Ethnomedicinal use of plant roots: A case study of the Juang tribe of eastern India

Abstract

The Juang, a tribal community in Odisha indulges in traditional health care on the basis of locally available resources. This age-old practice of using plant extracts such as roots and leaves to treat various ailments and diseases is associated with the community culture and wisdom. The study examines the use of plant extracts, particularly roots by Juangs for treatment of various communicable and non-communicable diseases. The data were collected through questionnaire-based field survey, interviews, focus group discussion (FGD) and observation method. The information on medicinal plants including their local, scientific and family names, method of medicine preparation, life form, dosage, applications and effects was collected. The study includes roots of 16 plant species belonging to 13 families that are used for the medicinal purpose. We observed that roots from various wild plant species are used for treatment of various diseases and disorders such as jaundice, hypertension, rheumatism, asthma, infertility, nocturnal emission, venereal diseases, etc. Indigenous application of roots with specific dosages is based on cultural norms and value of the community. This knowledge is transferred from one generation to the other through oral tradition under prevailing health culture. The continuity of this practice with great acumen is determined by various factors such as socioeconomic status, education, occupation and ecological adaptation. The relevance of inherited indigenous healing culture needs to be investigated in this area for developing an alternative approach to community health services and public health policy.