The prevalence and cultural perceptions of hysteria among rural communities in India: An ethnobotanical study in Balangir and Bargarh Districts of Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Anomalist psychology bases supernatural explanations on psychological and physical traits. Maladaptive psychopathological behaviors disturb life. Religious healers, help many patients and caregivers. On this basis, the current study explores the prevalence and cultural perceptions of hysteria among rural communities in Odisha's Balangir and Bargarh districts, India. Traditional therapies for psychopathological illnesses are commonly used in these communities, and we investigate the usage of medicinal plants by traditional healers.

Methods: Through a six-month study involving various research methods, we identified 40 plant species across 25 families that are frequently used for treating hysteria and other psychiatric disorders. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the credit score of traditional herbs, and we found that plant leaf powder was frequently employed orally for most treatments.

Results: The study found that traditional healers in the Balangir and Bargarh ethnic communities frequently use plant leaf powder, including species such as Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, for the treatment of hysteria and other psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion: The pharmacological research of these plants could provide useful insights for the treatment of mental health disorders. This study highlights the importance of traditional therapies in managing psychopathological illnesses in rural India.

Keywords: Hysteria, Ethnobotanical survey, Traditional Plant Knowledge, Wild Useful Plants, Ethnomedicine, Cultural Practices, Mental Disorders, Neurological Disorders