as Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, Udaipur, and part of Sirohi and Bhilwara district to collect intensive information about the medicinal plant's folklore uses Fig. 1. The information on folklore uses of plants was elicited with the” traditional health practitioners (THPs).” The data were collected by interviews, observations, and participation with the tribal’s. On reaching a village or locality, the report was established with one or two persons.
After that contact was made with other tribal’s of the locality. Two types of interviews were conducted, firstly of individual and secondly with a group of individuals Fig. 2. Persons were selected at random on the way or entering in the hut to find of the knowledge of the persons or Gunis or Sadhu or headman or traditional health practitioners (THPs).
The traditional health practitioners were taken in a group of 4-5 persons who were well known to the location of thick forest and pointed out the herbs they used to cure various ailments. The THPs are then interviewed orally on the spot to disclose their knowledge about “Jari Buttis” (medicinal plants). To gain faith and confidence as well as proper exposure of THPs, 10 days camps were also organized by the authors. We also imparted in group discussions with THPs held during these camps because these people discuss more freely in groups rather than individually.
During the survey, give and take method was also adopted, i.e. if you share your knowledge regarding the medicine then they will open their mouth to discuss on a particular herb.
The information’s collected from THPs were cross-checked with that of the other THPs. Similarly, interval interviews and discussions were also repeated with the same THPs to confirm the data. For plant collection, a thorough knowledge of various localities in the areas is quite necessary. Besides this, certain precautions should be taken for the protection of the body from the scorching sun, poisonous plants, and thorns and pickles, etc. these safety measures should be taken during the survey and collection of plants.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: As a result of ethno-medico-botanical investigation attempt has been made to collect and compiled the information regarding the herbal formulations used by the THPs for the treatment of various diseases in the study area. In the ethnomedicinal survey 36 herbal formulations of 56 plants species belonging to 37 families to cure 16 diseases suggested by 32 traditional health practitioners were reported from the study area Table 1 and 2.
They are the persons who take care of most of the common ailments of the natives and the villagers of their home society. They are very particular about the stage at which the medicinal plants to be collected. They suggested that pre-flowers, flowering and post-flowering stages of plants bear great significance about their medicinal efficacy and drug value changes with time of growth and maturity. They are also particular about the locality of plants in the forest.
Their method of preparation of formulation and administration is also unique Fig. 3, 4, 6, 7. They use earthen pot Fig. 5, cow dung cake as fuel for cooking herbal mixtures. Washing of certain drugs with cow urine and mixing it with cow milk, all have some significance, i.e. not known to other schools of traditional medicine.
Another interesting feature of the mode of treatment of these THPs was that they correlate the shape and structure of plants, i.e. roots, stem, and leaves. They believe that nature has created different plants according to different body organs to treat them. It was also observed that before collecting the plants, the THPs utter prayer to the” Sun” and also to the plants requesting for its efficacy and quick relief to the patient. Secondly, they also believe in the treatment of freshly plucked plants Fig. 8.
It was also reported that these tribal people usually not disclose their knowledge about the uses of plant wealth except for the medicinal properties of the plant. In general, they maintain the secrecy about the use of certain medications e.g. medicine of refractive diseases of women, contraceptive and herbs for causing abortion, etc. because there is believe that the medicine will lose their healing power if too many heads known about it. It was important to note that for the treatment of various human ailments, the plant used singly or in the combinations of various plants with the mixture of other substances such as water, salts, minerals and jiggery, etc Fig. 6. The formulations suggested by the THPS for the treatment of various common human ailments with plants, plant parts, doses, and name of particular THPs are as follows:
TABLE 1: SHOWING THE HERBAL FORMULATIONS AND THEIR DOSES SUGGESTED BY THPS FOR THE TREATMENT OF VARIOUS COMMON DISEASES
Name of disease | S. no. | Name of plants | Plant parts used | Quantity taken | Formulation | Dose | Name of THP |
Asthma |
1
|
A. Boerhaavia diffusa
B. Calotropis procera
C. Enicostemma hyssopifolium
D.mineral salts
|
Root
Yellow leaves Whole plant
|
100 gm
7 gm
50 gm
10 gm
|
Calotropis procera leaves are spread in an earthen pot.Mineral salt and Boerhaavia diffusa roots are added in it. The process is repeated until the pot is filled.” Bhasm” is prepared and filtered.
