Using plants for health: indigenous knowledge in health care in a
tribal region of Bihar, India
Paper presented at:
International Conference of Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicines &
Local Communities in Africa: Challenges & Opportunities of the New
Millenium, Nairobi, Kenya 16-19 May 2000
Sadhna Tripathi1 Shashi Varma2 Patricia Goldey3
1. PhD Scholar, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India.
2. Associate Professor, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. e-mail
s.k.varma@reading.ac.uk
3. for correspondence, Research Director, AERDD, The University of
Reading, P O Box 237, Whiteknights Road, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK, Tel: (0)
118 931 8157 ,
Fax: (0) 118 926 1244 e-mail p.a.goldey@reading.ac.uk
Abstract
An attempt is made in this paper to identify selected indigenous health
technologies in a tribal area of Bihar State, India. The scientific
relevance of their indigenous knowledge was authenticated or compared
with a view to highlight their medicinal potential.The present study was
undertaken through a sample of 100 tribal respondents who were
interviewed in order to investigate the different indigenous health
technologies practised by them. Some of these were found to be effective
in the treatment of a variety of health problems, and were also
scientifically confirmed. The paper highlights that there are other
plant uses as practised by tribal people which still need to be explored
in order to popularise more widely the authenticated practices; to
preserve indigenous knowledge; to integrate or blend it with scientific
knowledge so that health professionals and health care users may benefit
from a wider range of health care strategies which are environmentally
unthreatening. The current fast deforestation in the country may
endanger medicinal plant species which need to be preserved for future
use without disturbing the eco-system.
Key Words: indigenous knowledge, tribals, health problems, plants
Introduction
Traditional Environmental Knowledge or TEK can generally be defined as a
body of knowledge built up by a group of people through generations of
living in close contact with nature. It includes a system of
classification, a set of empirical observations of the local environment
and a system of self management that governs resources use. The
quantity and quality of traditional environmental knowledge varies among
the community members, depending upon gender, age, social status,
intellectual capability and professions (Johnson, 1993, p.3).
According to Farrington and Martin Indigenous Technological Knowledge
or ITK can be defined as a basis for knowledge, beliefs and customs
which are internally consistent and logical to those holding them, but
at odds with the objectively deducted findings of formal science. So,
it is important for scientists to build upon the components of ITK,
which are not consistent with scientific knowledge seeking to change
over time any potentially counter productive practices associated with
local belief system. (1988, p.23)
Indigenous knowledge covers a vast spectrum of knowledge which embodies
various aspects of life, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, health,
culture, building and the environment. In the past many major
development projects in developing countries have failed dismally, often
with serious ecological consequences, because of disregard for or
insufficient understanding of indigenous technologies. In the past
decade, a growing number of scientists and policy makers have started to
analyse the consequences of their development efforts, giving due
importance to the traditional wisdoms.
The potentiality of indigenous health technologies is increasingly being
recognised. There is however a common proverb that when a knowledgeable
old person dies, a whole library disappears. Local health traditions are
empirical; they represent a highly decentralised system of knowledge of
health care which is community specific, local resource dependent and
region specific. The World Health Organisation (WHO), while declaring
health for all by the year 2000 also emphasised the need for
revitalisation and expansion of indigenous systems of medicine in order
to meet the health care needs of the world population.
There is an urgent need to locate, document, disseminate and safeguard
these practices. Unless we make urgent and quick efforts to track this
valuable knowledge, it will be soon lost, not to be regained in future
at any cost. Concern for the revitalisation of traditional cultures is
not about reviving the past, rather it tries to broaden and deepen the
scope, quality and content of modern civilisation.
Therefore, the present study was undertaken with the objectives of
identifying, documenting and determining the scientific validity of
selected indigenous technologies.
Material and Methods
The study was conducted in the tribal belt of Adhaura block of Kaimur
district (Bihar State), India. The two villages under study are 60kms
distant from the main town. They have no primary health centre, nor any
means of education nor good transport facilities. They are secluded
from the main stream of development and government support and their
livelihood is fully dependent on natural resources. The treasures of
indigenous knowledge which the tribal people possess have neither been
harnessed nor explored by any one so far.
