A Qualitative Study on the Knowledge and Perceptions of Irular Healers Regarding Poisonous Bites and Their Treatments in Walajabad Taluk, Kanchipuram District

BACKGROUND: Plants have been used as a source of medicine by Indigenous people of different ethnic groups inhabiting various terrains for various ailments afflicting humans. An Ethnomedicinal study was undertaken to collect the information from Irulars about the usage of Medicinal Plants for the treatment of Poisonous bites. AIM: The aim of the study is to document the traditional medical practices for poisonous bites followed by Irular People in Kanchipuram District. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ethnomedicinal study was done among the Irular community of Kanchipuram District (Walajabad Panchayat). The data were collected using Questionnaire, Interviews and Discussion with tribal people. A total number of 20 respondents of Walajabad Panchayat were selected by purposive random sampling with 65% Male and 35% Female. Irulas have treated these poisonous bites using various Internal and External Medication. DISCUSSION: The Poisonous bites that are discussed in this study are Snake bite, Dog bite, Scorpion Stings and Unknown bites. In addition to they were in practice treating Infertility, Skin disease and some Gynaecological disorders etc., RESULTS: The result of this ethno medicinal study has revealed that plant species belonging to 68 Families were practiced by Irulas in treating Poisonous bites. The medicinal plants belong to Fabaceae and Asclepiadaceae families were predominantly used by them. They mainly use Roots and Whole Plants for treatment. CONCLUSION: The Present study has concluded that they only use herbs for treating poisonous bites. This hereditary transfer of medicinal knowledge should be documented systematically and should be scientifically validated. Keywords: Irulars, Poisonous bites, Tribal People, Traditional Medical Practices, Vidakadi.