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Honey bee publish details |
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Kerala |
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A Biodiversity Champion: Annakutty Joseph, Kerala |
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Smt Annakutty Joseph learnt herbal healing practices from uncle and is adept at treatment of various human and animal ailments. She was born in Pala in Kottayam in 1945 and settled in Perinjankutty, a picturesque village in the Chempakappara area, Idukki district after marriage. It has been nearly fifty years taking care of farming and livestock. Nearly 70 per cent of her land has rubber and cocoa plantation. She cultivates some of the rare plants like Orila (Nervilia spp), Moovilai (Pseudarthria viscida), Anaisuvadi (Elephantopus scaber), Vellaikundy, Iruveli [Coleus zeylanicus], Karpoora Thulasi (Ocimum kilimandscharicum), Peppermint Thulasi, Unga (Pongamia glabra), Ponnarathagara, etc., and has conserved traditional vegetables with medicinal properties like Akasavellari (Passiflora leschenaultii and Neikumbalam (specific variety of ash gourd, Benincasa hispida). She also prepares a special thailam (oil), using different medicinal plants. Annakutty has been awarded with state biodiversity awards in 2008 and 2016 for her work in biodiversity conservation. She has treated over 10,000 animals by using different herbal preparation against Foot and Mouth Disease and other livestock diseases. Conservation of AkashaVellari (Giant Granadilla)Annakutty has planted Akashavellari in her garden. She brought it from Kandhalur forest area.It belongs to the cucurbit family and is good for preventing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Tender fruits are cooked as vegetable (added in Sambar). Conservation of Neikumbalam (wild ash gourd)She grows wild ash gourd variety which is very small in size and uses it for reducing body fat. The gourd is also good for curing diabetes. (It is the main ingredient of the ayurvedic formulation called Kushmanda Rasayana and Venpoosani Legiyam in Siddha system of medicine: Ed).Conservation of Mali Milagai (wild chilli variety)The fruit fetches very high price for its export value.Conservation of VallikilanguShe uses tubers of Vallikilangu (Dioscorea sp.) for increasing milk yield in cows. This is also given to lactating mothers.Conservation of Kattu ulli (wild onion):This plant is used for treating Tonsillitis. Some of her treatment/healing practices are mentioned here:Paduvan (skin lesions) The innovator applies the paste of bark of drumstick tree and the leaves of bitter gourd on the lesion. If not cured, arrowroot powder is given in toddy to drink.Bitter gourd is effective in treating skin diseases or skin infection, eczema and psoriasis (Tupe et al. (2013). International Research Journal Pharm. Applied Science, 3(1), 49-51). Palm wine contains major source of amino acids as well as iron which cure skin diseases (http://www.informafrica.com/health-africa/information-and-health-benefits-of-palm-wine/).Karunjeeragam for skin DiseasesKarunjeeragam (Nigella sativa) seeds, garlic, Thippili (Piper longum) fruit, underground tuber of wild bitter gourd (Momordica subangulata) and fried powdered husked rice of winter crop (Mudakan) are taken in equal amount and mixed with basil leaves juice. This is made into small balls and fed with juice of Thanrikkai (Terminalia bellarica), poultry blood and country arrak (liquor) alternatively. Terminalia bellarica can be used to cure skin infections like allergies, urticaria and other erythematous disorders (Bag, A. et al. (2013). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicines 3(3): 244–252).Skin diseaseTo cure skin diseases, the leaves of Karimthakara (Albizia odoratissima) are ground with garlic and applied externally on the infected areas.Bark of Albezia odoratissima has been reported for treatment of leprosy (Khurnbongmayum et al (2005). Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 4(1), 21-32.Umbilical cord infection (navel infection) in calves To cure navel infection in calves, Annakutty fumigates it with the smoke of ajwain, peels of garlic, neem cake and thumbai (Leucas aspera).Root extract of Leucas aspera has been reported for antimicrobial activity (Chew, A.L. et al. (2012). Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2(3):176-180).FeverTo cure fever, feed Picrorhiza kurroa, Asuranakam and Aspidopterys canarensis with basil leaf juice thrice a day.Intestinal wormsMayakku (Quercus infectoria), nutmeg, Kadugurohini (Picrorhiza kurroa), tender leaves of native mango tree, Paalkayam (a preparation with asafoetida), husk of Terminalia chebula fruit are taken (1g each). These are added to one Idangazhy and about 1-1.5 litre of water and cooked until it becomes four thudam (approximately 0.25 l) and fed thrice a day, with half thudam at a time. [thudam is malayalam word for quantity: Ed]Anthelmintic activity of the fruits extracts of Terminaliachebula Retz. has been reported (Dwivedi, S. et al. (2008). Ethanobotanical Leaflets 12:741-743.).Vathsanadhi capsuleThe Vathsanadhi capsule is prepared from Chayilyam (red dye used in facial makeup of temple art, theyyam), Piper longum and other medicines. It is best for curing indigestion, diarrhoea and other gastric disorders in cows. It is to be administered with some juice of malayinchi [wild ginger (Zingiber wightianum)] thrice a day (each dose of two capsules). For calves, one-capsule dose is given twice a day while for goats, only half a capsule is to be given.For faeces with blood and bad odour (locally called as stomach itching), Kottagam (Grewia microcos) leaves’ juice is mixed with these capsules and fed twice a day (each dose of two capsules).For worms Five gram of Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga), one Allium cepa and 10 g of ginger is crushed and administered orally (one spoon). Allium cepa Anthelmintic activities of Allium cepa have been well reported (Hussain, et al (2008). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 119(1), 185-190).Mastitis1. To cure mastitis, 100 g of Ayappana (Eupatorium triplinerve) and five gram of rock salt is mixed with rice soup (the water that remains after boiling rice) and frequently applied on the udder of cow.Eupatorium triplinerve has antibacterial (against staph, cholera, pneumonia and shigella) as well as antiparasitic (Ascaris) and anthelminitic (Taenia) actions (Sugumar et al. (2015). International Letters of Natural Sciences, 4).2. Sarpagandhi (Rauwolfia serpentine), Paluthakarachedi (Homalocladium platycladum), 100 g of turmeric and 20 g of rock salt is mixed with rice soup and applied on the affected area, frequently.Methanol extract of Rauvolfia serpentina root showed best antibacterial activity (Dharajiya et al., (2012). Wayamba Journal of Animal Science 2: 332-342.).3. Leaves of aloe vera weighing about 200 g, a small turmeric piece and five gram rock salt is mixed with rice soup and applied over the affected area.The efficacy of Aloe vera on mastitis pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Escherichia coli has been reported (Chickwanda et al. (2013). International Journal of Scientific Research 2(10): 1-3).4. Forty one leaves of Garuda Kodi (Aristolochia indica), turmeric and five gram rock salt is mixed with rice soup. To this, one egg white of native poultry is added and applied directly on the udder, frequently.Leaves and roots of Aristolochia indica has been used to cure mastitis (Usha et al., (2016). Ethnoveterinary medicine of the Shervaroy Hills of Eastern Ghats, India, as alternative medicine for animals. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 6: 118-125).5. Eleven fruits of Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula) are cut into two equal halves. The seeds are removed and half of the area is filled with black gingelly (Sesamum indicum) while the remaining half is filled with sandal powder. These are then covered with leaves of amirthailai (Tinospora cordifolia), tied with grass Cynodon dactylon and cooked in cow’s milk. After cooking, it is ground with stone and mixed with the remaining milk which was used for boiling. The paste is then frequently applied externally on the udder.Hot aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula fruits showed antibacterial activities against mastitis field isolates (Varshney et al., (2012). Antibacterial activity of fruits of Terminalia chebula and Terminalia chebula against mastitis field isolates. Medicinal