Therefore, a modest attempt has been made in this study through a sample
of 100 tribal respondents practising indigenous knowledge for health
related problems who were interviewed in order to investigate the
different indigenous health technologies prevalent in the area. The
scientific relevance of their indigenous knowledge was authenticated or
compared on the basis of reported therapeutic action and uses of plants
from the available literature with a view to highlight their medicinal
potential.
Result and Discussion
The results and discussion of the research study are presented in the
following pages with a description of common plant species used.
Babul (Acacia arabica):
The Babul plant is widely found in tribal areas. It is clear from Table
1. that most of the respondents (62%) used the extract orally preparing
it by boiling the stem bark with water to cure bleeding gums and sore
throats. Gum was found to be used by 60 per cent of the people as a
filling for a tooth cavity to relieve toothache. In cases of dermatitis,
58 per cent of the respondents were found to be using paste obtained by
grinding the leaves with water and applying to the affected areas.
The use of Babul for the treatment of bleeding gums and sore throats is
supported by Kirtikar and Basu (1935), Anonymous (1976) and Rastogi and
Mehrotra (1990). They also state that the whole plant is astringent and
effective as a cure for eczema and diarrhoea. Respondents were found to
be using it for the treatment of toothache due to cavity, bleeding gum,
sore throat and dermatitis. However, in the case of bleeding gums and
sore throats; it was found to be scientifically relevant.
Bael (Aegle marmelos):
The fruits and leaves of the Bael were found to be very effective in the
treatment of various health problems. It is widely found in the tribal
areas. Table 2. shows that more than half of the respondents (55%)
recognized the medicinal importance of the juice of the leaves for
treating diabetes, when 100 ml juice of leaves was administered orally
once a day. Application of paste to the head, obtained by grinding
leaves with water for the relief of headache was practised by half of
the respondents (50%). For controlling vomiting, 45 per cent of the
respondents reported the use of a half-cup extract of stem bark mixed
with 10 gm honey orally, to be taken twice a day. Gargling with a
filtered mixture obtained by boiling crushed unripe fruit with water and
added to alum powder was found to be practised by 43 per cent of the
respondents to relieve toothache. Pulp of the ripe fruit mixed with
boiled rice water (mand) was suggested by 36 per cent of the respondents
to be taken orally for controlling vomiting in pregnant women. Thirty
five per cent of the respondents reported the use of powder obtained by
grinding the dried raw fruit orally to control diarrhoea and dysentery.
In cases of vomiting and diarrhoea, 32 per cent of the respondents were
found to be using orally the pulp of the ripe fruit crushed with mango
seeds. Fruit squash was recommended by 31 per cent of the respondents
to be taken orally for the treatment of swelling in the intestine. Only
20 per cent of them were found to be using the poultice of leaves for
relieving swelling, with the poultice tied over the affected portion.
Use of fruit for controlling diarrhoea and dysentery is supported by
Chatterji and Prakash (1991), Singh and Ali (1998). They also found that
full ripe fruit is demulcent, laxative, antiviral and effective in
relieving stomach ache. They further added that seeds are antifungal,
anthelmintic, and antibacterial and root bark is hypoglycaemic and
spasmolytic. Respondents were found to be using Bael for the alleviation
of diabetes, headache, vomiting, toothache, diarrhoea, dysentery and
swelling in the intestine; scientists have approved its usefulness in
controlling diarrhoea and dysentery.
Chinchari (Achyranthes aspera L.):
Table 3. shows that the practice of tying the root piece over the thighs
of pregnant women, in order to prevent a delayed delivery, was quite
widespread among the respondents 68%.The root of Chinchari can also
control scorpion stings as described by (63%) of respondents:
application is by pressing the poisoned area with a piece of root. The
application of 2-3 drops of filtered mixture obtained by boiling the
stem bark and garlic cloves with mustard in each ear was practised for
the treatment of ear discharge by more than half of the respondents
(55%). The same percentage reported the use of dried powder mixed with
mothers milk or lukewarm water to treat coughs in infants and children.
