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Traditional medicine in health and diseases

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CHAPTER 2

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN HEALTH

CARE AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
SUMANA SARKHEL
Department of Human Physiology, Vidyasagar University,
Paschim Midnapore – 721102, West Bengal, India,
E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Since the advent of human civilization, human beings have explored nature
for their sustenance and survival. Traditional medicine (TM) is based on the
beliefs and experiences of indigenous culture. Chinese, Indian, and African
traditional medicine (ATM) are very popular. These medicinal systems are
based on a holistic discipline that uses indigenous herbalism with spiritu-
ality. The practice of TM is an amalgamation of age-old knowledge, culture,
experience, and faith that have percolated from generation to generation. In
an era of modern medicine, about 70–80% population worldwide depends on
TM. TM, however is an underestimated part of health services. The present
chapter is an attempt to investigate the diversity and richness of phytotherapy
and how it has influenced medicinal practices worldwide.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates about 4% of the world’s

population die annually of different forms of diseases regardless of their level
of civilization. Unhygienic practices, under-nutrition, poor communication,
and lack of basic amenities like portable water, good roads keep communi-
ties worldwide in a perpetual state of risk and help to accelerate disease
episodes. Traditional medicinal systems are widely accepted worldwide. The
WHO has defined ethnomedicine as the indigenous knowledge, skills, and
30 Medicinal Plants: Bioprospecting and Pharmacognosy

practices in different cultures (WHO, 2008). Among American traditional

folk healers, herbal remedies, cupping, and leeching practices are common
(Baxandall, Gordon, and Reverb, 1995). Bio-archeological and paleogenetic
techniques assuredly became important tools for those who wish to write
the history of disease from a global or long-term perspective, and were
particularly important where manuscript and other documentary sources are
fragmentary or ambiguous.

2.2 TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL SYSTEMS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF

THE WORLD

Traditional medicine (TM) aims to integrate societal and cultural heritage

of different communities worldwide. TMs, sometimes known as comple-
mentary or alternative medicine, are being used in different parts of the
world (Abdullahi, 2011; World Health Organization, 2000). The Chinese
traditional medicinal system has been adopted in different cultures. The
importance of acupuncture, herbal massage, exercise, needle therapy, rub
(Tui na) is widely accepted. Several such therapies have alleviated prob-
lems like chronic pain, headache, hormonal imbalance and improved liver
health and cognitive performance. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice
of slow movements and focuses on breath. Similarly, moxibustion is a
therapeutic approach where dried herbs are burned near the skin (Qi et al.,
2013; Dobos et al., 2005; Fabricant and Farnsworth, 2001). In Nepal, the
government has advocated the importance of TM in Nepalese health care
policy in the year 1950s (Cameron, 2008). African traditional healthcare
system is a comprehensive, widely acclaimed practice. In countries like
Zambia, Ghana children suffering from malaria use traditional remedies
for cure.
In India, use of TMs like Sarpagandha, Haritaki, Kalmegh, Tejpatra
are in practice. In Ayurveda, the concept of Pharmacodynamics is
based on Panchamahabhoota which forms the essence of physiological
systems. Kampo medicine of Japan, aroma and steam therapy, Reiki,
hydrotherapy, Thai massage, leech therapy, physiotherapy are practiced
in different parts of the world. Japanese TM advocated the Chinese
practices of needle therapy and moxibustion, although Kampo medicinal
system is widely used (Goyal, Singh, and Sibinga, 2014; Ito et al., 2017;
Prasad, 2002).
Traditional Medicine in Health Care and Disease Management 31

2.3 MODES OF TREATMENT IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE (TM)

Plants, minerals, and animals are the major natural resources used in TMs
worldwide. The ancient practices of Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha have their deep
roots in Indian medicinal system. In African traditional medicine (ATM) the
midwives used indigenous plants to aid childbirth. In different parts of South
Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, there are small markets selling herbal
medicine. TM is culturally bound and guided by indigenous ancient knowl-
edge of herbs. Human civilization have always faced challenges in health
and harnessed different natural resources to overcome it. There is a need to
harmonize traditional knowledge with modern medicine globally. There are
different modes of traditional treatment like poultice, infusion, acupuncture,
moxibustion, bone setting, etc., which have been extensively practiced.
In China 100,000 herbal formulations are recommended for clinical use.
Several herbal remedies are isolated and identified for biological activity.
The concepts of Rasayana, Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Shirobasti are preva-
lent Ayurvedic practices in India (Figure 2.1).

FIGURE 2.1 Types of healing strategies used in traditional medicine.

