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Some Esoteric Home Remedies Practiced in Narayanganj District, Bangladesh

Amena Khatun
Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh

Khoshnur Jannat
Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh

Tanvir Ahamed
Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh

Rownak Jahan
Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh

Mohammed Rahmatullah*
Professor Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

In the possible perpetual quest of human beings for treatment and cure of various diseases, the esoteric or a mixture of the paranormal and the supernatural has always played an important role. Since our human ancestors did not have any knowledge of microbes and other causative factors behind the occurrence of diseases, their beliefs in the treatment of sickness centered on propitiating angry gods or evil spirits or demons, which they regarded as the causes for sickness. As a result some of the treatment methods, which persist even in the modern age, borders on the esoteric or are esoteric. The objective of this study was to document some esoteric home remedies used in Narayanganj city of Narayanganj district, Bangladesh. While the actual scientific values of these sorts of treatments are dubious, belief plays a large part in the cure of a patient (placebo effect), and so such treatments also need proper documentation.

Keywords: Esoteric home remedies, Plants, Narayanganj, Bangladesh, Cattle

Location: Narayanganj district, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Development of Host and Medicinal Plants

Commodity: Medicinal Plants

Objectives:

We had been collecting traditional phytotherapeutic information (including esoteric forms of treatment) for over ten years from mainstream folk medicinal practitioners (FMPs) and tribal medicinal practitioners (TMPs) as our primary informants but also collecting information on home remedies. The objective of the present study was to document some esoteric home remedies of Narayanganj district, Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Information was collected from Rasheda (female, aged around 50 years, did not want to disclose full name or house address). Informed Consent was obtained from her to publish or disseminate the obtained information. Interviews were conducted in Bengali, a language spoken both by her and the interviewers. Plant names in Bengali were obtained from her. Since these were common plants (but with some esoteric uses), the plants were easily identified by the authors on the basis of their Bengali names. However, in case of doubt, the informant took the authors to spots from where she usually collected the plants. The plants were photographed, and voucher specimens collected, dried and identified by a competent botanist. Plant specimens were deposited with the Medicinal Plant Collection Wing of the University of Development Alternative. Animal species were easily identified because they were common.

Source of Information: Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2018; 6(4): 166-168

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Another esoteric remedy was the use of roots of Zizyphus mauritiana and Cynodon dactylon to treat night time fever and intermittent fever. Not only were the roots collected from the north side of the plants, but they were put in a polythene bag and tied to the left hand. There does not seem to be any apparent reason for collecting roots from the north side. Also, it appears implausible for a plant or plant part to heal if it is put in a bag and then tied to the body. Regarding use of the fish species, it remains to be scientifically evaluated whether consumption of Notopterus notopterus can actually cure measles. Also, it remains to be seen whether hanging the teeth of Bos taurus indicus (cow) outside the house can really prevent seasonal diseases from occurring.

Knowledge Management: Journal