International Journal of Herbal Medicine
  • Printed Journal
  • Indexed Journal
  • Refereed Journal
  • Peer Reviewed Journal
P-ISSN: 2394-0514, E-ISSN: 2321-2187   |   Impact Factor: RJIF 5.20
International Journal of Herbal Medicine
Vol. 9, Issue 6, Part A (2021)

Traditional ecological knowledge of karbi tribe of Assam with emphasis on health care system

Author(s): Kuntala N Barua and Bithi Baruah
Abstract: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) refers to an informal system of knowledge gained by communities through an intimate connection with the environment and its processes. Out of all TEKs prevailing importance of gradually diminishing local herbal medicines among indigenous tribes needs reconsideration. Karbis is one of the indigenous tribe of Assam racially Indo-Mongoloid and linguistically Tibeto-Burman group, predominantly inhabitant of Karbi Anglong district. They believed to have a long association with forests and close observation of flora and fauna. Herbal remedies comprise an effective element of the health care system among the rural inhabitant. Extensive field survey was conducted in six blocks of East and two blocks of West Karbi Anglong districts during 2018 to 2021. Schedules are developed for in-depth interviewing folk medicinal healers to document all possible and existing traditional ethno medicinal information. During the study hundred six numbers of medicinal plants were documented which are used by Karbi healers for treating numerous ailments. Among them twelve plants were identified as priorities medicinal species which have significant value to discover modern-day drugs. Comparative analysis of utility of folk medicinal plants between Karbis and other tribes Bodo, Sonowal-Kachari, Mishing and Dimasas of Assam revealed that 38% similarity was found with Dimasa tribe might be their identical topography and free migration of knowledge. Plantation and conservation of medicinal plants by the traditional healer in their backyard will positively contribute to bio-diversity management also.
Pages: 08-15  |  749 Views  371 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Kuntala N Barua, Bithi Baruah. Traditional ecological knowledge of karbi tribe of Assam with emphasis on health care system. Int J Herb Med 2021;9(6):08-15.

Call for book chapter
Journals List Click Here Research Journals Research Journals
International Journal of Herbal Medicine