Folk Wisdom of Medicinal Plants Used for Mak-Mai Fever: A Case Study of Folk Healers in Local Ethnic Groups in Srisaket Province
Keywords:
Folk wisdom, Folk healer, Mak-Mai Fever, Medicinal plantsAbstract
We performed a qualitative research study with the objective of studying folk wisdom to relieve Mak-Mai fever symptoms among folk healers in the Esan region. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and observation with 9 folk healers. We found that there were 9 herbal formulas that were commonly used. There were 16 families and 22 species of medicinal plants in these formulas. The mostly commonly selected family was FABACEAE. The mostly frequently used part of medicinal plants was heartwood. The medicines tasted cold, followed by bitter and astringent flavors. The most common medicinal plant that folk healers selected to use was Dracaena lourieri Gagnep. The common method of making medicine was rubbing. Considering pharmacology of medicinal plants in the formulas, most of them had antipyretic activities (e.g. Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl.), anti-inflammation activities (e.g. Caesalpinia sappan L.), and antimalarial activities (e.g. Eurycoma longifolia Jack). The knowledge of folk healers was transferred continuously in their family from their parents. This study was the first one that collected folk wisdom about relieving symptoms of the Mak-Mai fever among local ethnic groups in Srisaket province. These groups have cultural diversity and unique identities. The results of the study were very useful for Thai traditional medicine. The core knowledge can be applied to both prescribe medication and maintain medical folk wisdom.
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