Ethnomedicine and Tribes: A Case Study of the Baiga’s Traditional Treatment

Abstract

This article describes the role of Baiga tribes who have conserved the biodiversity in and around localities of their natural habitat. Tribes derive both, directly and indirectly, a substantial amount of their livelihood from the forests. They are also talented and expertise in ethnomedicine and the priest's practices (faith-healing) which have particular importance, with the help of local raw materials which they procure from their forest environment. They also obtain herbs and medicinal plants which have therapeutic value, both curative and preventive. Methodologically, this paper is based on preliminary surveys conducted at Tendu-Bhata Village, Kota Block at Bilaspur District. The data used in the article is collected through purposive sampling and case study method. Kota Block is nearby to Achanakmar biosphere reserve and has a very high concentration of tribal population. Major tribal communities found in the region are Gonds, Baigas, Kol, Kanwar, and Pradhans. Hence this paper tries to analyze the ethno-medicine and the traditional treatment of Baiga tribe at Tendu-Bhata village which is a universal fact. It also looks how Baiga tribes are preserving and conserving the ethnomedicinal herbs with the help of comparative diversity parameters of various species.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, traditional treatment, case study, Baiga tribe

Cite this Article

Vikram Singh, Shailly Deewan. Ethnomedicine and Tribes: A Case Study of the Baiga’s Traditional Treatment. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2018; 8(2): 62–77p.