Enicostemma hyssopifolium powder is added to it |
½ TSF with lukewarm water every morning for 15 days |
Duleh Singh |
2 | A. Caesalpinia bonduc
B. Solanum xanthocarpum
C. Achyranthes aspera
D. Justicia adhatoda E.Water F. Gur |
Leaves
Roots
Roots
Leaves
|
1.0 kg
250 gm
250 gm
250 gm
8 liter 500 gm |
A decoction of A-E is prepared until two liter water is left. This decoction is filtered and 50 gm gur is added to it. The mixture is stored in glass bottles |
2 TSF twice a day for 1 month |
Prithvi Raj Suthar |
|
3 | A. Tinospora cordifolia
B. Mineral salts
C. Water |
Stem | 100 gm
100 gm
2 liter |
A decoction of A, B, C is prepared in earthen pot and covered with wet soil. It is filtered with cloth and stored in a glass bottle. | (I). 1 TSF once a day for 3 days
(II).2 TSF once a day for 4 month |
Surajmal Raval | |
4 | A. Tinospora cordifolia
B. Justicia adhatoda C. Achyrenthes aspera |
Leaves
Leaves Leaves, Flowers |
In equal amount |
Plant parts of A-C are ground to fine powder and filter through a cloth | One TSF with honey in the morning followed by
formulation 5th in the morning |
Ram Lal | |
|
5 | A. Smilex macrophylla
B. Acacia catechu C. Triticum aestivum
D. Ghee |
Stem
Gum Grains flour
|
100 gm
100 gm 200 gm
100 gm |
A and B are powdered then filtered by cloth. Halwa is prepared by mixing Triticum aestivum flour and ghee. | Halwa is eaten twice a day for 10 days | Smt. Pratap Bhai
|
6 | A. Calotropis procera
B. Achyranthes aspera C. Curcuma longa D. Zingiber officinalis |
Root
Root Rhizome Rhizome |
1kg.
250 gm 250 gm 250 gm |
A, B, C, and D plant parts are slowly burnt in an earthen pot. Then this bhasm is crushed and filtered to make a fine powder | 1/4 TSF is taken with honey twice a day for 15 days | Udai Singh
|
|
Baldness |
1 |
(I). A. Euphorbia caudicifolia
B. Calotropis procera C. Citrus limon D. Trachyspermum ammi (II) Gur (III) A. Triticum aestivum B. Phaseolus radiata (iv) Azadirichta indica |
Latex
Latex Juice Seeds
Flour Flour Leaves
|
100 gm
100 gm 100 gm 200 gm 250 gm 1/2 kg. 1/4 kg. 1/4 KG |
A thick paste is prepared to A, B, C and D. Gur is boiled to get Gur water. Then chapatti is prepared from the flour of A and B by baking only from one side. Leaves are boiled in water in water to prepare neem water | The thick paste is applied on the head for 2-3 hours. Then wash with Gur water followed by neem water. One side backed chapatti is placed on the head for three days. After removing it, Cocos nucifera oil is applied. This treatment is continued for 6 months |
Nathoo Lal
|
Dysentry |
1 | A. Aegle marmelos
B. Helicteres isora |
Fruit
Pulp(dried) Fruit(dried) |
250 gm
250 gm |
Both plant parts are ground to obtain a powder | 2 TSF powder is taken in the morning and evening for 3 days. |
Lakhma Ram |
2 | A. Moringa oleifera
B. Bauhinia racemosa C. Butea monosperma |
Gum
Stem bark
Stem bark |
