Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 88-102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260507
Documentation of Traditional Treatment Modalities for Vida Kadigal (Poisonous Bites) Practiced by Healers in Kadaladi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District
Dr. Hariharasuthan V1, Dr. Harini S2
1PG scholar (III year), Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai.
2PG scholar (III year), Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Hariharasuthan V
ABSTRACT
Background: Traditional healers play a significant role in the treatment of dangerous poisonous bites particularly in rural communities, where access to modern health system is limited. Nanju Maruthuvam is a specialised branch in Siddha system of medicine, which deals with the toxicity and offers a range of therapeutic methods for treating envenomation. This study focused to record the traditional methods used by healers in Kadaladi taluk, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu to treat vida kadigal.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional ethnomedicinal study was conducted among traditional healers in Kadaladi Taluk. Structured surveys, in-person interviews, and conversations utilizing snowball sampling were used to gather data. Structured surveys, in-person interviews, and conversations utilizing snowball sampling were used to gather data. A total of 20 respondents were included, with key informants providing detailed insights into traditional practices.
Result: Twenty traditional healers were interviewed, with 85% of them being men. The most frequently treated conditions were scorpion stings (32%) and snakebite (60%). There were about thirty recorded medicinal plants from twenty-one families. The most commonly utilized elements were leaves (40%) and entire plants (28%). The most popular preparation (39%) was extract (chaaru), which was mostly used orally (61%). Enicostema axillare, Indigofera tinctoria, Polygala chinensis, and Leucas aspera were among the often-utilized plants. First-aid procedures, dietary restrictions, manthiram use, and internal and exterior therapies were all part of the treatment strategies. Additionally, traditional Siddha formulations and seevam - based treatments were used.
Conclusion: The study recognises the rich knowledge of traditional healers in managing poisonous bites. Documentation of these practices is essential for preserving indigenous knowledge and provides a foundation for future pharmacological validation and integrative healthcare approaches.
Keywords: Vida Kadigal, Siddha medicine, Nanju Maruthuvam, Ethnomedicine, Poisonous bites, Traditional healers
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