Herbal Healing: An Old Practice for Healthy Living among Khumi, Marma and Tripura Communities of Thanchi Upazila, Bangladesh

Background: At present, only a limited amount of documentation exists that shed light on aspects of plants used by Traditional Healers (THs) in Bangladesh for treating general ailments. The current study is concerned with information on medicinal plants (MPs) used in Traditional Medicine (TM) by the Khumi, Marma and Tripura communities of Bangladesh.

Aims: The study attempted to collect, analyze and evaluate Traditional Knowledge (TK) of the healing powers of plants used in TM in Thanchi upazila during August 2011 to January 2013; and to classify as far as possible the plants encountered in the study.

Methodology: Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information through Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and one to one discussions with the selected indigenous community people.

Results: A total of 91 different diseases (faced by the above three communities of the study area) were recognized that were treated by the THs using 116 herbs and shrubs belonging to 50 different families. Scientific name of different plant species, parts used, preparation process including doses, and names of user communities are also mentioned.

Conclusion: This documentation will encourage the relevant stakeholders, authorities and conservationists in emphasizing the proper management of TK, including the conservation initiatives.