Traditional/Folk Practices of Kerala - Case Studies

Abstract

Kerala, the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent is considered as home to the most diverse and richest Traditional Knowledge systems because of its unique cultural expressions which are directly or indirectly connected with environment, ecology, biodiversity, etc., ranging from coastal and plains to mountainous regions. This varied and diverse topography is the result of the typical climate, edaphic factors and physio-geographic conditions which in turn resulted in a rich variety and variability of flora and fauna, especially the plants used for food and medicine. Medicinal and Aromatic plant wealth of Kerala is immensely rich and diverse which attracted the attention of traders from all over the world from time immemorial. The diversity that occurs in the flora and fauna have played major role in evolving an unique Classical Health Tradition (CHT) and Oral Health Tradition (OHT) in Kerala. Since antiquity, Traditional Vaidyas (Physicians) of Kerala have been utilising the location specific medicinal/edible plants for health care. The present communication deals with 6 case studies related to traditional food and medicine, still being practiced in different parts of Kerala State.