Medicinal plant knowledge of the Panchase region in the Middle Hills of the Nepalese Himalayas

Authors

  • K. R. Bhattarai National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories, Department of Plant Resources
  • I. E. Måren Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, University of Bergen
  • R. P. Chaudhary Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9127

Keywords:

Ethnobotany, Panchase, Medicinal plants, Ailments

Abstract

Use of plants as medicine has been practiced all over the world since the dawn of human civilisation. In the Himalayas, many medicinal plants yield essential ecosystem services/ benefi ts for the subsistence farmers, many of which grow in the forest ecosystem. However, documentation of traditional medicine and medicinal plants used by local communities is rather poor in Nepal. Panchase forest, Central Nepal, is home of many wild plants, used in traditional medicine, and a livelihood source for many ethnic groups. This study was conducted to document medicinal plant knowledge and plant use in the treatment of different ailments. To explore the ethnobotanical knowledge interviews were conducted with local healers, plant traders and knowledgeable villagers. The study provides information on 45 plant species, belonging to 32 families under 44 genera. The studied medicinal plants were found to be useful for treating 34 different ailments. The study which has 57% resemblance with previous studies. We conclude that a wealth of ethnobotanical knowledge still persists in the Panchase region. However, due to land use change and migration it needs to be preserved for the future through extensive publications and disseminations.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9127

Banko Janakari

Vol. 21, NO. 2, 2011

Page:31-39

Uploaded date: 10 November, 2013

 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
1771
PDF
1693

Downloads

Published

2013-11-10

How to Cite

Bhattarai, K. R., Måren, I. E., & Chaudhary, R. P. (2013). Medicinal plant knowledge of the Panchase region in the Middle Hills of the Nepalese Himalayas. Banko Janakari, 21(2), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i2.9127

Issue

Section

Articles