Medical Ethnobiology and Indigenous Knowledge System of the Limbu people in Nepal

Abstract

The present research work has been undertaken in Khejenim VDC of Taplejung District in eastern Nepal to document and explore the traditional indigenous knowledge and practices relating to the use of various plant and animal species for medicinal purposes among Limbus of the study area. The study was focused on the utilization pattern of plants and animals by the local people and the data was collected through interviews with key informants, including Dhami/Jhankri, elders of the community, local healers and local people. Analysis of the data has shown that Limbu people of the study area are enriched with traditional and indigenous knowledge on utilization of 64 plant species, with medicinal values belonging to 44 families and 61 genera, used for curing 38 different ailments. Similarly, 15 animal species with medicinal value belonging to 9 orders and 10 families were used to remediate12 different ailments.

The most frequently treated ailments were gastro-intestinal problems, respiratory issues, respiratory tract infections, dermatological problems, cuts and wounds. Findings of the present research work have also been supported by similar work done by other researchers.

Key words: Medicinal plants, indigenous knowledge, traditional medicine, Limbus, Ethno-biology.