Revision and Extension of Indigenous Materia Medica from Palm Leaf Manuscript - การปริวรรตและการสืบทอดภูมิปัญญายาท้องถิ่นจากพับสาและใบลาน

Abstract

             The palm leaf manuscripts and sa paper manuscripts of indigenous documents from many sources of Northern Thailand of at least 1,400 formulas were revised and analyzed, based on the knowledge of Lanna character, community way of life and traditional medicine knowledge. After an analysis of the medical materials, it was found that the medicaments were mostly formulated into a compound medicine from raw materials of herb, animal and mineral components. The characteristic of each material medica was named followed by the disease. The ingredients could be formulated into 34 forms according to the methods of usage. Many parts of medicinal plants could be used. They contained hot, cold and equally hot and cold properties. The healers knew how to prescribe these medicines pertaining to their specific properties relating to various stages of their patients' symptoms. There were element analysis in the treatment and many popular formulas were referenced such as YAKAEHATON and YATUSSAMUNE. It was found that curing procedure included ritual to expel bad luck and for longevity, extending patients' lives. Buddhist  way of explanation of illness also became an essence. The ritual is also used in compounding and collecting medicinal plants.

              Based on this study, the indigenous knowledge of Lanna traditional medicine could be developed especially in the field of pharmacy, in order to learn and rejuvenate folk medicine which is a sector of self health care for public health benefit. However, more studies on its full applications and potential are still needed.