A Medical Anthropological Study on the Use of Medicinal Porridges in Traditional Medicine for Epidemic Prevention and Control
Abstract
Porridge, a well-known meal and medication among Asians, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to promote human health. Porridge that is famous among Sri Lankans is rich in variation, with the region and purpose villagers make different types of porridge. Even though porridge has become a regular meal or breakfast among Sri Lankans, its specifically used as a medicine. By examining the historical, cultural, and socio-economic contexts surrounding the consumption of these porridges, this research aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of their significance in maintaining community health during times of epidemics. Do traditional healers prescribe any porridges for the prevention and control of epidemics? If so, what are they? And what is porridge's contribution to the prevention and control of epidemics? were the research problems of this research. The research aimed to study how porridges, considered medicine and food, are used in traditional medicine for the prevention and control of epidemiological diseases. This research belongs to the field of descriptive research that exists between social science and anthropology research. Primary data was collected through interviews conducted with purposively selected 10 traditional practitioners living in Colombo District and 10 traditional practitioners living in Monaragala District. In addition, observation method and secondary data sources were sued to gather more information. According to the data of the research, porridge has been used as a medicine and immune herb in the traditional medicine of Sri Lanka for diseases such as malaria, dengue, jaundice, and anorexia in epidemic conditions. Most of these porridges are used as a medicinal mix food.
