Indian Traditional Medicine – an Unorganized Sector
Indian Traditional Medicines – An unorganized sector
In India most of the villages are not having sufficient medical facilities. But all the villages have the traditional medicines and treatments to cure all the diseases. The English medicines are not supplied in most of the villages. The Government and Social Service Organizations started providing medical facilities in Tamil Nadu villages but they could not cover all the rural population with adequate facilities. The rural population has to depend on the local ethnic doctor called “VAITHYAR” in Tamil. They prepare medicines from the medicinal plants available in the soil. They follow all the traditional and ethnic method of preparing the medicines.
Now, the people around the globe started realizing the importance of the traditional medicines prepared from the medicinal plants. The urban residents started using homeopathic, ayurvedic and sidda medicines for treating most of the diseases. They prefer this medicine because it does not have any side effects even in the long run. They feel that these are natural medicines. So the Homeopathic, Aurvedic and Sidda medicines are revitalised and the demand for such medicines are started shooting up. The homeopathic, aurvedic and sidda medicines are prepared from medicinal plants, which are naturally available in the soil.
In India the medicinal plants are found in hedges, wastelands, fields, water logged areas, sacred groves, house gardens, temple gardens, tree branches etc. The seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, buds, leaves, stems, roots, tubers, barks etc of the medicinal plants are used directly as medicines. The medicinal plants have different tastes such as sweet, bitter, sour etc. The powder, paste, extract, smoke, ashes, oil and juices are made from the fresh and dried medicinal plants according to their traditions and used them as medicines. Such form of medicines are consumed and /or applied on external physic to cure the diseases.
The medicinal plants do not require any special care to grow. It is easy to cultivate and grow. The Head of the department Botany, Dr. Sobana Raj, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India, identified and prepared a list of cultivable medicinal plants.
The cultivable medicinal plants with Botanical name and the family are given below.
Botanical Name Family
1. Sesbania grandiflora, Pers. : Fabaceae
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra, Linn. : Papilionaceae
3. Postia strateotes, Linn. : Araceae
4. Euphorbia hitra, Linn. : Euphorbiaceae
5. Withania somnifera, Dun. : Solanaceae
6. Alpinia galangal, Sw. : Zingiberaceae
7. Sida caprinifolia, Linn. : Fabaceae
8. Indigo fera tinctoria, Linn. : Fabaceae
9. Amaranthus tritis, Roxb. : Amarataceae
10. Cynodon dactylon, Pers. : Poaceae
11. Adhatoda vasica, Nees. : Acanthaceae
12. Aristolochia bracteata, Retz. : Aristolochiaceae
13. Capparis horrida, Linn. : Capparidaceae
14. Marsilae quadrifolia, Linn. : Marsileaceae
15. Ficus bengalensis,Linn. : Moraceae
16. Cassia auriculata, Linn. : Caesalpiniaceae
17. Citrullus colocynths, Schrader. : Cucurbitaceae
18. Zingiber officinale, Rose. : Zingiberaceae
19. Bassia longifolia, J.Koenig. : Sapotaceae
20. Aristolochia indica, Linn. : Aristolochiaceae
21. Odina wodier,Roxb. : Anacardiaceae
22. Dtura metel, Linn. : Solanaceae
23. Calotropis gigantea,R.Br. : Asclepladaceae
24. Ipomoea reniformis, Chois : Convolvulaceae
25. Coleus aromaticus, Benth. : Lamiaceae
26. Ionidium suffruticosum, Ging. : Viloaceae
27. Ocimum Canum, Sims. : Lamiaceae
28. Terminalia chebula, Retz. : Combretaceae
29. Solnum surattense, Burm, f. : Solanaceae
30. Eclipta alba, Hassk. : Asteraceae
31. Erythrina indica, Linn. : Fabaceae
32. Tricodesma indicus,R.Br. : Boraginaceae
33. Carrisa carandus,Linn. : Apcyanaceae
34. Solanum xanthocarpum,S&W. : Solanaceae
35. Murraya koenigii spreng(Bergera : Rutaceae
Koenigii)
