Role of medicinal plants in the traditional health care system: A case study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve

摘要

Tolchha-Bhotiya sub-community, inhabiting the buffer zone villages of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, has strong faith and belief in traditional health care system, viz. herbal treatment. Twenty-fire plant species are generally being used along with other materials and plant products in different combinations to cure fifteen major diseases. About eight and nine plant species are used for curing: more than one disease. However, far some rare and serious diseases like tuberculosis, rheumatism, internal wounds and fractures, a fe rv people, particularly those belonging to higher income group, prefer allopathic treatment. Since the knowledge of various medicinal plants being used in herbal treatment and their method of use is confined to local practitioner - vaidhya - it is of utmost importance to record this knowledge for future generations, otherwise it will be lost forever in the process of acculturation, which is tailing place in the community at an alarming rate. [References: 7]