MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Beyond consumption, fish and other marine organisms played diverse roles in coastal community. This study explores the traditional medicinal uses of various fish species. Chumakurinji, the short-nosed tripod fish, and Klathi, a type of triggerfish, are sun-dried, powdered, and mixed with honey or roasted and consumed to relieve asthma and cough. Seahorse, pipefish, and crab are other commonly used species for respiratory conditions; they are dried, deskinned, powdered, and mixed with honey to treat both asthma and cough. The flathead fish is also associated with relief from breathing problems. Shark and shark oil are widely used for maternal health, especially among pregnant and lactating women, and are also believed to aid in rheumatism and promote quick wound healing. Smaller fish such as glassfish, anchovy, and pony fish are valued for their high calcium content and are used to support dental and bone health, particularly in calcium-deficient individuals. The proverb “Netholi oru cheriya meenalla” means the anchovy is not a small fish, indicating the importance of the anchovy; metaphorically, it denotes even the small things that matter. The shrimp with the exoskeleton is also useful for health. Collectively, these practices reflect a rich tradition of ethnomedicinal knowledge.