36. Clitoria ternatea, Linn. : Fabaceae
37. Jatropha curcas, Lonn. : Euphorbiaceae
38. Canthium parviflorum, Lam. : Rubiaceae
39. Phyllanthus niruri,Linn. : Euphorbiaceae
40. Acalyphia indica,Linn. : Euphorbiaceae
41. Aloe vera, Linn. : Lillaceae
42. Sphaeranthus indicus, Linn. : Compositae
43. Plumbago zeylanica, Linn. : Plumbaginacea
44. Psidium guajava,L. : Myrtaceae
45. Andrographis echiodes,Nees. : Acanthaceae
46. Cyperus rotundus, Linn. : Cyperaceae
47. Cocinia indica, W&A. : Cucurbitaceae
48. Polycarpeae corymbosa,Lam. : Caryophyllaceae
49. Trianthema decandra, Linn. : Aizoaceae
50. Santalum album, Linn. : Santalaceae
51. Cassia fistula, Linn. : Caesalpiniaceae
52. Trianthima portulacastrum, Linn. : Aizoaceae
53. Asystasia gangetica,S. : Acanthaceae
54. Indigofera aspalathoides,Vahul. : Papillionaceae
55. Amaranthus polygamus, Linn. : Amaranthaceae
56. Heliotropium indicum, Linn. : Boaragineaceae
57. Tinospora cardifolia, Miers. : Menispermaceae
58. Solanum tervam, Linn. : Solanaceae
59. Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis, Linn. : Malvaceae
60. Clerodendron phlomoides,Linn. : Verbenaceae
61. Terminalia bellirica(Gaetrner)Roxb. : Combretaceae.
62. Piper iongum, Linn. : Piperaceae
63. Ocimum basillicum, Linn. : Lamiaceae
64. Abutilon indicum, G.Don. : Malvaceae
65. Lucas aspera, Spreng. : Lamiaceae
66. Ocimum sanctum, Linn. : Lamiaceae
67. Solanum trillobatum, Linn. : Solanaceae
68. Cocos nucifera, Lin. : Arecacear
69. Tylophora asthmatica, W&A. : Asciepiadeceae
70. Spermacoce hispida, Linn. : Rubiaceae
71. Ervatamia coronaria, Stapf. : Apocyanaceae
72. Gynandropis pentaphylla, D.C. : Caparidaceae.
73. Hemidesmus indicusm, R.Br. : Asclepiadaceae.
74. Achyranthus aspera,Linn. : Amarantaceae.
75. Syzygium jambolanum, D.C. : Myrtaceae.
76. Catheranthus roseos, (L) G.Dun : Apocyanaceae.
77. Cassia obtuse, W&A. : Caesalpiniaceae.
78. Andrographics paniculata, Nees. : Acanthaceae.
79. Asteracantha longifolia, Nees. : Acanthaceae.
80. Morinda tinctoria, Roxb. : Rubiaceae.
81. Tribulus terretris, Linn. : Zygophyllaceae.
82. Phyllanthus emblica, Linn. : Euphorbiaceae.
83. Vitex negundo, Linn. : Verbenaceae.
84. Carica papaya, Linn. : Caricaceae.
85. Mollugo cerviana, Ser. : Aizoceae.
86. Sida cardifolia, Linn. : Cucurbitaceae.
87. Momordica charantia, Linn. : Cucurbitaceae.
88. Optuntia dillenii, Haw. : Cactaceae
89. Pavetta indica, Linn. : Rubiaceae
90. Cissus quadrangularis, Linn. : Vitaceae.
91. Argemone mexicana, L. : Papavaraceae.
92. Moniera cuneifolia, Michx. : Scrophulariaceae.
93. Streblus asper, Lour. : Moraceae.
94. Clerodentron inerme, Gaertn. : Verbenaceae
95. Anisomeles malabarica, R.Br. : Lamiaceae.
96. Lippia nodiflora,Mich. : Verbenaceae
97. Alternanthera sessilis (L),R.Br,exDC.: Amaranthaceae.
98. Cassia senna,Linn. : Caesalpiniaceae.
99. Lawsonia inermis, Linn. : Lythraceas
100.Punica granatum, Linn. : Punicaceae
101.Crataeva religiosa, Forst. : Capparidiaceae.
102.Toddalia asiatica, Lam, : Rulaceae.
103.Capsicum frutescens, Linn. : Solanaceae
104.Croton sparsiflorus, Morong. : Euphorbiaceae.
105.Piper nugrum, Linn. : Piperaceae
106.Mukia maderaspatana(L)M.Roemer : Cucurbitaceae.
107.Cardiospermum halicacabum, Linn. : Sapindaceae.
108.Merrimia tridendata, Hallier. : Convolvulaceae.
109.Moringa oleifera, Lam. : Moringaceae
110.Amaranthus spinosus, Linn. : Amaranthaceae
111.Boerhaavia diffusa, Linn. : Nyctaginaceae.
112.Acorus calamus, Linn. : Aroidaceae.
113.Centella asiatica, Urb : Apiaceae.
114.Deloniz elata,Gamble,n.Comb. : Caesalpiniaceae.
115.Musa paradisiacal, Linn. : Musaceae.
116.Dichrostachys cinerea,W&A. : Mimosaceae.
117.Hymenodictachys cinerea, W&A. : Rubiaceae
118.Aegle marmelos, Corr. : Rutaceae.
119.Evolvulus alsinides, Linn. : Convolvulaceae.
120.Enicostemma, littorale,Bl. : Gentianaceae
121.Azadirachta indica, A.Juss. : Meliaceae.