32 Medicinal Plants: Bioprospecting and Pharmacognosy

2.4 TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL SYSTEMS IN INDIA

The Vedic literature is the source of medicinal practice in India. Ayurveda

also redefines the science of life and provides the footprint for living a long
healthy life. Rural India has adopted TM as their primary health care. The
subcontinent harbors nearly 2,500 medicinal plants which have been used by
its tribal population in the promotion of health. There are 1,500 herbals that
are sold as supplements. In the tribal societies of India, there is a common
faith that there is a relation between illness and religion. They adopt various
herbal remedies for sustainable living. However, with globalization and
potential threats to their survival, this traditional knowledge is been eroded.
These nomadic or semi nomadic populations are gradually losing access to
their medicinal systems. There is an urgent requirement for the documenta-
tion of these traditional resources which have been inculcated in the tribal
life of India for generations and has been harnessed from time to time. In
Ayurveda, it is believed that a balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha leads to
healthy state and their disturbance leads to diseases. Thus, the scaffolds of
modern medicine have been promoted on the theories and beliefs of ancient
Indian medicinal practices (Table 2.1).

2.5 CONCLUSION

TM is a time and culture bound knowledge of ethnic populations throughout

the world. Every civilization had to face challenges related to health and
diseases and every culture imbibed and developed their own and unique prac-
tice of medicine. With the advent of modern medicine, there was a competi-
tion between the locally available herbal medicines and the modern drugs.
Indigenous medicine and TM men thus lost grounds in urban civilizations.
But TM still persisted in the face of such global competition. About 80%
of the people throughout the world practice traditional medicinal systems
in one form or other. Harmonizing traditional and modern medicine is the
major requirement of today’s world where the potential threats of diseases
still persist in the façade of conventional modern drugs. Although the
health-related challenges are addressed with modern drugs but the imprints
of TMs in prescribed practices of medicine could not be underestimated.
Herbs and herbal remedies are staging a comeback and herbal “renaissance”
is imminent.
TABLE 2.1 Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants by Indian Communities
Scientific Name of the Tribal Name Common Name Part Used Method(s) of Administration
Plant
Achyranthes aspera Linn. Rechari, Buridatrum, Prickly chaff flower Fruit, Root Lodhas give the paste of 3–5 roots to women
(Lo.); thrice a day for stopping bleeding after abortion.
Chir-Chir (Or.); Santals use fresh root about 9 cm long stick for
Sittirkad (Sa.) causing abortion. They apply macerated roots to
get relief of pain from scorpion strings.
Acorus calamus Linn. Nai-nag lea, panibach Sweet flag Root Lodhas give root paste about 10 gm with
(Lo). that black pepper (piper longum) (3:1) in the
treatment of chickenpox.
Alstonia scholaria Linn. Chatini-daru, (Lo.); Dita bark Root, leaf, Lodha women apply root paste about 7 gm with
Kunumung (Sa.). bark paste of 7 long pepper for treatment of Thunka
(Mastitis).
Paste of stem bark and black peppers as cure for
rheumatic (joint) swelling.
Andrographis paniculata Bhui-nimb (Lo.). Creat Root, leaf Lodhas prescribe root paste about 10 gm against
Brum general debility of children and give plant
decoction 15 ml in treatment of fever.
Traditional Medicine in Health Care and Disease Management

Santals take juice about 5 ml, for 2–3 days, after

meals, in colic pain.
33
TABLE 2.1 (Continued) 34

Scientific Name of the Tribal Name Common Name Part Used Method(s) of Administration
Plant
Aristolochia indica Linn Isher-mul (Lo.); Bhedi- The Indian birthwort Bark, root Lodhas prescribe root paste (3–5 roots) with
janet (Mu.). paste of 7 long peppers as antidote to snake
venom.
Stem bark paste with extract of Haluhulu
(Curcuma longa) (3:1) in the treatment of allergic
eruption. Women use a piece of root for causing
abortion up to 3–4 months of pregnancy.
Azadirachta indica A. Nim-daru (Lo); Nemm tree, Margosa Root bark, Santals prescribe dry flower powder as
juss Bokom-dare(sa.) tree stem bark, anthelmintic. They use leaf decoction for
flower, leaf washing septic wounds.
Bombax ceiba Linn. Edel-daru (Lo.); Silk cotton tree Root, flower Lodhas women take paste of fresh roots of young
simul-dare(sa.) plant with unbioled cow milk (1:2) to regulate
irregular menstruation.
Santal apply flower paste on smallpox wounds.
Bridela tomenta Blume Kaj (Lo.) Pikpoktsai bridelia Stem bark Lodhas take ash (prepared by burning stem bark)
as antacid and they give stem bark decoction with
country liquor (1:1) as antidote to snake venom.

