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Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM65965
Volume:
10 |
7 |
Jul 2026
Pages:
1-5
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
MBA
RNS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MBA
RNS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MBA
RNS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Traditional folklore medicine represents an accumulated body of indigenous knowledge, passed orally across generations, that continues to serve as a primary source of healthcare for rural and tribal communities in India. This paper, prepared under an ICSSR funded project, examines the nature, transmission and contemporary relevance of folklore medicine practices prevalent among rural households and traditional healers in Karnataka. Using a descriptive and exploratory research design, the study draws on field interviews with traditional healers (vaidyas), household surveys and documentary review to identify commonly used herbal, dietary and ritual-based remedies for ailments ranging from minor infections to chronic conditions. The findings indicate that folklore medicine remains deeply embedded in the socio-cultural fabric of rural Karnataka, is valued for its affordability, accessibility and perceived safety, and continues to coexist with formal biomedical systems rather than being replaced by them. The study also highlights the erosion of this knowledge due to urbanisation, migration and the absence of systematic documentation, and argues for its scientific validation, intellectual property protection and integration into complementary healthcare frameworks. The paper concludes that sustained academic and policy attention, of the kind enabled by ICSSR funding, is essential to safeguard this intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
KEYWORDS
Traditional folklore medicine continues to occupy a significant place in the healthcare-seeking behaviour of rural communities in Karnataka, valued for its affordability, cultural resonance and accessibility. While it coexists with, rather than replaces, formal biomedical care, its knowledge base is under threat from generational, social and economic change. The present study, undertaken as an ICSSR funded project, underscores the need for systematic documentation, scientific validation and appropriate policy support to ensure that this vital component of India's intangible cultural heritage is preserved and responsibly integrated into the wider healthcare landscape for the benefit of future generations.
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Publication Date
7/9/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
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The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
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