Background: Traditional medical practices related to female reproductive health continue to play a significant role in rural communities of Tamil Nadu. Indigenous dietary practices, herbal remedies, and cultural rituals associated with menarche, pregnancy, and postpartum care are transmitted across generations and remain an important component of women’s healthcare. Aim: To document and analyze the traditional medical practices and rituals followed during menarche, antepartum, and postpartum periods among women in Manmangalam Taluk, Karur District, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A community-based qualitative ethnomedical study was conducted among women aged above 25 years in Manmangalam Taluk, Karur District, Tamil Nadu. Data were collected using non-random purposive sampling through interviews with 30 key informants. Information regarding dietary practices, herbal remedies, rituals, and traditional health management methods during puberty, pregnancy, and postpartum periods was documented and analyzed descriptively. Results: The study documented multiple traditional formulations and rituals practiced during the reproductive phases of women. Common dietary practices during puberty included Ulunthu Kali, Kelvaragu Puttu, Pori Maavu, and Ulunthu Kanji. Antepartum remedies mainly focused on management of anemia, morning sickness, pseudopain, and facilitation of normal delivery. Postpartum care emphasized body strengthening, lactation enhancement, uterine cleansing, and fatigue reduction through preparations such as Kayam Karupatti, Selavu Rasam, Pathiya Kuzhambu, and Chukku Kali. Ritual practices such as puberty ceremonies and Seemantham were found to provide psychological and social support. Most practices were concentrated during the postpartum period. Conclusion: Traditional reproductive healthcare practices in Manmangalam Taluk represent a rich repository of ethnomedical knowledge. Documentation and scientific validation of these practices may contribute to integrative approaches for women’s reproductive healthcare.
Varunapriya M.1*, Seethaladevi A.2, Sundararajan S.3 (Wed,) studied this question.