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The role of Folk medicine in achieving the traditional goals through IKS: A Review

Saeed Anowar
Junior Research Fellow, Department of Education, Aliah University, Park Circus Campus, Kolkata-700014, West Bengal, India

Somnath Das
Department of Education, CDOE, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal, India

Published online:30th November, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e03.007

Keywords: Folk medicine, Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), traditional healing, herbal remedies, cultural identity, healthcare integration

Abstract:

Folk medicine, deeply embedded within Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), plays a crucial role in preserving traditional healing practices, fostering cultural identity, and enhancing healthcare accessibility. This review explores the significance of folk medicine in achieving traditional health goals by examining its therapeutic efficacy, psychological benefits, and socio-cultural contributions. Herbal remedies, such as Azadirachta indica (Neem), Allium sativum(Garlic), Zingiber officinale(Ginger), and Curcuma longa (Turmeric), have been widely used for their medicinal properties, with some transitioning into modern pharmaceuticals. Additionally, indigenous healing rituals, such as Ayahuasca ceremonies and sweat lodge practices, provide psychological and emotional well-being, reinforcing community cohesion and resilience. Despite its relevance, folk medicine faces several challenges, including the need for scientific validation, ethical concerns related to intellectual property rights, and difficulties in integrating traditional healing with modern healthcare. The lack of empirical research limits its acceptance within biomedical frameworks, while the commercialization of indigenous remedies raises issues of biopiracy. Regulatory barriers hinder the full incorporation of traditional practices into formal healthcare systems. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration, legal protections, and standardized protocols to bridge traditional knowledge with scientific research. As global interest in holistic and integrative medicine increases, recognizing the value of folk medicine can contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system. This review underscores the importance of preserving indigenous healing traditions while fostering ethical and scientific advancements to ensure their continued relevance in modern healthcare.

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Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for Future [Volume: 3]

How to Cite
Saeed Anowar and Somnath Das (2024). The role of Folk medicine in achieving the traditional goals through IKS: A Review © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Somnath Das, Dr. Jayanta Kumar Das, Dr. Mayur Doke and Dr. Vincent Avecilla (eds.), Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 3, pp. 164-179. ISBN: 978-81-978955-7-9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e03.007

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