Siddha maruthuvam or siddha medicine or Paatti Vaaiththiyam or Tamil Medicine is one of the oldest system of medicine practiced by the Dravidian society and was believed that they were founded by Chith-thars (men with high knowledge - supermen) several centuries ago.

The systems of Tamil Medicine, Siddha and Ayurveda are very much similar. In all the three systems, the basics of treatment is based on the symptoms of the ill and treatment is provided for the symptom..

In Tamil Medicine, diseases are diagnosed only with the help of the symptom that the patient says. Other factors that helps in diagnosis are physical examination, pulse reading, tongue, colour, speech, eyes, faeces and urine, again the external symptoms!

The Government of Tamil Nadu state to promote the practice of Tamil Medicine established the first Siddha College and Hospital in Courtallam near Tenkasi of Tirunelveli district in the state as the area was rich in various medicinal and herbal plants. The college was later shifted to Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli district in 1964, for easy access by both patients and scholars.

Tamil Medicine is now popular in the following medications:

1. Jaundice caused by Hepatitis A
2. Jaundice caused by Hepatitis C
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
4. Digestion problems
5. Dry Cough due to allergy
6. General Allergy
7. Anti Depressants