In equal quantity |
All parts are ground to make a fine powder | One TSF powder is taken twice a day for two days | ||
3. | A. Ampelocissus arnotiana
B. Curd |
Root | 1 gm
50 gm |
Root is ground finally to make powder then mixed in the curd | The curd is eaten a day for 10 days | ||
Cough |
1. | A. Woodfordia fructicosa
B. Solanum xanthocarpum C. Justicia adhatoda D. Acacia nilotica E. Zingiber officinale F. Piper longum G. Water |
Flowers
Whole plan
Leaves Stem bark Rhizome Fruit -
|
1 k1kg
1 kg
1kg 1kg 10 gm 10gms 16 liter
|
Plant parts of A, B, C, and D are boiled till 1/4 water is left to obtain decoction The decoction is boiled further till its viscous form. E and F are powdered and mixed in viscous and then tablets are prepared from this mixture | 2 tablets are taken twice a day with lukewarm water |
Jagdish Meena |
2 | A. Calotropis procera
B. Curcuma longa C. Calotropis procera D. Common salt |
Gynostegium
Rhizome
Leaves
- |
One
Small piece One
A pinch
|
A, B, and D is put on C. procera leaf and burnt on fire and finely ground to make powder | One TSF powder is taken in the morning and evening with water for two days. |
Bhagga Lal |
|
Malaria |
1 | A. Enicostemma hyssopifolium
B. Tinospora cordifolia C. Gur
|
Whole plant
Stem - |
50 gm
50 gm 100 gm |
A and B is ground properly to get powder and mixed Gur to it. Then one gm tablets are prepared from this mixture | One tablet is taken thrice a day for 3 days |
Rodi Lal |
2 | A. Calotropis procera
B. Tinospora cordifolia C. Calotropis procera D. Zingiber officinale E. Curcuma longa F. Azadiricta indica G.Gur |
Root
Stem Gynostegium Rhizome Rhizome Leaves - |
In equal amount |
All plant parts are ground to prepare powder. Then ware is added to moisture the powder. Tablets 2 gm each are prepared for this mixture | 2 tablets are taken on the incidence of fever and 2 tablets twice a day are taken for 3 days | ||
Kidney stone | 1 | A. Citrus medica
B. Shell (Codi) |
Juice
- |
250 ml.
One |
One shell is put into the juice of C.medica and allowed to remain in as Such position for 10 days | 2 TSF mixture is taken twice a day | Tej Das Meena |
2 | A. Butea monasperma
B. Euphorbia microphylla C. Sugar (Mishri) |
Flowers
Whole plant -
|
In equal amount | Both plants materials are ground. Then sugar is added to it as desired | One TSF is taken with water twice a day for a week |
Mangi Lal |
|
Eczema |
1 | A. Cassia tora
B. Capparis deciduas C. Azadirachta indica D. Citrus limon |
Seeds
Young leaves Young leaves Fruit juice |
50 gm
20 gm 10 gm 50 gm |
A B and C are ground to make powder. This powder is mixed with C.limon juice to prepare a paste. | The paste is applied on affected parts once a day for 15 days |
Johr Singh |
2 | A. Clerodendrum phlomidis
B. Azadiricta indica |
Shoot
Leaves |
250 gm
250 gm |
(I)Neem water is obtained by boiling leaves in water.
