Ethno-Medico-Botanical Study of Plants Used as Varma Medicines in Kaaraiyar, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The Varma Maruthuvam is a branch of Siddha medicine. It is an Art of warfare found in southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In varmamaruthuvam herbs, metals, minerals and even animal product were used in their medicine. Herbs are used in many forms like powder, decoction, medicated oil, medicated ghee etc. These treatment modalities can cure injury, wounds, fractures, dislocation of bones and nerve injury. The present study was initiated with an aim to identify traditional healers who are practicing herbal medicine among the Kaani tribals in Kaaraiyar of Tamil Nadu, India and document their indigenous knowledge on the utilization of medicinal plants, particularly most common ethnomedicinal plants.