Traditional Herbal Remedies for Jaundice Among Tribal Communities in Idukki District of Kerala State in India

ABSTRACT: For generations, indigenous people have relied heavily on traditional herbal remedies as part of their healing procedures for various ailments. The usage of herbs to treat jaundice is a long-standing custom among the tribal communities of Idukki, Kerala, that has been carried down through the generations. A common condition that affects the liver and bile ducts, jaundice is mainly defined by yellowing of the skin and eyes as a result of elevated bilirubin levels. In order to control and treat the ailment using locally accessible herbs, the tribal groups of Idukki rely on their long-standing ethnobotanical knowledge, even when modern medicine offers pharmaceutical therapies. These treatments, which are made from a range of medicinal plants, are a crucial component of conventional healthcare systems because of their reputation for efficacy, low risk of adverse effects and affordability. Since these plants are recognized for their hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying qualities, the tribal healers of Idukki, who are frequently considered to be the keepers of traditional medicine, use a variety of herbal combinations to cure jaundice. These herbs are used in a variety of ways, such as decoctions, powders and fresh extracts. To increase their therapeutic effects, they are frequently mixed with other organic components like honey, buttermilk or tender coconut water. These tribal communities are noted for their holistic approach, which centers on improving immunity and liver function in addition to treating jaundice symptoms. Indigenous medicinal wisdom is perpetuated by the oral transmission of knowledge about these natural remedies from elders to younger generations. Thus, a study was conducted to explore the herbal formulations used by tribal communities like Mannan, Malampandaram and Mala Araya communities in Idukki district. A total of 17 herbal remedies commonly used for treating jaundice among the tribal communities are recorded. Thus, the traditional herbal remedies practiced by Idukki’s tribal communities not only offer a glimpse into ancient healing methods but also highlight the potential of nature-based solutions in contemporary medicine.