Preserving traditional child health care practices followed in Udupi district-A qualitative study

Though modern medicine is practised across India, traditional systems of medicine along with folklore systems still continue to assist a large section of the population, especially in rural areas. This indigenous practice and knowledge should be recorded before it disappears. Therefore, we aim to collect information regarding the knowledge of health care practices in Udupi district. A prospective qualitative study was carried out for a period of six months in rural and tribal areas of Udupi district, South India, using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview method. Leaves are the most frequently used plant parts and most medicines are formulated into a paste and administered orally or topically. A paste of traditional roots and herbs (like Brahmi, baje [Acorus calamus] and pinaari) is advised for newborn babies with the belief that it will improve memory and enhance speech development. Other herbs from the kitchen garden (sambarballi and tulsi/basil leaves) are primarily used in a decoction to remove phlegm from the body. Gathering information from the tribal population of the society may prove to be constructive in preserving the ancient knowledge before it becomes extinct.