Medical Ethnobiology and Indigenous Knowledge System Found In Raji Group of Nepal

Abstract

This study has been carried out in Uttarganga VDC (currently Birendranagar- 19) of Surkhet District, Nepal with the objective to document the ethnography, explore the traditional knowledge of medicinal animals and plants used by Raji people for the treatment of different diseases and to explore the indigenous knowledge system found on them. Studies have been conducted in two diferent seasons in 20-26 June 2014 and 20-25 April 2015. For the data collection, group discussions, key informant questionnaire survey to Raji local healers and elder people have been carried out. The study revealed that Raji people use 36 animal species for the treatment of 30 types of ailments and 91 plants species are used to treat 60 types of diseases. Meat, skin, bone, blood, dung, carapace, urine, whole organism, tail, egg and fats of animal parts are used as traditional medicine. Similarly, plant parts such as root, fruit, leaf, whole plant, flower, latex, shoot stem hair, bark, rhizome, seed and young shoot are found to be used by the Raji people. They have deep respect on indigenous knowledge such as biodiversity conservation, agricultural practice, medicinal practices for livelihood, yeast making practices and art, craft and technology. However, indigenous knowledge and skills of medication have been less focused these days among the Raji people because of their inclination towards modern medicine and hospital facilities. It would be better to provide education, motivation to local healers and documentation on the use of such medicinal animals and plants to preserve such knowledge. Hence, to analyze and document the traditional medication system of the community is the ultimate objective of this thesis paper.