Folk medicine recorded in Palm Leaf Manuscripts of Isan: A case study of skin disorders

Abstract

This study is qualitative research performed by collecting, examining and analyzing data regarding the use of medicinal plant formulas to treat skin disorders. Data was collected from the Palm Leaf Manuscriptsof Sakon Nakhon Province, which have been translated in 33 copies, together with the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion form with key informants. The results revealed two groups of skin disorders (i) abnormalities of the skin and tissue group and (ii) exanthematous fever group. A total of 22 diseases, along with 415 formulas used to treat these illnesses were collected and classified. The most frequently mentioned uses were the treatment of dermatitis (63 formulas). The study found, 454 medical materials including animals (48 species), minerals (17 types) as well as 389 medicinal plants (385 plants and 4 mushrooms species). The medicinal plants mostly have bitter flavor (31.44%) and aqueous adjuvant are mostly rain water. Most of the medications were prepared by rubbing on stone (48.30%) and preparations are mostly administered orally (57.18%). The study indicated acquired knowledge of skin disorder treatments arising from the experience of the healer or passed down through generations. This knowledge has practice guidelines for the treatment of each type of skin disease with the use of medicinal plants followed the diagnosis of the causes and symptoms of the disease.

Keywords

• folk medicine
• skin disorders
• medicinal plants
• palm leaf manuscripts