(II) Plant parts of A and B are ground and fried in ghee |
After washing the affected parts by Neem water, the fried mixture paste is applied once a day for 7 days | ||
3 | A. Plambago zeylanica
B. Cocos nucifera C. Battery cell black powder |
Root
Oil - |
10gm
5 ml. 10 gm |
A and C are ground to make powder then oil is mixed to moisture | The paste is applied on the affected part once a day till cured |
Tej Das |
|
External tumor |
1 |
A. Cassia tora
B. Achyranthes aspera C. Argemone maxicana D. Water |
Seeds
Seeds Seeds -
|
10 gm
5 gm 10 gm 50 gm |
All plant parts are ground to prepare a paste |
The paste is applied to affected parts once a day |
Saiba Ram |
2 | A. Balanites aegyptiaca
B. Maerua arenaria C. Corallocarpus epigaeus D. Water |
Fruit
Stem bark Root - |
150 gm
100 gm 100 gm 100 gm |
All plant parts are ground to prepare a paste |
The paste is applied to an affected part twice a day for 4-5 days | Devi Lal | |
Migraine | 1 | A. Plumbago zeylanica
B. Calotropis procera |
Roots
Leaf |
In equal amount | Both parts of plants are dried under the shade and ground to obtain a fine powder This powder is filtered through thick cloth | This powder is inhaled through the nose at the time of headache | Tej Das |
Piles | 1
|
A. Azadirichta indica
B. Argemone maxicana
|
Fruits
Root
|
10 gm
11 10 gm
|
(I)Fresh fruits are crushed with water and juice is filtered.
(II)Roots are rubbed on stone with water to prepare a paste |
(I)Juice is taken before meals for 10 days.
(II)The paste is applied on piles for 10 days |
Dula Ram
Gokul Ram |
2 |
A. Justicia adhatoda
B. Holarrhena antidysentrica C. Sugar crystals (Mishri) |
Leaves dried
Leaves dried
- |
50 gm
50 gm
100gm |
A, B and are ground to make fine powder | One TSF powder is taken in the morning and evening with water twice a day for 10 days | ||
3 |
A. Stercularia urens
B. Trichosanthes bracteata C. Sugar (Mishri) |
Gum
Roots
- |
5 gm
5 gm
5 gm |
(I)Gum is moistened at night.
(II)Roots are rubbed on stone with water to obtain a paste |
(I)The moistened gum is taken with mishri in the morning
(II)The paste is applied on piles for 4-5 days |
Smt. Lambdi Bai |
|
Paralysis |
1 | A .(I) Madhuca indica
(II) Spilanthes acmella B. (I) Tinospora cordifolia (II) Mineral salt |
Seed oil
Roots Stem - |
50 gm
10gm 50 gm 3 gm |
(I)Oil is prepared by grinding and mixing S.acmella roots in M.indica seed oil
(II)A decoction is prepared from B and mineral salts in water |
(I)The affected
Part is washed with B and massaged with M.indica oil. |
Mangi Lal |
Rheumatism |
1 | A. Anogeissus latifolia
B. Celastrus paniculatus
C. Azadirachta indica D. Justicia adhatoda E. Calotropis procera F. Zizyphus nummularia G. Madhuca indica H. Gur F. Water |
Leaves
Seeds
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves Stem bark
Flowers - - |
100 gm
2 gm
100 gm
50 gm 5 leaves 1 kg 1 kg 1/2 gm 10 liter |
A-H is placed in an earthen pot, adds 10 liter water and placed under the soil for 4-5 days. Take out ark from it and fill in the glass bottle | One TSF is taken twice a day for 15 days |
Udai Singh |
2 | A. (I) Moringa oleifera
(II) Vitex nigundo
(III) Widhaqnia somnifera
B. (I) Ricinis communis
(II) Calotropis procera
(III) Datura stramonium
(IV) Brassica campestris
(V) Celastrus paniculatus (VI) Curcuma longa |
Stem bark
Root
Root
Seeds
Fruits
Fruits
Seed oil
Seed oil
Rhizome
|
100 gm
100 gm
100 gm
100 gm
100 gm
100 gm
500 ml
25 ml
5 gm
|
A powder is prepared by grinding dried parts of( I), (II), (III)
B. (I), (II), (III) is fried in (IV), then oil of (V) and powder of (VI) is mixed