122.Daemia extensa,R.Br. : Asclepiadaceae
123.Cannabis : Sativa.
Applications of medicinal plants:
The medicinal plants are processed into consumable form such as powder, paste, extract, smoke, ashes, oil and juice for curing different diseases. They prevent and cure most of the disease of human beings and animals. These are applied to cure and prevent bile’s, sinus, mucus, cough, rheumatism, body pain, fever, throat pain, tonsils, piles, tooth ache, stomach pain, hiccups, beucoderma, toxins, jaundice, rashes, dandruff, diabetics, ulcer, vomit, mouth ulcer, insect bites, dog bites, snake bites, neck pain, snore, acidity, dysentery, arthritics and other disease of human beings and animals. (Collected from the book “Meteria Medica”).
The medicinal plants are required in tones to prepare medicines for multinational companies in India like
1. Dabur
2. Medimix
3. Hindustan Lever
4. Tata Pharmaceutical plants
5. Colgate Palmolive
To produce medicines, tablets, oil, soaps, paste, lotion, juice, syrup, extracts etc made out of herbs.
Even though the medicinal plants have wider applications the growers are not encouraged. Tamilnadu soil has good potentials for growing most of the medicinal plants. The growers feel that there is no demand for the medicinal plants among the manufacturers. The ‘VAITHYARS’ (manufacturers) feel that it is not a yielding sector. The following are the problems identified out of the survey made on One hundred ‘VATHIYARS’ in Tamil Nadu.
1. Non- availability and non-cultivation of fresh medicinal plants in the soil (they quoted that they find it difficult to get some fresh medicinal plants, green leaves, fresh nuts, flowers, buds, roots etc to prepare the medicines).
2. No separate professional growers. It is even found that animals and human beings destroy them.
3. Lack of financial assistance to cultivate and grow such medicinal plants.
4. No marketing facilities such as
i. Distribution network
ii. Standardization
iii. Customer relation and feed back
iv. Advertising network to intimate and educate
5. Adulteration in quality (It is quoted that some chemicals are added to make extracts and oil more greenish).
6. No facilities to preserve seasonal medicinal plants, which cannot be dried and preserved. (Certain medicines require only fresh plants)
7. No facilities for research and developments especially in rural areas.
Problems identified from a survey made from 500 customers using Homeopathic, Aurvedic and Sidda medicines in Chennai.
1. Non-availability of such medicines in all medical stores.
2. Fear of quality and adulteration.
3. No grading and standardization.
4. Lack of knowledge in using or applying it (as certain oil needs to have Special massage).
5. Slow in healing wounds and curing diseases.
6. Difficult in consuming certain oils and medicines due to the typical taste of the contents in them.
7. Strict diet control for a long period.
8. Not in injection form
9. Fresh medicinal plants are not comfortable to consume.
10. Slow in recovery.
11. Non-availability of certain medicines, for which, only fresh green plants need to be grinded and consumed to cure the diseases.
Findings:
1. It is found that this sector is completely unorganized even though people from traditional families (called “VAITHYARS”) are involved in preparing and marketing the medicines processed from medicinal plants.
2. Growers are hardly available because of lack of buyers, non-availability of institution encouraging the growers and lack of financial assistance.
a. No proper facility for collection, preservation and distribution for both processed and fresh medicinal plants available at different places.
3. No authorized institution or agency to standardize and grade such medicines.
4. Non-availability of efficient distribution network.
5. Non-availability of medium to intimate and educate (It was quoted that some medicines like oil and extracts require special knowledge about applying it.) the users.
6. Many plants like cannabis sativa are used for preparing intoxicated drinks. Such medicines are used as sensual drugs, which are hazardous to health.
Suggestion:
We could infer from the study that this sector is left unorganized even though many government agencies involved in this sector. It could be of more useful if it is organized and controlled by a separate forum to regulate the manufacturing, grading, quality control, distribution and research and development of medicines prepared from medicinal plants
It is concluded that the Indian traditional medicines are neglected and it needs to be revitalized.
Dr.A.Oliver Bright ca be reached aobright67@yahoo.co.in
Skin and Coat Medicine for Dogs
The happiest dog can easily become quite miserable when they develop a skin or coat problem.
Dogs, which have required nothing beyond simple grooming and a healthy diet for years, can be struck by disease or old age – and the effect is often evident in their coat. It may lack the healthy sheen you are used to seeing. Or maybe the dog has developed spots on his skin that itch and have become irritated. The problem could be the result of changing nutritional needs due to his age.
Or it could be the result of a disorder that requires treatment, such as endocrine disorders, congenital or inherited disorders, parasites, trauma, infectious disease or an immune disorder.