For cleaning teeth, one fourth of the respondents (25%) were found to be
using dried powder obtained by grinding dried stem and 18% of them were
using the fresh stem pieces to clean their teeth by chewing. Only few
respondents (12%) took the root powder in order to overcome lost
appetite.
Drury (1978), Rastogi and Mehrotra (1990) and Mamimh (1996) found that
the whole plant is purgative, pungent and diuretic and effective for
dropsy, piles, boils, skin eruptions, colic and hydrophobia. Chinchari
was popular among respondents for preventing delayed delivery, healing
scorpion stings, coughs in infants and children, ear discharge and teeth
cleaning. However, its scientific relevance for these ailments has not
so far been explored.
Bharbhar (Argemone mexicana)
Among tribals, Bharbhar has been used widely in different ways for the
alleviation of various health related problems (Table 4.). Majority of
the respondents (62%) were found to be applying one drop of its latex in
each eye, thrice a day for 2 days to relieve eye infections. For
controlling dysentery the treatment is 20 gm root and 10 black pepper
seeds crushed together and administered orally with half a glass of
water, thrice a day. This practice was very common among 58 per cent of
the respondents. The same percentage of tribals reported the use of
juice obtained by squeezing the chopped whole plant, mixed with mustard
oil and boiled until the water evaporated for relieving painful wounds;
the mixture was applied to the wound thrice a day for seven days. In
case of constipation and indigestion more than half of the respondents
(55%) suggested the use of 15 gm root and a pinch of salt crushed
together and mixed with half a glass of water to be taken orally, twice
a day for three days. Powder obtained by grinding the root of Bharbhar,
mulethi and sandalwood together was found to be taken with cows milk by
40 per cent of the respondents for the treatment of leucorrhoea.
Kirtikar and Basu (1935), Anonymous (1976) and Singh and Ali (1998) have
recognized the medicinal importance of Bharbhar. They observed that
latex has protein dissolving constituents and is effective against warts
and cold sores. The whole plant is a painkiller, useful for effective
respiration and is antiviral. They further add that plant extract
stimulates heart, respiration, muscles and relieves blood pressure.
Infusion of seed and the juice of the plant is sedative and useful for
the treatment of dropsy and jaundice. Flowers are effective for curing
cough and chest problems and seeds are laxative, emetic, expectorant
and an antidote to snake poison.
Thus, among respondents Bharbhar was found to be used for the treatment
of eye infection, dysentery, wounds, constipation, indigestion and
leucorrhoea. The scientists reported effectiveness of the whole plant as
a painkiller, antiviral and sedative.
Isrol (Aristolchia indica):
Tribals were found to be using the root and leaves of Isrol for
medicinal purposes. Table 5. shows that a majority of the respondents
(62%) found Isrol root useful in the treatment of snake bite and
biskhoprabite.Root 5gm black pepper seeds 10gm and a pinch of salt
ground with water and the paste thus obtained was administered orally,
five to six times a day till healed. The majority of the respondents
(60%) were taking the mixture orally, obtained by crushing 4-5 leaves
and 10 black pepper seeds, thrice a day with half a glass of water for
getting relief from snake bite and fever. The root of the plant was
found to be useful for protection from snakes as respondents (43%) used
to keep about 100 gm root under the pillow during sleeping hours. The
extract obtained after boiling the chopped root with mustard oil was
applied as a body massage twice a day for 3 months in the treatment of
arthritis, as reported by 40% of respondents.
The relevance of Isrol in the treatment of snake bite and fever has been
supported by Kirtikar and Basu (1935), Anonymous (1976) and Manimh
(1996). They also observed that the whole plant stimulates white blood
cells activity, induces menstruation, is both abortifacient and
contraceptive. They also found the plant to be effective in the healing
of wounds, sores, ulcers, asthma and bronchitis. Hence, tribal people
were found to use Isrol to relieve snakebite, biskhoprabite, fever,
arthritis and for snake protection. Scientists have also supported its
effectiveness for curing snakebite and fever.