A decoction of A is prepared of one TSF powder in two glass of water till half remains |
(I)One glass decoction is taken in the morning and evening for 10 days
(II)Massage with B in the morning and evening for 10 days |
Smt. Pratapi Bai |
|
Ringworm | 1 | A. Amorphophallus campanulatus
B. Corallocarpus epigaeus C. Curd D. Alum powder |
Root(Corm)
Root
_ _ |
10 gm
10 gm
50 gm 20 gm |
The paste is prepared from A, B, C and D. This paste is kept in a copper utensil for one hour | Affected part is first washed with water and paste is applied on it once a day for a week | Suraj Mal |
2 | A. Trichosanthes bracteata
B. Corallocarpus epigaeus C. Azadirachta indica D. Curd E. Alum powder |
Root
Kernel
Seeds _ _ |
5 gm
One kernel
5 gm 150 gm 5 gm |
The paste is prepared from A, B, C, D, and E |
The paste is applied on the affected part once in a day for a week |
Hem Raj |
|
Typhoid |
1 | A. Enicostemma hyssopifolium
B. Tinospora cordifolia C. Azadirachta indica D. Calotropis procera E. Water |
Whole plant
Shoot
Leaves
Leaf
- |
10 gm
10 gm
5 gm
1 leaf
1 liter |
A decoction of A, B, C, and D is prepared till half of the water remains |
One TSF is given thrice a day for five days |
Bhagwan Lal |
2 | A. Corallocarpus epigaeus | Root | Equivalent to one maize grain | Root is cut into small portions equivalent to maize grain. | This part of the root is eaten till recovery This treatment is given for three days |
Toil Ram |
|
Tooth-ache |
1 |
A. Tridex procubens B. Solanum xanthocarpum |
Leaves , Root |
In equal amount |
A and B are ground on a stone slab to get a paste. |
The paste is tied in cloth and juice of it is dripped in the ear in the morning for two days |
Smt. Rodi Bai |
2 | A. Xanthium strumarium
B. Spilanthus acmella |
Root
Flower |
10 gm
One flower |
_ | (I)Tender root is cleaned and chewed twice a day
(II)One small piece of the flower is placed in the cavity of the affected tooth |
Varda Ram |
|
Ulcer |
1 | A. Acacia nilotica
B. Cynodon dactylon C. Lawsonia inermis D. Sugar crystals (Mishri) |
Dried leaves
Dried leaves Dried leaves - |
In equal amount | A, B, C, and Dare mixed and ground to make a fine powder. A glass of water is added to it | The mixture is taken twice a day for five days | Rodi Lal |
2 | A. Emblica officinalis
B. Abrus precatorius |
Bark,
Leaves |
500 gm
500 gm |
A fine powder is prepared by A and B. | ½ TSF is taken with honey twice a day | Bhaira Ram Meena |
TABLE 2: SHOWING THE LIST OF MEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR HERBAL FORMULATIONS BY HEALTH PRACTITIONERS (THPs) OF STUDY THE AREA
S. no. | Botanical name | Local name | Family | Plant parts used | Diseases |
1 | Abrus precatorius | Chirmi | Leguminosae | Root, leaves | Cough, tooth-ache |
2 | Acacia catechu | Kher | Leguminosae | Leaves | Asthma |
3 | Acacia nilotica | Desi babul | Legiminosae | Leave, stem bark | Ulcer, cough |
4 | Achyranthes aspera | Andhijara | Amaranthaceae | Whole, seeds | Asthma, external tumor |
5 | Aegle marmelos | Billa | Rutaceae | Fruits | Dysentery |
6 | Amorphophallus
campanulatus |
Surankand | Araceae | Root | Rheumatism,
eczema |
7 | Ampelocissus arnociana | Khatolimdo | Vitaceae | Root | Bone fracture |
8 | Anogeissus latifolia | Dhawada | Combrataceae | Gum, leaves | Rheumatism |
9 | Argimone maxicana | Satyanashi | Papaveraceae | Roots, seeds | Piles, external tumors |
10 | Azadirachta indica | Neemdo | Meliaceae | Leaves, fruits | Malaria, piles, eczema |
11 | Balanites aegyptiana | Hingot | Zygophyllaceae | fruits | External tumors |
