ABSTRACT
The skin, which covers an area of 2 m2, is the largest organ in the body and, therefore, also subject to external influences such as heat and light; apart from numerous agents, for example bacteria, fungus, virus, etc.; physical damage due to accidents, cuts, wounds, burns; and-in the case of traumatic injuries-breaking of bones. In Ayurveda, plants have been the mainstay of treatment and the management of skin diseases, or kustha. In the field of traumatic injuries (methods of treatment and care of injury), there are experts who specialize in the setting of bones and the treatment of the injury. The hereditary bonesetters of Puthur, a small village in Andhra Pradesh, are well known for their bonesetting skills. Herbs are applied externally on the injured site, and are also given internally to help healing and strengthening of the bone. People come from far and wide to get their injuries treated.
