A Study of the Traditional Health Care Practices in Ancient Tamil Nadu – An Assessment

A. Abdul Kareem

Dr. G. Yoganandham

Research Scholar, Dept. of Economics, Thiruvalluvar University, Serkkadu, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Associate Professor & Head, Dept. of Economics, Thiruvalluvar University, Serkkadu, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: India is known around the world for its diverse civilizations and mystical rituals. Scholars and philosophers of the time formed a century-old tradition in the depths of this culture. Despite a long history of being viewed as unscientific, scientists and doctors are now aware of the benefits of traditional Indian health care. Many investigations on traditional medicine and its apparently magical qualities in the treatment of terminal diseases are currently being done. Home remedies are used all around the world, but they are recognized as science in India only. Two traditional Indian medicinal traditions: Ayurveda and Siddha are progressively gaining traction in the global healthcare business. In this article, some of India’s most odd and effective medicinal practices, as well as the benefits of each therapy will be reviewed. Throughout history, traditional medicines were the only source of primary healthcare, and they made a substantial contribution. Knowledge of how to use medicinal plants to treat various ailments was highly valued by ancient cultures. Until the mid-nineteenth century, plants were the principal therapeutic agents used by humans, and they continue to play an important role in pharmaceutical formulations. Traditional medicine is used by around 80 percent of people in undeveloped countries for their primary health care needs because of its low prices, effectiveness, frequently restricted availability of modern medicine, and cultural and religious preferences. Plant research in the traditional system of medicine is becoming increasingly significant in the development of global healthcare and conservation efforts. Traditional medicine systems are being used to uncover biologically active chemicals that are useful to the pharmaceutical industry. To this end, as much information possible is presented about these areas in this article. There are a number of geographically specific traditional health behaviors and are well reviewed in this paper.

Keywords: Ayurveda and Siddha, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Traditional Indian Health Care, Unani.

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