Preserving Traditional Healing Practices of the Kurumba and Irula in Tamil Nadu- A Study

Abstract

 The Kurumba and Irula tribes of Tamil Nadu have preserved traditional healing practices passed down through generations, using herbs, plants, and forest resources to treat various ailments. This article explores their ethno medicinal knowledge, highlighting the significance of indigenous medicine in modern healthcare. The Kurumba people, inhabiting the Nilgiri hills, possess extensive knowledge of local flora, using plants like _Sida cordifolia_ and _Gymnema sylvestre_ to treat diseases. The Irula, found in the eastern plains, employ unique techniques for snakebite treatment and use herbs like _Aristolochia indica_ for various remedies.Their traditional practices offer insights into sustainable healthcare and biodiversity conservation. However, these practices face challenges like deforestation, urbanization, and cultural erosion. Documenting and preserving these traditions is crucial for cultural heritage and modern medicine.