A Descriptive Study on Ethnomedicinal Practices in Kandhamal District

This paper reports and describes the ethnomedicine of Kondh ethnic group in Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. The data were provided by employing epistemology of cross-sectional ethnographic research; semi-structured interviews, direct observation, in village of Ambapada, Bisipada Phlubani, Kandhamal district to study different medicinal plants and method of prepartion to cure several diseases. The study listed 33 native species of plants that have been used to treat myriads of illnesses, including common ones like headache, fever and diarrhoea, and chronic and complicated diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and skin diseases. The preparations of remedies were ancient- juices, decoctions, pastes, and infusions and usually used together with adjuncts such as honey or milk. The findings illustrate the whole-person, culturally integrated, and sustainable concept of ethnomedicine that radiates the rich concept of botanical knowledge as well as flexible healthcare approach. Although the paper has some problems on the merging of traditional system and biomedical systems, with safety, regulation, and intellectual property issues, it is clear that indigenous medical knowledge needs to be preserved and validated. The major weakness is that the study is limited to two villages and it might not reflect the entire aspects of practises among the Kondh and other tribals.