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Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 9 (1), January 2010, pp 203-208
A study on traditional mother care plants of rural communities of South Kerala
NP Rajith1, M Navas2, A Muhammad Thaha2, MJ Manju3, N Anish1, S Rajasekharan2 & V George1*
1Amity Institute for Herbal & Biotech Products Development, Ambalamukku, PO Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; 2Tropical
Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; 3NSS College, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
E-mail: palpuprakulam@yahoo.co.in
Traditional Knowledge has been used for centuries by indigenous and local communities in healthcare. It is an important
factor for sustainability of natural resource management. The women folk of the country play a vital role in the use and
mobilization of such biodiversity based knowledge system. The efficacy of this knowledge is time tested and capable of
healthcare management in the form of nutraceuticals and pharma food. The study aimed to document the existing system of
traditional knowledge and utility pattern of medicinal plants related to pre and post natal care. This resulted in the
documentation of 52 plant species belonging to 49 genera and 38 families, as 17 single drugs, 8 formulations of medicated
water for bath (Vethuvellam), 5 formulations of nutraceuticals (Kurukkumarunnu), 4 formulations of food (medicated
porridge). The plants are enumerated along with local name, type of plants, family name, parts used and mode of
administration.
Keywords: Traditional Knowledge, Traditional mother care, Pre-natal, Post-natal, Nutraceuticals, Medicinal plants, Kerala
IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K36/00, A61P15/00, A61P15/06, A61P15/14
India has a long history in traditional health practices
in local health tradition and home remedies
(Grandma’s medicine). Home remedies are
especially aimed in uplifting the health profile of
women and children. Even though modern medical
systems are available, most of the people are still
depending on the rich local health traditions for
mother and child care. In Kerala, this diversified
system of traditional practices prevails among the
rural communities since time immemorial. The study
aims to document the plants used for mother and
child care by the indigenous community/rural people
of South Kerala. Medico-ethnobotany acts as a
bridge between botany and tribal knowledge
regarding medicinal properties of plants. Rigveda
and Atharvaveda, which dates back to 2,000–1,000
BC and several post Vedic treatise, viz.
Charakasamhitha (100 AD), Sushruthasamhitha
(100-800 AD), Dhanwanthari Nighantu (1,200 AD),
are the important ancient sources of information on
medicinal plants1. Ethnomedicine is usually plant
based and ingredients are from locally available flora
and fauna combined with magico-religious practices.
Mother and child care is one of the major divisions
of Ayurveda. During pregnancy, nausea, vomiting,
tiredness, urinary problems, genital bleeding, fever,
weakness, gas in abdomen, edema and toothache are
the major problems2. There are many time tested
practices designed to suit the health problems of the
mother and child3-8. The prenatal care aims at easy
delivery and a healthy child. Postnatal care aims to
recover women’s health after delivery.
Methodology
Frequent field visits were conducted in selected
Gramapanchayats of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam
and Pathanamthitta districts of South Kerala and
gathered information about traditional knowledge
pertained to mother care, and the detailed application
and administration of plant remedies for pre- and
post- natal care (Fig. 1). Data sheets and
questionnaires were used for data collection, which
——————
*Corresponding author
Fig. 1—Location map of study area
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, NO. 1 JANUARY 2010
204
includes collection number, name and age of
informants, place, local name, family, specificity in
collecting useful parts, detailed method of drug
preparation, specificity of dosage, restrictions if any
and administration. Photographs were also taken for
correct identification. The plants are enumerated with
Latin names followed by family, local name, parts
used and medicinal uses. A detailed description about
preparation, administration, and application of the
drug are also given.
Enumeration
In the enumeration of data, the plant species are
arranged with their serial number, botanic name, local
name, type of the plant, family name, parts used, and
mode of administration, etc. (Figs. 2-10). The voucher
specimen along with the number is deposited
with Herbarium of Tropical Botanic Garden and
Research Institute, Palode. The study was carried
out through the use of a structured and pre-
tested interview schedule to elucidate information.
The questionnaires were designed in an open
ended format. The permission of the holders of the
information was taken in writing and thus the
documentation was done. The respondents were
mostly elderly women. Generally, common
ailments/discomforts were treated and life
threatening diseases/ailments were attended by
doctors/experienced persons (Table 1).
Compound drugs
Apart from the single drug, many combinations
of drugs are used by local communities for
natal treatment. They are Vethuvellam and
Kurukkumarunnu- a medicated porridge. Equal
quantities of the different species’ used in the
preparation of compound drugs are:
Vethuvellam (Medicated water for bath)
After the delivery, the body of women becomes
very weak and to rejuvenate the body, many
medicinal plants preparations are used. The leaves
and barks of plants like Artocarpus heterophyllus
Lam., Mangifera indica Linn. etc. are used for the
purpose. The leaves of these species are boiled in
water and used for bathing the women after delivery.