Plants- International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries, 4(3): 167-169).6. Gingelly seeds, turmeric, leaves of Tinospora cordifolia, Derris scandens, sandal wood, Mimosa pudica, Phyllanthus nururui, Siol and Cynodon dactylon (50 g each) are boiled in cow’s milk. Five gram of rock salt and slaked lime are added to it and the mixture is applied externally on the udder, frequently.Saltish milk whey mixed in oil extract of Sesamum indicum was used for treatment of mastitis (Dilshad et al., (2010). Documentation of ethnoveterinary practices for mastitis in dairy animals in Pakistan. Pakistan Veterinary Journal 30(3): 167-171).Sahdavari (Asparagus racemosus) base, including its roots, is washed and ground well. Fifty gram of rock salt and rice soup is mixed with the powder to make a paste which is directly applied on the udder, frequently.A. racemosus can also be helped in the mastitis prevention through its anti-microbial properties (Kumar et al., (2006). Ancient Science of Life 25:6-9).7. Nilanarai (Naregamia alata) leaves, along with turmeric, are ground and applied directly on the infected part. Antibacterial activity of Naregamia alatahas been reported against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (Jacob et al., (2012). In vitro pharmacological activity of the whole plant Naregamiaalata. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry 5(2):265).8. Anayatiyan (Elephantopus scaber) plant is ground with turmeric, mixed with butter and applied externally.Elephantopus scaber has been used to cure bovine mastitis by Kattunaika tribe of Wayanad District (Ragi et al. (2014). International Journal of Current Research 6(7):7331-7334).9. Leaves of neem, turmeric and rock salt are ground with rice soup and applied. Azadirachta indica showed antibacterial activity against S.aureus isolated from mastitic samples (Vaidya et al. (2015). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science 4(6): 271-280).InflammationSymptoms: Swellings on joints, fever.She cooks a mixture of 0.25 l of Pinnai oil (Calophyllum inophyllum), two handfuls of Psoralea corylifolia seeds and Holarrhena pubescens seeds. Two thudam (parts) of this are given orally and applied on the legs and joints.Foot and Mouth disease Symptoms: Wounds in the hooves, mouth and udder, leathery saliva from mouth, fever and lessened intake of food.If toe wounds become infectious, Annakutty applies some turmeric, camphor, garlic and rice husk on it, followed by an application of teak oil. Vathsnadi capsule or karimjeerakadhi capsule could be given too.Leg shaking diseaseSymptoms: When cow stands or walk it will throw or shake legs.A white Oomathai (Datura metel) fruit is sliced into two equal halves, its seeds removed and filled with mustard. This fruit is then tied and boiled in rice soup. Afterwards, it is ground and made into a thick paste which is applied on the legs. Warts in udder 1. Ginger is ground and mixed with slaked lime and applied on warts. 2. Ten gram of garlic is sliced and cooked in 100 ml coconut oil till it turns golden brown. Then, 50 g camphor and turmeric powder is mixed with it and applied on the warts.Zingiber officinale used to cure wart and its related disorders (Staggs, J.J., (2003). Patent number: US6593371 B1).Jaundice Symptoms: Yellowness in eye, urine red in colour and fever.For jaundice, three unripe Castor (Ricinus communis) fruits and one pinch of cumin is mixed with cow’s milk and given orally, every morning, for three consecutive days. Also, the cow is to be bathed in cold water twice a day. PilesWild Senai Kilangu (elephant foot yam) is used to prepare lehyams (sweetened ayurvedic preparation) by the innovator for treatment of piles.Awards She received Nagarjuna Aswamitra 2008 state award, Bio-diversity award 2016 for the best medicinal plant farmer with ¹ 10,000 as award money given by Nagarjuna Research Foundation, Kalayamthani, Idukki district, Kerala.Smt. Annakutty Joseph D/o. SowriyaPerinjankutty Post-685604, Murckassery, Idukki District: Kerala Scout: P.vivekanandan and Dr. Varadarajan, SEVA, Translation by ChrissIpe Mathew, Mr Dhanapalan. |
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| Volume No. |
Honey Bee 27(1) 14-17, 2016 |
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