Herbal Snake Bite Remedies of Irula Tribal People of Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
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Date
2018-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Excellent Publishers
Abstract
Several scientific studies are in progress using modern scientific tools based on the lead
from the folkloric and herbal uses for formulating new western medicine. The present
study involves the identification, enumeration and utilization of medicinal flora among the
Irula tribes of Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu and a record of the endangered
medicinal plants in the study area. A total number of 30 respondents of three villages, viz.,
Chenneri, Orathur and Kunavakkam-Kollamedu were selected by purposive random
sampling. The ethnobotanical data were collected using questionnaire, interviews and
discussions with local tribal people. Digital documentation of the case studies of animal
and human snakebites was recorded for reference. The Knowledge about the medicinal
plants has been transmitted orally from generation. The investigation revealed that there
are about 27 species of plants to treat snake bite. Voucher specimens of medicinal plants
used was prepared for documentation and dissemination of ethno veterinary practices
pertaining to snake bite. The respondents used different treatment methods including suck,
cut and bind followed by application of different herbal plants identified in this study as
root poultices and application of plant leaf juice directly in the snake bite wound. The
study revealed that the tribals rely on medicinal plants for snake bite treatment than
modern medicine.
Description
TNV_Ijcmas_2018_7(7)425-438
Keywords
Veterinary Science