Fig2PlantpartsusedfortreatmentFig3 Fig4
Fig5 Fig6 Fig7
Fig8 Fig9 Fig10
Artocarpusheterophyllus Sidaalanifolia
Calycopterisfloribunda Calotropisgigantea Gloriosasuperba
Clerodendruminfortunatum Ixoracoccinea Glycosmispentaphylla
RAJITH et al.: TRADITIONAL MOTHER CARE PLANTS OF SOUTH KERALA
205
Table 1—Plants used by the local people for treating women after delivery
Plant name/ Local name/habit Family Parts used Mode of administration
Achyranthes aspera Linn., Kadaladi/herb Amaranthaceae Whole plant Whole plant is ground, cooked/ boiled in cocon
ut oil and
given one teaspoon 3 times daily for 5 days after delivery to
get rid of debris in the womb.
Adhatoda vasica Nees. Adalodakam/ shrub
Acanthaceae Leaves Half glass fresh leaf extract mixed
in boiled water is given
daily after delivery for curing body ache.
Aerva lanata Juss. Ex Schult. Cherula/herbAmaranthaceae Whole plant
Whole plant decoction mixed with one glass of cow’s milk
is boiled till it reaches the volume of the milk. Half or one
glass is taken in the early morning and evening, from 7th
month of pregnancy for easy delivery.
Asparagus racemosus Willd.,
Satavari/climbing herb
Liliaceae Tuber
Fresh tuberous root juice is given orally 15 ml twice a day
after food to check excessive bleeding and abdominal pain
after delivery. Dried and pow
dered root juice is given orally
either with milk or alone twice a day to increase lactation.
Bacopa monnierii (L.) Penn., Brahmi/herb
Scrophulariaceae
Whole plant
Fresh whole plant juice is given orally 3 teaspoonfuls twice
a day to pregnant ladies for g
etting relief from the
abdominal pain. Whole plant decoction is given during
pregnancy period for increasing foetal growth.
Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.,
Kumbalam/climber
Cucurbitaceae Fruit
Expressed fresh fruit juice (15 ml) is taken twice a day to
prevent gas trouble.
Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br.,
Erukku/shrub
Asclepiadaceae Latex
Plant latex mixed with half boiled eggs is given to women
lacking sufficient lactation. Plant leaves are used to prepare
Vethuvellam (medicated water for bathing the m
other after
delivery).
Clitorea ternatea Linn., Sankupushpam
/climbing herb
Fabaceae Flower
White flowers of the plant crushed and mixed with honey is
taken 2 teaspoonfuls daily in early morning to clean the
uterus after delivery, and also to check the bl
eeding from
the uterus.
Cocos nucifera Linn., Thengu/ tree Arecacaeae Root,
inflorescence
Squashed root/ inflorescence (20 gm) decoction, boiled in
250 ml
of water for 15 minutes is used to prevent
stomachache after delivery to stop the bleeding.
Cuminum cyminum Linn., Jeerakam/herb Apiaceae Seed Powdered seeds mixed with ghee
and honey is given orally
(15 ml) to children against vomiting breast milk. Seeds
boiled in water and given to the child for getting relief from
stomach pain.
Curculigo orchioides Gaertner.,
Nilappana/herb
Amaryllidaceae Rhizome
Fresh tuberous root paste mixed with one glass of cow’s
milk is taken orally to get relief from stomach pain after
delivery.
Euphorbia hirta Linn., Nilappala/herb Euphorbiaceae Leaves Fresh leaves decoction
(15 ml) is taken daily after food to
increase lactation.
Gloriosa superba Linn., Menthonni/herb Lliliaceae Root
Fresh root paste is applied on the supra pubic region and the
vagina to promote labour pain.
Mullugo pentaphylla Linn.,
Parpadakapullu /herb
Aizoaceae Leaves
Leaf decoction is given twice a day for cleaning the uterus
after delivery. Whole plant decoction (75gm) with water
(50ml) is given 3 teaspoons thrice a day for 7 days for easy
delivery.
Moringa oleifera Lam., Muringa/tree Moringaceae Root, leaves
Fresh roots (50 gm) are ground and the paste is mixed in
water and taken single dose just after delivery to expel the
placenta. The leaves are highly nutritious food for pregnant
women before and after delivery.
Sida alnifolia Linn., Kurunthotti/ shrub Malvaceae Whole plant
Fresh whole plant paste in milk is taken (after 7 months of
pregnancy) ½ or 1 glass daily before bed time
for normal
delivery.
Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.)
Craib., Ayamodakam/ herb
Apiaceae Seed Powdered seeds mixed with
honey is taken 2 teaspoonfuls 3
times daily for reducing stomach pain after delivery.
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, NO. 1 JANUARY 2010
206
This medicated water is called Vethuvellam. The
mode of preparation of Vethuvellam varies in different
places. The enumeration of plants which are used to
prepare Vethuvellam with its family in paranthesis,
local name and parts used are given as below:
Formulation- 1
1 Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae), Pezhu,
dried bark
2 Cocos nucifera Linn. (Arecaceae), Thengu,
partially dried bark
3 Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Moraceae), Peral, dried
bark
4 Ficus gibbosa Blume (Moraceae), Ithi, dried bark
5 Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Moraceae), Athi, dried bark
6 Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae), Arayal, dried
bark
7 Mangifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae), Mavu,
dried bark
Formulation- 2
1 Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Anacardiaceae),
Parankimavu, dried bark
2 Calycopteris floribunda Lam. (Combretaceae),
Pullanji, fresh leaves
3 Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae), Pezhu,
dried bark
4 Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (Verbenaceae),
Peruvelum, fresh leaves
5 Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Moraceae), Peral, dried
bark
6 Ficus gibbosa Blume (Moraceae), Ithi, dried bark
7 Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Moraceae), Athi, dried
bark
8 Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae), Arayal, dried
bark
9 Musa paradisica Linn. (Musaceae), Vazha, fresh
leaves
10 Piper nigrum Linn. (Piperaceae), Kurumulaku,
fresh leaves and stem
11 Psidium guajava Linn. (Myrtaceae), Pera, fresh
leaves
12 Quassia indica Nooteboom. (Simaroubaceae),
Karinjotta, fresh leaves
13 Vitex nigundo Linn. (Verbenaceae), Karinochi,
fresh leaves
Formulation–3 (Nalpamarapatta- bark of 4 Ficus sp)
1 Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Moraceae), Peral, dried
bark
2 Ficus gibbosa Blume (Moraceae), Ithi, dried bark
3 Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Moraceae), Athi, dried bark
4 Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae), Arayal, dried bark
Formulation- 4
1 Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae),
Erikku, fresh leaves
2 Quassia indica Nooteboom. (Simaroubaceae),
Karinjotta, fresh leaves
3 Tamarindus indica Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae), Puli,
fresh leaves
Formulation- 5
1 Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae), Plavu,
fresh leaves
2 Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Veppu,
fresh mature leaves
3 Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. (Oxalidaceae),
Mukkutti, whole plant
4 Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae), Pezhu, fresh
bark
5 Cocos nucifera Linn. (Arecaceae), Thengu, rachis,
coconut shell
6 Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Moraceae), Peral, dried
bark
7 Ficus gibbosa Blume (Moraceae), Ithi, dried bark
8 Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Moraceae), Athi, dried bark
9 Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae), Arayal, dried bark
10 Piper nigrum Linn. (Piperaceae), Kurumulaku,
fresh leaves, Stem
Formulation- 6
1 Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acanthaceae),
Adalodakam, fresh mature leaves
2 Calycopteris floribunda Lam. (Combretaceae),
Pullanji, fresh leaves
3 Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae), Pezhu,
dried bark
4 Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (Verbenaceae),
Peruvelam, fresh leaves
5 Musa paradisica Linn. (Musaceae), Vazha, fresh
mature leaves
6 Quassia indica Nooteboom. (Simaroubaceae),
Karinjotta, mature leaves
7 Tamarindus indica Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae), Puli,
mature leaves
Formulation- 7
1 Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Veppu,
mature leaves
2 Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Nyctaginaceae),
Thazhuthama, root
RAJITH et al.: TRADITIONAL MOTHER CARE PLANTS OF SOUTH KERALA
207
3 Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae),
Erukku, mature leaves
4 Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), Manjal, mature
leaves, dried rhizome
5 Ficus bengalensis Linn. (Moraceae), Peral, dried
bark
6 Ficus gibbosa Blume (Moraceae), Ithi, dried bark
7 Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Moraceae), Athi, dried
bark
8 Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae), Arayal, dried
bark
9 Pandanus odoratissimus Linn.f. Lam.
(Pandanaceae), Kaitha, tender leaves
10 Psidium guajava Linn. (Myrtaceae), Pera, mature
leaves
11 Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Zygophyllaceae),
Njerinjil, root
Formulation- 8
1 Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae), Plavu,
fresh leaves
2 Cocos nucifera Linn. (Arecaceae), Thengu, rachis
3 Curcuma longa Linn. (Zingiberaceae), Manjal,
fresh leaves, rhizome
4 Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) Correa (Rutaceae),
Panchi, fresh leaves
5 Ixora coccinea Linn. (Rubiaceae), Thechi, leaves
Kurukkumarunnu
Kurukkumarunnu, a nutraceutical type, is a form of
medicines used in natal treatment. In this, the plant
parts like root, stem, inflorescence etc. are used either
as decoction/ juice/ in the form of a lehya. After
delivery, this preparation is helpful for rejuvenating
the body and also to avoid stomach pain or back pain.
