Peacock parts used for medicinal purposes: WWF study
A study by World Wildlife Fund has found that at least three systems of traditional medicine in India - Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani - prescribe peacock parts in various potions. It stated that the practice is being followed by frauds and hospitals, including those funded by the ministry of AYUSH, in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
A study by TRAFFIC, an arm of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), recently found that at least three systems of traditional medicine in India - Siddha, Ayurveda and Unani - prescribe peacock feather and other parts in various potions.The practice is being followed by quacks and hospitals, including those funded by the ministry of AYUSH, in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi Gujarat and Rajasthan.The Indian blue peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) has considerably reduced in numbers over the years thanks to destruction of their habitats by farmers protecting their crops and poachers. The beautiful bird with brilliant iridescent coloured feathers was numbered at about 15 lakh in a study in 2007.PEACOCK FEATHER ASH USED TO CURE MORNING SICKNESSHowever, isolated studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that its population has come down to only a few lakh. While domestic trade in the naturally shed tail feathers collected outside protected areas is allowed, export of these is prohibited.The study says, "Bhasma and churnam (peacock feather ash) were sold in many siddha drug stores in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi Gujarat and Rajasthan, and is used to cure hiccups, vomiting and morning sickness among other illnesses).""The Rebari community in Rajasthan use ash of peafowl feather mixed with honey to cure asthma, whereas ash of peafowl feathers mixed with coconut oil is used for headache. One bolus with cow milk daily early in the Mail Today on Monday reported about rampant killing of the bird. morning is given for five days to get male child."PEAFOWL GHEE OPENLY SOLD BY DRUG MAKERSLegs and fat of peafowl are also fairly popular and advised under medicinal systems, the report points out. "TRAFFIC India investigators were able to spot Narikuravar tribals selling peafowl oil/ghee at popular markets, bus stands, temples and tourist spots in different towns of Tamil Nadu," it read.