Ethnobiological practices of different ethnic groups in Karbi Anglong, Assam
Abstract
Traditional medicine is a global practice and depends on locally available natural resources and indigenous knowledge. Plants and animals both their product have been used since time immemorial due to their close association with nature in the preparation of traditional remedies in various culture. In the present study aims to explore and document the rich ethnozological practices of different ethnic groups in the east Karbi Anglong district of the state Assam. Karbi Anglong region is characterized by rich diversity of plants and animals as well as rich diversity of heritage in traditional medicine practice. During the study 34 plant varieties and 46 different varieties of species used to treat different ailments including asthma, jaundice, chicken pox, pneumonia, anemia, etc. were recorded. The study showed that the use of traditional medicines are still popular in rural areas which may depict a scenario of their strong belief on their formulations or may be due to inaccessibility of health care facilities in availing modern medicines. It is evident that the ethnozoological information regarding the therapeutic uses of different plant and animals in traditional medicine is fading and there is an urgent need for its documentation before much of it is completely lost.
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