Research Article

Traditional Therapies Used to Manage Diabetes and Related Complications in Mauritius: A Comparative Ethnoreligious Study

Table 7

Inventory of animal species used to manage diabetes and related complications.

ClassScientific name Local name IndicationPart usedMethod of preparation and administrationRFC

ActinopterygiiSalmo salarSaumonType 2 diabetesWhole bodyA dish of the whole body is prepared and it is taken once per week.0.120.040.000.080.00
Anguilla japonicaAnguilleNeuropathic painSkinThe skin is peeled and dried in bright sunlight. The dried skin is then placed in a bottle of oil. Massage the painful area daily using this oil.0.030.020.000.010.00

GastropodaHelix aspersaCourpaCataractWhole bodyThe whole body is crushed to obtain white liquid and 2 drops of the liquid are instilled in the eye.0.020.000.000.020.00

InsectaApis melliferaMouche di mielCataractHoneyA small amount is instilled in the eye daily.0.040.010.000.030.00
Periplaneta americanaCancrelaGangreneWhole bodyPrepare an infusion with 4 cockroaches and 1 handful of Petroselinum crispum. Filter in a cloth and drink 1 cup daily.0.030.000.000.020.01

MammaliaTenrec ecaudatusTangRenal failureWhole bodyA dish of the body is prepared using Cinnamomum verum, Syzygium aromaticum, Murraya koenigii L., and 1 cup of white wine. The dish is taken once per week.0.030.000.000.030.00
Rattus rattusLe ratWoundWhole bodyThe animal is placed in a bottle of coconut oil for 1-2 days and the oil is then applied on the wound.0.020.000.000.000.02

RFC: relative frequency of citation, : cultural importance index among the Hindu community, : cultural importance index among the Muslim community, : cultural importance index among the Christian community, and : cultural importance index among the Buddhist community.