Ethnomedicinal Uses of Tree Species by Tharu Tribes in Himalayan Terai

What is it about?

The present investigation aimed at documenting medicinally important species of trees used by Tharu tribe in the Himalayan Terai region of India. Out of 204 tree species belonging to 143 genera and 50 families reported in this study, uses of 148 species have been recorded from this region for the first time. Twenty nine leguminous species belonging to 16 genera are most commonly used by tribal people of the region. Eight species of Ficus are used in different diseases. About 75% of total tree species of medicinal uses have been found in wild habitat while the remaining species are cultivated. It has been noticed that bark is one of the frequently utilised plant parts by the tribe. In such diseases as diarrhoea, skin problems, dysentery, fever, ulcer, rheumatism, wounds, diabetes, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, more than one plant species are used. Over all, more than 86 health-related issues are bing cured utilising ethnomedicinally important tree species. It has also been observed that the majority of youth in Tharu tribe are very less aware of their ethnic knowledge and are also not so much interested in such learning. Thus, a precise documentation of these information with traditional knowledge base from the ethnic people has great relevance for the human welfare. The study suggests the need for training local people for sustainable utilisation of these plant resources and their proper conservation. The youth should be encouraged learning to sustain their ethnic wisdom which would also help creating employment among local inhabitants.

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