For some dogs, the problem can be something simple like an allergy to something in the environment. Allergies can strike dogs at an early age or upon exposure. It is hard for a dog to ignore itchy skin. Without treatment, the dog may keep scratching to the point that its skin becomes inflamed. Once that happens, the dog’s skin may not heal quickly and infection sets in.
The answer can be as simple as skin and coat supplements, which provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to be healthy. These supplements contain fatty acids, which are natural anti-inflammatories, vitamins and minerals – all needed to ensure your dog has a shiny, healthy coat and skin. Or the dog’s condition may require skin and coat medications. These come in various strengths and formats – lotions, shampoos, conditioners and sprays.
Lotions
Some lotions, like Resicort Leave-on Lotion, contain 1 percent hydrocortisone and are indicated for the relief of inflammation and pruritus. You should massage it deep into the dog’s coat to soothe allergic skin. The lotion leaves a film behind that continues to treat the skin and coat long after it’s been applied.
Conditioners
Just as children with chicken pox have found that an oatmeal bath can provide a lot of relief, it can do the same for dogs. Oatmeal-based conditioners, like Epi-Soothe Oatmeal Cream Rinse, are used after shampooing to help relieve itchy or sensitive skin by restoring the moisture and natural oils to the skin. As a side benefit, it can also make longer coats more manageable and less likely to tangle. There is also Relief Cream Rinse, which combines colloidal oatmeal and proxamine HCL, to soothe itching caused by a variety of skin conditions. Its emollients and Omega-6 fatty acids will continue to nourish the dog’s skin if it is not rinsed out.
Shampoos
With almost all of the dog’s body covered with fur, finding the right shampoo is important. With myriad varieties of dog shampoos, there is one for almost any canine condition. For outdoor dogs, there are shampoos like Adams Flea Shampoo, which kills fleas, ticks and lice. Skunk-Off shampoo is as mild as tearless baby shampoo with the deodorizing ingredients found in the original Skunk-Off liquid. Products like Douxo Calm Shampoo are for dogs suffering from allergies. It gently cleans the allergens from the skin and protects against further attack by helping the skin heal. Allegroom Shampoo cleanses without heavy stripping of the lipid layer and adds moisture to the surface. Allergroom contains no fragrances, soaps or detergents, and is pH controlled. There are also high-lathering shampoos, such as Keratolux Shampoo, that help remove scales and crust common to seborrhea and other skin disorders.
Medications
Skin medications provide anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antifungal and antibacterial therapy for dogs. The medications come in spray, gel, ointment and cream formats that help manage dermatologic disorders that produce inflammed or dry skin conditions. For example, Animax is a topical treatment with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antifungal and antibacterial therapeutic effects. It is available in ointment and cream formats.
As important it is to encourage healing, it can be equally important to give the itching or hurting dog some relief. Safe sprays such as Dermacool with Lidocaine Spray offers 1.5 percent lidocaine in an alcohol-free base to ease his pain.
Sprays and Wipes
Humilac Spray contains lactic acid, which has proven effective in controlling hyperkeratinization. The spray formula contains three moisturizers that can help control dry skin. And, it is lanolin-free, so it doesn’t leave the coat oily.
For dogs with deep folds in their skin – and other hard-to-clean areas – consider using Malaseb Pledgets. These wipes combine miconazole and chorhexidine and are ideal for localized care of interdigital areas.
Pyoben Gel is a topical, water-based product to treat superficial microbial infections. It provides better penetration and less irritation, compared to alcohol- or acetone- based products.
As with any medication, be sure you follow the veterinarian’s dosing instructions. It is important to continue using the medication, as directed, until your veterinarian says it is safe to stop.
Otherwise, you dog may experience intense rebound of the original symptoms, which takes you and your dog right back where you started.
Barbara Delp is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and dog medicine.
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Dog Health Treatment & Advice : How to Treat Canine Hair Loss
Treating canine hair loss involves first determining the cause, whether it be from external parasites, allergies, self trauma or internal medical problems, before getting the right treatment from a veterinarian. Care for hair loss issues in a dog with health information from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.
Expert: Dr. Aimee Beger
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Dog Health Treatment & Advice : Signs That a Dog Is Pregnant
Signs that a dog is pregnant include swelling of the abdomen, enlarged mammary glands, an increased appetite and a nesting behavior, but a veterinary exam will confirm the pregnancy. Identify signs that a dog is pregnant with health information from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.
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Dog Health Treatment & Advice : How to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Spaying or neutering a pet, which helps in the pet overpopulation crisis in the country, involves visiting a veterinarian to set up an appointment for surgery when the animal is around 6 months of age. Get a dog or cat spayed or neutered to prevent reproduction, prevent certain medical problems and deter bad behavior with health information from a veterinarian in this free video on pet care.
Expert: Dr. Aimee Beger
Bio: Dr. Aimee Beger works for McClintock Animal Care Center in Tempe, Ariz.
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