Abstract

A STUDY ON UNCONVENTIONAL PANCHABHAUTIK CHIKITSA PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE KHASI TRIBE OF MEGHALAYA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MANAGEMENT OF TAMAKA SHWASA WITH PUNARNAVA & CHILLY

Shivam Shaw* and Verity Markhap

ABSTRACT

Khasi tribe, largest tribes of Meghalaya, Northeastern part of India possesses an immense knowledge and belief on their folklore medicinal practice. They inhibit their art of healing from their forefather, and it is being passed on since ages. Numerous herbs are utilized and practiced for their specific desired effect.[1] One such medicinal plant is Boerhavia diffusa commonly known as Punarnava as per Ayurveda (used for treatment of Tamak swasha as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts) used along with chilli (Katuveera) for treatment of Tamak swasha according to folk medicinal practices of East khasi hills.[2] A clear identification and understanding of correlations with Panchbhautika chikitsa based on panchbhautika shiddant, will help us to explore the unconventional underrated practice.

Keywords: Boerhavia diffusa, Punarnava, Khasi community, Tamak swasha, panchbhautika chikitsa, Ayurveda.