Calotropis gigantea Linn. Orakka kulatos, Swet- Tembega Root, leaf Lodhas prescribe root decoction with paste of
akand (Lo); patla dudha long peppers (3:1) to women in the treatment of
(Mu); Ark (Or.): parkasa leucorrhea. They apply dried root powder with
(Sa.) country liquor (5:2) leprotic wounds.
They apply fomented leaves against enlargement
of livers.
Medicinal Plants: Bioprospecting and Pharmacognosy
TABLE 2.1 (Continued)
Scientific Name of the Tribal Name Common Name Part Used Method(s) of Administration
Plant
Curcuma amada Roxb Ke-a-sanga (Lo.); Mango ginger Whole plant Lodhas prescribe rhizome decoction 20 ml twice
Ban-haldi (Sa.). in a day against cold and cough.
They apply rhizome infusion as liniment in pain.
Emblica officinalis Miral-daru (Lo.); Emblic myrobalan; Leaf, fruit, Lodhas put fresh leaf juice with diluted solution
Gaertn.f. Amla (Or.); Indian gooseberry. root of common salt (2:1) as drop-in eyes for
improving weak eyesight.
Aouhal (Sa.). Santal use powder of the male flowers as snuff in
Nasa (nasal hemorrhage).
They give ripe fruits about 12 gm to with
common salt (3:1) against gripe.
Other ethnic communities use fresh fruit and root
paste 15 gm as a cure for jaundice.
Ficus benghalensis Linn Baridaru (Lo.); Banyan tree Stem bark, Stem bark decoction about 10 ml to women
Bara (Or.); leaf prescribed the decoction with paste of ginger
(3:1) for the treatment of diabetes.
Bargch (Sa.); Santals apply leaf juice with Kusum seed oil
(3:1) as a cure for burn wounds.
Traditional Medicine in Health Care and Disease Management

Hemidesmus indica Linn Atkir, Anantamul, Indian Sarsaparilla Root, seed Lodhas prescribe root paste about 10 gm for
palumala (Lo.); treatment of leukoderma and apply that paste
Trajamala (Mu.); with common salt (3:2) as cure for eruptions of
Ladugara (Or.); Gargeri, tongue of children. They prescribe root decoction
Anal sing (Sa.). with paste of Huring atkir (asparagus racemosus)
and paste of long peppers (3:2:1) in treatment of
gonorrhea and give the decoction with paste of
kangi (Eleusine coracana) seed paste and milk
(3:2:1) to children as a cure for diarrhea.
35
TABLE 2.1 (Continued) 36
Scientific Name of the Tribal Name Common Name Part Used Method(s) of Administration
Plant
Jatropha curcas Linn Bir-jara; Physic nut, Purging nut Latex Lodhas used in the treatment of leucorrhea. They
gab-jara (Lo); kula-jara apply latex as a cure for eczema.
(Mu.); bag-rendi (Sa.) Oranos use fresh latex with common salt (1:1)
for mixing loose teeth.
Mikania micrantha German-lor (Lo.). Climbing hemp weed. Leaf Lodhas and Oranos apply crushed fresh leaves
H.B.K on fresh cuts for stopping bleeding. Other ethnic
communities put fresh leaf juice as drop-in
nostril as a cure for epilepsy.
Moringa oleifera Linn Doro, Mung-ara (Lo.); Drum stick tree; Root; Lodhas gives dried root powder with cow milk
Munga-sag(Sa.) Horseradish tree. Stem bark; (3:2) treatment of hysteria. They apply stem bark
as a cure for Rangbad (a kind of skin disease of
Leaf children) and put leaf paste as poultice on swelling
legs.
Mucuna pruriens Linn. Alkusi (Lo.); Common Cowitch; Root Lodhas prescribe root decoction with paste of
Itika (Sa.) Cowhage long peppers (2:1) for treatment of delirium.
They give seed decoction with common salt (2:1)
for the treatment of coma.
Oryza sativa Linn Dhan (Lo. and Sa.) Rice, Paddy Root Lodhas prescribe fresh root paste with paste of
long peppers (3:2) for treatment of measles. They
give gain powder with palm sugar (3:2) antidote
to Kuchilia (Strychnos nux-vomica) seed poison.
Ricinus communes Linn Digherandi (Or.). Castor, Castor seed Leaf, seed Lodhas give leaf decoction and unbioled eggs (3:2)
to children for treatment of night blindness and
apply leaf paste on forehead as cure for headache.
Medicinal Plants: Bioprospecting and Pharmacognosy

Santals apply fresh Youngs leaf as poultice on boils.

TABLE 2.1 (Continued)

Scientific Name of the Tribal Name Common Name Part Used Method(s) of Administration
Plant
Terminalia arjuna Roxb. Gara-hatna; Arjun tree; Stem bark Lodhas prescribe stem decoction with goat milk
Kahua (Lo.); white murdah; to women (3:2) as a cure for debility.

Behera (Sa.) White- Oraons give stem decoction about 15 ml for

wingedmyrobalan. treatment of heart diseases.
Santals use ash (prepare by burning stem bark)
as tooth powder for caries in teeth. They give
decoction of stem bark about 20 ml for treatment
of malarial fever.
Tinospora cordifolia Titmaal; Gulancha tinospora; Stem Lodhas prescribe stem decoction with paste of
Thoms Nim-gulancha (Lo.); Cow protector; long peppers (3:1) for healing bone fracture.

Srasati loar (Or.); Moon creeper; Santals prescribe paste of aerial root tips
decoction of long pepper (5:3) against gastralgia
Cunchi (Sa.) Bile killer (Stomachache) and give decoction of root
tips with common salt (3:1) to women against
irregular menstruation flow.
Traditional Medicine in Health Care and Disease Management
37
 38 Medicinal Plants: Bioprospecting and Pharmacognosy

KEYWORDS

• hydrotherapy
• indigenous cultures
• pharmacodynamics
• phytotherapy
• traditional medicine
• Sarpagandha

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