Traditional knowledge and uses of medicinal plants in Jharkhand state of India
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Jharkhand, an eastern state of India , is abound in medicinal plants and rich in related indigenous and traditional knowledge. The tribals like Santhal, Ho, Birhor, Oraon, Munda, and Bhumij use powder, oil, paste, juice and decoction of these plants to cure various diseases. Since time immemorial, forest has been the main source of medicinal plants. But due to extensive use of these plants and deforestation, some of the medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction. Similarly traditional knowledge (TK) related to conservation and sustainable use of these plants are also threatened due to acculturation in the society. The present paper depicts TK related to conservation and uses of medicinal plants in Jharkhand state of India. The study was conducted in Dhanbad, Bokaro, Gumla, East Singhbhum (Jamshedpur) ,West Singhbhum (Chaibasa) and Hazaribagh districts of Jharkhand. The survey was done in two steps-Reconnaissance survey and Survey for actual research work with questionnaires. During study fifty plants were recorded eg. Abrus precatorius L., Acorus calamus L., Adhatoda zeylanica Medic. , Allemanda cathartica L., Asparagus racemosus Willd., Bacopa monniera (L.) , Clitoria ternatea L, Hemidesmus indicus R.Br ,Vitex negundo L., Ocimum sanctum L., Rauvolfia serpentina (L.)Benth.exKurtz, Terminalia tomentosa (DC) Wt. & Arn, Terminalia Arjuna (Roxb. exDC.) Wt. & Arn., Trachyspermum ammi (L.)Spr. etc. The study reveals that these people possess comprehensive TK for treatment of various ailments like cough, cold, fever, jaundice, skin diseases, wounds etc. using these plants. Due to their utility local people could conserve these plants for a long period of time as sacred groves, by adopting sustainable methods, following taboo and respecting traditional spirits. Conservation of such traditional wisdom and biodiversity is required; hence besides other measures, documentation of this knowledge as educational material is also recommended.
Keywords: Human health and well -being, Biodiversity conservation, Knowledge management,Disease transmission , Sustainable forest management
ID: 3485638