Tribals near Coonoor in Nilgiris use pumpkin seeds as disinfectant during pandemic; Private soap company patenting this indigenous method
The Nilgiris: Following the increasing spread of Covid-19 infections, people have been instructed to wash their hands often with disinfectants and soap. A tribe living in Pudugramam near Coonoor in the Nilgiris district is using pumpkin seeds instead of soap to protect their villagers from infection. To prevent further spread of Covid-19 in their village, tribals in the area are using rare types of forest products instead of disinfectants.
The tribals reportedly collect pumpkins from a rare tree in the forest and dry them in the sun. These pumpkin seeds are being used instead of soap for frequent handwashing during Covid-19. This new form of soap is now being sent by the tribals to a private soap company in the plains. "The pumpkin which is found in the forest is crushed and during the process, the chemical in it escapes like a powder and this has the property to kill the germs. The soap companies are now reportedly using it in their soap products."
The tribals reportedly collect pumpkins from a rare tree in the forest and dry them in the sun. These pumpkin seeds are being used instead of soap for frequent handwashing during Covid-19. This new form of soap is now being sent by the tribals to a private soap company in the plains. "The pumpkin which is found in the forest is crushed and during the process, the chemical in it escapes like a powder and this has the property to kill the germs. The soap companies are now reportedly using it in their soap products."