Traditional/Folk practices of Kerala Case studies - Part VII: Healing art of tribal/folk communities of Kerala

Abstract

The significance of Traditional Knowledge (TK) is directly linked with the cultural heritage of the people and it has been handed over from generation to generation since time immemorial. The importance of TK is highlighted by the fact that more than 80% of the livelihood needs of the world’s poor directly or indirectly depend upon the use of biological resources and associated TK. Due to changing life styles, environmental degradation and many other factors, TK is getting eroded rapidly among the tribal communities. There is an urgent need to document such valuable information for posterity before it is completely lost. Bio-prospecting of plants used for food and medicine is an important area of research, to develop commercially viable diverse novel products which are essentially required for taking care of human health. In this communication the authors have highlighted the historical perspectives of Malappandaram tribes inhabited in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts of Kerala including their traditional food, worship, concept of location specific hotspots (Kanakam) and three case studies related to treatment of snake bite, intestinal colic, lumbago, piles, retention of urine, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic.