Odisha Tribes' Secret Healing Oils Under Study

Sambalpur University's Regional Development and Tribal Studies Centre of Excellence, in conjunction with the anthropology department, has launched an in-depth study of medicinal oils used by tribal groups in western Odisha. The research focuses on the Paudi Bhuyan, Kisan, and Munda communities of the Phuljhar region, aiming to meticulously document their traditional knowledge, preparation techniques, and the specific ailments these oils are believed to treat.

The project, led by Professor Arun Kumar Acharya, involves extensive fieldwork. Researchers have interacted with tribal elders and gathered samples of oils prepared from diverse ingredients, including animal fats like tiger and pig fat, as well as plant-based sources such as karanja, japangi, tol, kusum, and neem. These oils reportedly serve various purposes, from internal consumption to external application for pain relief and protection against insects and snakes.

Scientists are collaborating with the university's biotechnology department for advanced analysis to scientifically assess the therapeutic potential of these traditional remedies. Claims regarding the oils' efficacy for serious conditions like cancer and tuberculosis, as well as their use in enhancing breast milk production, are also under investigation. The study underscores the urgency of preserving these ancestral healthcare practices before they disappear with modernization.