Medical Ethnobiology and Indigenous Knowledge System in the Migratory Tangbetons

Abstract

The present study was mainly focused on the migratory Tangbetons, indigenous group of Nepal. They are categorized as the disadvantaged group among different ethnic groups. The main study area was in Kaski District. They are the inhabitants of Mustang District, so some knowledge about Mustang was also gained from those people. The main objective is to explore the indigenous knowledge system relating to medicinal plants and animals. The data were collected from the key informants including Amchi, elder people etc. Analysis of the data showed that Tangbetons have indigenous knowledge, utilizing 60 plant species belonging to 41 families, for treating 61 ailments and 17 animal species belonging to 9 order and 12 families for treating 22 ailments. Most of them have respiratory problem, stomach problem, intestine problem etc. The findings of the work are supported by findings of other researchers as well. In some cases same species has been used to treat different ailments as well.