12 | Bauhinia racemosa | Jhinjhiyo | Fabacese | Stem bark | Dysentry |
13 | Boerhaavia diffusa | Hatadi | Nyctaginaceae | Whole plant | Asthma |
14 | Brassica campestris | Harbo | Brassicaceae | Seeds | rheumatism |
15 | Butea monosperma | khankhara | Fabaceae | Stem bark, flowers | Kidney stone, dysentery |
16 | Calotropis procera | Aakada | Asclepiadaceae | Latex, roots, flowers | Malaria, kidney- stone, dysentery |
17 | Caesalpinia bonduc | katkaranj | Fabaceae | Seeds, leaves | Fever, rheumatism, stomach-ache |
18 | Capparis decudua | Ker | Caparidaceae | Shoot | Eczema |
19 | Cassia tora | Punwad | Fabaceae | Leaves, seeds | Fever, stomach-ache, rheumatism |
20 | Celastrus paniculatus | Malkangani | Celastraceae | Root, seeds | Cough, asthma, rheumatism |
21 | Citrus limon | Neembu | Rutaceae | Fruits | Eczema |
22 | Citrus medica | Bijara neembu | Rutaceae | Root, fruits | Piles, kidney-stone |
23 | Cocos nucifera | Khopra | Palmaceae | Fruits | Eczema |
24 | Chorallocarpus epigaeus | Mirchiokand | Cucurbitaceae | Leaves | Jaundice |
25 | Curcuma longa | Haldi | Zingiberaceae | Rhizome | Asthma, rheumatism, malaria |
26 | Cynodon dactylon | Doobghass | Poaceae | leaves | Fever |
27 | Clerodendron phlimidis | Arni | Verbenaceae | Root, leaves | Eczema |
28 | Datura stramonium | Dhatura | Solanaceae | Fruits | Rheumatism |
29 | Emblica officinalis | Anwala | Euphorbiaceae | Stem bark | Ulcer |
30 | Enicostemma hyssopifolium | Naami | Gentianaceae | Root, whole plant | Malaria, stoma -chache |
31 | Euphorbia caudicifolia | Danda thor | Euphorbiaceae | Shoot, latex | Baldness, tooth-ache |
32 | Euphorbia microphylla | Chotidudhi | Euphorbiaceae | Whole plant | Kidney stone |
33 | Helicteris isora | Marodphali | Sterculiaceae | Fruits | Stomach-ache, dysentery |
34 | Holarrhena antidysentrica | Kuro | Apocynaceae | Stem bark, seeds | Asthma, stomach-ache, dysentery |
35 | Justicia adhatoda | Adoosa | Acanthaceae | Leaves | Cough, asthma |
36 | Lawsonia inermis | Mehndi | Lythraceae | Leaves | Ulcer |
37 | Madhuca indica | Mahuda | Sapotaceae | Flower, seeds | Paralysis,
rheumatism |
38 | Maerua arenaria | Jethivela | Capparidaceae | Root, gum,
stem bark |
Rheumatism, dysentery |
39 | Moringa oleifera | Hingwo | Sapotaceae | Fabaceae | Stem bark, gum |
40 | Phaseolus radita | moong | Fabaceae | Baldness | |
41 | Plumbago zeylanica | Chitraval | Plantaginaceae | Root | Eczema, migraine, ringworm |
42 | Piper longum | Lavang | Piperaceae | Cough | |
43 | Ricinus communis | Arandee | Euphorbiaceae | Root | Rheumatism |
44 | Smilex macrophylla | Chobchini | Smilaceae | Stem | Asthma |
45 | Solanum xanthocarpum | Bhuirengani | Solanaceae | Whole plant | Tooth-ache |
46 | Spilanthus acmella | Rohin | Asteraceae | Stem bark | Anemia |
47 | Sterculia urens | Kadaya | Sterculiaceae | Root | Ulcer |
48 | Tinospora cordifolia | Galvel | Menispermaceae | Stem, leaves | Fever |
49 | Tracyspermum ammi | Ajma | Apiaceae | Seeds | Cough |
50 | Triticum aestivum | Gehu | Poaceae | Grain | Ashma, baldness |
51 | Trichosanthes bracteata | Adarana | Cucurbitaceae | Root, fruits | Baldness ringworm |
52 | Tridex procumbens | Kalali | Asteraceae | Whole | Jaundice |
53 | Vitex nigundo | Neergundi | Verbinaceae | Leaves, root | Paralysis, rheumatism |
54 | Widhania somniferum | Ashwagandha | Solanaceae | Root | Rheumatism |
55 | Woodfordia fructicosa | Dhatki | Lythraceae | Flower | Diarrhea |
56 | Xanthium strumarium | Andhya | Asteraceae | The whole plant, root | Tooth-ache, typhoid |
57 | Zingiber officinalis | Adark | Zingiberaceae | Rhizome | Asthma, cough, malaria |
