Herbal Practices in Salyan District A Field Survey

Abstract

Background: The indigenous knowledge about the uses of plant resources is at the verge of extinct. It is scattered and is communicated by words of mouth. Moreover, this knowledge is limited to older people who are mostly illiterate. There is lacking of recording such a vast and valuable knowledge. Thus, this study aimed to document such important folklore remedies which the people have acquired by long experiences Methods: The medicinal plants that are used locally in Salyan district in different disease were collected for herbarium specimen. Their local names, scientific names, family names, method of usage, dosage and duration of treatment provided by the informants were also collected and analyzed scientifically. The Main source of information was field survey which includes structured questionnaire, interview and personal observation. The data was collected in all the eleven illakas of Salyan District to represent the respondents from all over the district. A total of ninety two (92) famous traditional healers were given the questionnaires. Results: Altogether 74 species of higher plants belonging to 48 families have been recorded here having different traditional medicinal properties. 12 species of them were in unidentified forms (seed, stem, root, fruit, cut pieces, leaf, gum etc). The samples were not scientifically identified due to lack of sample condition. These species have been used to treat various ailments at the local-level. It includes the treatment of dislocated bones, migraine, cough and cold, diarrhea, indigestion, anthelmintic, dyspepsia, skin disease, ophthalmic troubles, antidotes etc. 44.19% of traditional healers said that the reason behind using herbs is because of their knowledge of medicinal plants,36.33 % said that they use herbs because they are cheap and easily available.13.58% use herbs because it is their traditional profession and 5.85 % use herb to treat the patient because there is no any health institution near to their village.

Conclusions: There is still a common belief that medicines from plant source have no side effects. But it is remarkable that there are some toxic plants which are more hazardous and may become fatal if administered by unknowledgeable person or learner, healer or taken crude. Awareness on the proper use of medicinal and aromatic plants is urgent in the context of Nepal.