In the study, different formulations of
Kurukkumarunnu documented are:
Formulation-1
Equal quantities of the Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.)
R. Br. (Naruneendi) outer root bark and barks of
Erythrina stricta Roxb. (Murukku) and Moringa
oleifera Lam. (Muringa) are crushed along with equal
quantity of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link (Thumba)
leaves and the juice thus obtained is taken 3
teaspoonfuls daily. The juice is also mixed with dried
ginger, pepper, jaggery, ghee and taken in little
coconut oil. Or this mixture is boiled till a semisolid
form, Lehya is obtained. It is given 2 teaspoon daily
before food to avoid stomach pain or for blood
purification after delivery.
Formulation- 2
Leaf juice of Gossypium herbaceum Linn.
(Kuruparuthi) is mixed with rice flour (Oryza sativa
Linn.) and palm jiggery (Borasus flabellifer Linn.) to
prepare the kurukkumarunnu in ghee. It is given to the
mother for alleviating body pain after delivery one
teaspoon twice daily before food.
Formulation- 3
Juice of equal quantities of Mimosa pudica Linn.
(Thottavadi) and Borasus flabellifer Linn. crushed
together is taken with Karupotti (palm jaggery) and
ghee. This kurukku (semi solid form), is given one
spoonful daily before food to women after delivery in
order to cure body pain.
Formulation- 4
Equal quantities of juice obtained from leaves of
Cissampelos pareira (Buch.-Ham. ex DC.) Forman
(Malathangi), Azima tetracantha Lam. (Yeasanku), and
Thespesia populnea (L.) Soland. ex Corr. (Seelanthi),
and then taken with Borasus flabellifer Linn.
(Karipotti/palm jaggery), and Cocos nucifera Linn.
(coconut oil). Or it is prepared in the form of a Lehya
(Kurukkumarunnu) in coconut oil. This is administered
to women to avoid over bleeding after delivery.
Formulation- 5
The rhizomes of Curcuma longa Linn. are ground
and mixed with Cocos nucifera Linn. (coconut milk),
Ghee and administered orally as kurukkumarunnu to
the mother in early morning 1 spoon for 2-3 days to
avoid worm infection.
In addition to these formulations, different
preparations like Jeeraka kanji, Njavarayari kanji,
Uluvakanji and Elakanji are also taken by mothers
as a remedy for pre- and post -natal problems.
Main ingredients of these preparations are dried
seeds of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecium L.), cardamom
[Elataria cardamomum (L.) Maton], leaves of Coleus
aromaticus Benth., palm jaggery, rice and coconut
milk. This is given to the mother after 15 days of
delivery in early morning. These preparations are very
effective against urinary problems, strengthening
mother’s body after delivery, remove stomach pain,
avoid excess bleeding, etc.
Conclusion
In the study, information on 52 plant species in 49
genera coming under 38 families used for various
treatments are documented. The informants with the
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, NO. 1 JANUARY 2010
208
age group 60-80 yrs are capable of giving most of the
information. The 52 species are applied or
administered through different media. Water is found
as the main and important medium. Out of 52 species,
23 spices are administered orally while others are
applied both externally and internally. An analysis of
the officinal parts used for treatment shows variation
from species to species, almost all parts are used in
treatment such as leaves, stem, root (rhizome, tuber)
flower, fruits, seeds etc. (Fig. 10). Leaves are the
main useful part and 27 species are employed in
different treatments. Barks of 10 species and roots of
4 species are used in pre and post natal treatment. Out
of 52 plants species, roots, rhizome and flowers are
used very less. Twelve species of whole plants are
significantly used for various preparations.
Acknowledgement
Authors take this opportunity to express their
heart felt gratitude to the local people especially,
Traditional Knowledge holders of
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta
districts, who gave the valuable information and their
consent. Authors are grateful to Dr Ashok K
Chauhan, the Founder President AIHBPD, for his
advice and encouragement. Authors express their
gratitude to Prof P Pushpangadan for providing the
facilities to conduct this work. Authors also thank Smt
SD Vijayalakshmi and Shri PS Nandakumar, for
computer assistance.
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