Medicinal Plants of Kerala: A Call for Public Health Education and Policy Reformation

 Medicinal Plants of Kerala: A Call for Public Health Education and Policy Reformation

India, renowned for its rich tapestry of traditional medicine and natural remedies, boasts an abundance of medicinal plants, especially in the lush landscapes of Kerala. Moringa and Cissus quadrangularis are exemplary specimens, scientifically validated for their therapeutic potential in bone healing and addressing osteoporosis linked with menopause. Despite their ubiquity in Kerala's gardens, their transformation into tablet form has led to their commercialization in allopathic medical establishments. Furthermore, these plants, once considered the jewels of Kerala's gardens, now command prices as high as 3000 rupees on international platforms like Amazon.

However, a pressing question emerges: If evidence-based healthcare acknowledges the therapeutic benefits of these plants, why aren't they incorporated into health education? Why is knowledge of their medicinal value limited to market dynamics?

For the discerning residents of Kerala and urban intellectuals, the journey from recognizing these plants in their gardens to comprehending the scientific literature on platforms like PubMed might be intuitive. Yet, for the vast swath of rural India, devoid of such educational privileges, this journey remains elusive. When these invaluable natural resources are commercialized, exported, and transformed into costly tablets, the rural populace remains oblivious to the therapeutic treasures that flourish in their own backyards.

Why does evidence-based knowledge of these plants' properties not permeate public health education? Shouldn't community health workers, like ASHA, be tasked with enlightening communities about the medicinal plants readily available to them? Why aren't these insights integrated into primary disease prevention education?

Furthermore, the role of social scientists, especially those delving into ethnomedicine, appears paradoxical. Their endeavors often culminate in literary works, exploring the depths of traditional medicine. Yet, these works, often priced exorbitantly, become accessible predominantly to the elite, sidelining even the middle class.

The commodification of wellness and traditional medicine is evident in the proliferation of wellness resorts and upscale retreats. As the world stands on the cusp of an AI-driven era, one that is profoundly influenced by natural product-inspired drug discovery, the global demand and recognition of indigenous drugs have never been more pronounced.

It's imperative for India to recalibrate its approach. Embracing a democratic, rights-centric public health policy, one that champions community-based knowledge dissemination, is crucial. Such a shift would not only accentuate the significance of indigenous medicine in self-care and wellness but would also be a testament to India's commitment to a decolonial, knowledge-oriented public health strategy. A strategy dedicated to the wellness and prosperity of its people.