Preparation of Decoction of Medicinal Plants: A Self-Help Measure?

Abstract

Dear Editor:Ethnobotanical studies have shown use of decoction (hot aqueous extract) of local plants to be a preferred mode.1,2 In fact, preparation of plant-based remedies at the household level is often seen as a self-help measure. However, our recent field experiences with Psidium guajava (guava) leaf decoction (PGLD) as an antidiarrheal remedy revealed that preparation of a home-based remedy could be a limiting factor toward use of local medicinal plants. We had identified PGLD as an efficacious antidiarrheal plant through an ethnobotanical survey of Parinche valley, Pune, India 3 followed by laboratory studies.4 Subsequent to the popularization of PGLD in the valley through community health workers (CHW), patients with diarrhea willing to share their experiences (n = 23) were interviewed. A number of reasons for using and not using PGLD were identified (Box), most of which are similar to those reported elsewhere. These include dissatisfaction with other available treatments, 5-7 recommendations from relatives or friends, 5 financial constraints, 8,9 and a pluralistic approach for faster and/or better cure.5 To the best of our knowledge, the preparation of a decoction restricting the use of local medicinal plants has not been reported. Hence, this parameter was analyzed in detail.The CHW prepared PGLD on a kerosene stove and on a chulha (traditional earthen stove with wood as a fuel). Approximately 170 mL of kerosene was required to prepare PGLD for an adult per day, and time required was 38 minutes.

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