58 | Zizyphus numularia | Chan- ber | Rhamnaceae | Leaves, root | Rheumatism |
The traditional knowledge available with the ethnic people or tribals plays an essential role in quick and proper identification of natural resources and discussed the scope of ethnobotany 12, 13. 70 percent of the wound healing Ayurvedic drugs are plant origin, 20 percent of mineral origin and remaining 10 percent of animal products 14.
India is rich in the history of medicinal plants and its 75 percent of the folk population is still using herbal preparations in the form of powder, extracts, and decoction because these are easily available in nature and the natives have strong faith on traditional knowledge 15. The study of ethnomedical systems and herbal medicines as therapeutic agents of paramount importance are addressing health problems of traditional communities and the third world countries as well as industrialized societies 16, 17.
From 1977 onward once the World Health Organization (WHO) gave formal recognization to traditional medicine, there were several valuable publications on its belief. The role of WHO on the organization, promotion, and development of researches on traditional medicine with cooperation among the developing countries was emphasized 18, 19. Chaudhary, (1988) reported several examples for plants used by traditional healers 20. 30 plants species belonging to 23 families and 30 genera in the treatment of pneumonia, dermatitis, asthma, smallpox, chicken pox, diabetes, leucorrhoea and other ailments by the forest dwellers of Udaipur district –Rajasthan 8, 10. 43 medicinal plants species used by the tribes and rural people residing in Kotra region of Udaipur district. These plants are mainly used in the treatment of cough, tumors, fever and other common ailments 11.
CONCLUSION: The present study was carried out to unlock and document the mystery of unique herbal formulations prepared by the traditional health practitioners of the tribal dominated area of study sites. During the survey it was reported that these laymen doctors have perfect knowledge about the use of wild medicinal plants.
CONSENT: Consent was taken by all participants in this study, including tribal people and traditional health practitioners or Gunies. The authors have all copyright.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Authors are thankful to all those tribal people who participated in the knowledge sharing of medicinal plants during the survey. We are also equally thankful to all the THPs of the study area who shared their valuable knowledge of preparation of various types of herbal formulations to treat different types of ailments.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Nil
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How to cite this article:
Deora GS and Jhala GPS: Studies on ethnomedicine and role of traditional health practitioners (THPS) in primary health care systems (PHCs) in the tribal dominated areas of Rajasthan-India. Int J Pharmacognosy 2016; 3(8): 359-70. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.3(8).359-70.
This Journal licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
Article Information
4
359-370
861
866
English
IJP
G. S. Deora and G. P. S. Jhala
Center of Advanced Study, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Jai Narain Vyas, University, Jodhpur-Rajasthan, India
gsdbiotech04@yahoo.co.in
15 July 2016
17 August 2016
28 August 2016
10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.IJP.3(8).359-70
31 August 2016