Herbal Based Traditional Practices Used by the Bhotias and Gangwals of the Central Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) on herbal medicines is gaining importance continuously, due to their efficiency, rare chances of side effects in the treatment, good faith of society on herbal medicines and their products. The present study was carried out on the tribal communities i.e., the Bhotias and Gangwals. A non-participant observation method was used to extract the knowledge from local medicine men. Ethno-medicinal uses of local plants by the natives the Bhotias and Gangwal tribes were documented.In this paper a total of 78 plants belonging to 39 families and 61 genera were recorded, which were used for the treatment of 68 diseases. Out of 78 plants, roots and rhizomes of 26 are used for medicine preparation followed by leaves (20), fruits (03), whole plant/ aerial parts (10/04), seeds (07), bark (07), flowers (07), stem (01), aerial bulbs (01), latex (02), resin (01). About 07 species were commonly used for treating wounds/ sores followed by 05 species for treating fever and 05 species for headache, 04 species each for pregnancy problems, sprains, urine problem and cold and cough. Twenty one species were found using for curing more than one ailments while 57 species were reported for single therapeutic application. Twelve species are also used as dyes, spices, condiments, flavouring agent and food items and play a significant role is rural economy of the region. P.S. Mehta E-mail: mehta.puran@yahoo.com Now, due to change of socio-economy and culture, the traditional knowledge of these communities is also diminishing. It needs to be preserved before the onslaught of modernization. There is also an urgent needof conservation and resource augmentation of these medicinal plants in their natural habitat as well as their plantation in suitable agro-climatic conditions. Thus, it was concluded that the tribes Bhotias and Gangwals possess a good knowledge of herbal based medicinal practice.