Ethnomedicinal plants used by kharia tribe of Simdega District, Jharkhand

Abstract

Ethnomedicinal plants play a crucial and significant role in the traditional healthcare system of tribal populations in Jharkhand. The state has a rich tribal heritage, with nearly 26% of its population belonging to various tribal communities who depend largely on forest resources for their livelihood and healthcare needs. The present study documents the ethnomedicinal plants used by the Kharia tribe of Simdega district, Jharkhand. Simdega district is recognized as one of the backward districts of India where basic infrastructural and healthcare facilities are still limited across its ten administrative blocks. Due to the lack of modern medical services, the tribal communities in this region continue to rely heavily on traditional plant-based remedies for the treatment of various ailments. A detailed ethnobotanical survey was conducted over a period of two years (2014-2015) in different blocks of Simdega district among the Kharia tribal community using structured questionnaires and personal interviews with traditional healers and knowledgeable villagers. Based on the traditional knowledge gathered during the survey, a total of 30 medicinal plant species were identified and collected. These plants were documented along with their botanical names, common names, families, plant parts used, and the diseases they are used to treat. The study highlights the importance of traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge among the Kharia tribe and emphasizes the need for proper documentation and conservation of these valuable plant resources.