Atis (Aconitum heterophyllum) :
The root of Atis was found to be effective in the treatment of various
health problems. Data in Table 6. indicate that in order to treat
vomiting, fever and stomach ache problems in infants, most of the
respondents (57%) suggested the use of 1 gm root powder obtained by
grinding the dried root to be taken thrice a day with mothers milk for
two days. Root powder was also found to be useful for controlling
infantile diarrhoea among 55 per cent of the respondents. In this case,
it was administered orally with cold water.
Usefulness of Atis root for the treatment of vomiting, stomach ache and
diarrhoea is in accordance with the findings of Chatterji and Prakash
(1991) and Warrier et al. (1996). They also concluded that the whole
plant is febrifuge, and a bitter tonic. The root of the plant is
antipyretic, aphrodisiac, astringent and tonic and it is also effective
in treating cases of hysteria, throat infection, diabetes, dyspepsia and
cough. Respondents were using Atis for curing infantile diarrhoea,
vomiting, fever and stomach ache in infants. Scientists also report its
use for the treatment of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Khair (Acacia catechu):
Data presented in Table 7. show that the medicinal value of Khair has
been recognized by the majority of the respondents (58%) for controlling
dysentery; a semi-liquid catchu was obtained by boiling descaled stem
with water .This was administered orally. The oral application of Khair
gum for relieving weakness and coughs was reported by forty five per
cent of the respondents. However, for the treatment of bleeding gums, 38
per cent of the respondents used the extract of the stem bark orally.
This was also found to be effective for curing dermatitis when it was
administered orally as well as by application to the affected areas by
32% of the respondents. For healing boils, the same per cent of the
respondents suggested the use of stem bark powder sprinkled over the
affected area.
Anonymous (1976), Chopra et al. (1956), Manimh (1996) and Singh and Ali
(1998) supported the use of catchu for the treatment of dysentery and
for stopping bleeding from gums. They also stated that catchu is
astringent, reduces mucous in nose, bowel and vagina and is effective
for eczema and diarrhoea. Khair was found to be used commonly among
respondents for the treatment of dysentery, weakness, cough, bleeding
gums, dermatitis and boils. Scientists have also supported the
effectiveness of Khair in case of dysentery and dermatitis.
Neem (Azadirachta indica):
Neem is known for its medicinal uses in various health problems and is
commonly found in the area. Data in Table 8. show that most of the
respondents (70%) were using a concoction of leaves for washing wounds
and injuries. Application of the crushed leaves over boils was found to
be practised by 68 per cent of the respondents. In case of insect bite
42 per cent of them prescribed the application of paste obtained by
grinding the stem bark with water over the infected area twice a day.
Some respondents (40%) also found effective the extract obtained by
boiling the descaled stem with water for relieving the burning foot
syndrome; in this case 50 ml of extract was administered orally, once a
day for one month.
Manimh (1996) and Singh and Ali (1998) support the utility of
neem-leaves in the treatment of bleeding wounds and injury. They also
found that the bark of neem is tonic, antiperiodic, astringent,
antiseptic and useful for curing weakness, wounds and cuts. The root and
young fruit are antiperiodic, alterative and effective for the treatment
of boils and catarrhal affections. They further added that the leaves of
the plant are demulcent and useful in snakebite. The gum of the plant is
a tonic and useful in treating scorpion stings. The berries of plant
are purgative, emollient and anthelimintic. Neem was reported to be
effective by respondents for curing wounds, injuries, boils, insect
bites and burning foot syndrome. Scientists have also confirmed its
antiseptic property.
Conclusion
Indigenous practices of tribal people of Bihar State, India for the
treatment of different health related problems were found to be
effective and most of these were scientifically relevant also. However,
uses of plants for treating other health related problems as practised
by the tribal people still need to be explored by the scientists, so
that the same can be popularised more widely among those who are
completely unaware or ignorant of them. This calls for a strong need of
extension education and training for rural as well as urban people about
the uses and methodologies of these effective health technologies, so
that they too can make use of indigenous knowledge for health
management.
It is also an urgent need that indigenous knowledge should be preserved
and integrated or blended with scientific knowledge either by government
a nodal agency to develop different alternative health management care
strategies. The current fast deforestation in the country may endanger
medicinal plant species which need to be preserved for future use
without disturbing the eco-system.
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11 May 2000
