Transliterations of Herbal Medicine Recipes Appeared in Isarn Palm Leaf scripture: A Case Study of the 2nd Chapter Palm Leaf of Folk Healer Pim Kaewwiset

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) investigate the local wisdom of folk healer in healthcare appeared in Isan palm leaf scriptures, 2) transliterate the Isan palm leaf scriptures into modern Thai alphabet and 3) classify herbal medicine recipes appeared on the Isan palm leaf scriptures. This was a qualitative research study. The transliteration of the palm leaf scriptures of Folk Healer Pim Kaewwiset was assessed by the Isan ancient dialect specialists. The study scriptures had 17 palm leaves containing 34 pages and they were written briefly and clearly in Isan dialect.

The findings revealed that the study palm leaf scriptures contained 51 recipes for healing of aliments and 26 methods for compounding medicine. Most of them were healing recipes which included 19 recipes for fever with different types of skin eruptions, 12 recipes for digestive system, 9 recipes for blood circulation system, and 11 recipes for other remedies. The palm leaf scriptures were composed of 202 herbal drug ingredients, comprising 186 herbal plant matters, 9 mineral matters, and 7 animal matters. There were also descriptions of teacher worship and magical power praying for healing. In conclusion, the Isan palm leaf scriptures showed the local wisdom of Isan folk healers in patient remedy using holistic care for both physical and psychological health. Results from this study were also useful for further knowledge development, and for dissemination to students and general population for basic health care, as well as for preservation of local wisdom of folk healers.