The use of medicinal plants in the trans-himalayan arid zone of Mustang district, Nepal

Abstract

BackgroundThis study documents the use of medicinal plants from the Mustang district of the north-central part of Nepal. Traditional botanical medicine is the primary mode of healthcare for most of the population of this district and traditional Tibetan doctors (Amchi) serve as the local medical experts.MethodsField research was conducted in 27 communities of the Mustang district in Nepal from 2005-2007. We sampled 202 interviewees, using random and snowball sampling techniques. After obtaining prior informed consent, we collected data through semi-structured interviews and participant-observation techniques. Voucher specimens of all cited botanic species were deposited at TUCH in Nepal.ResultsWe recorded the traditional uses of 121 medicinal plant species, belonging to 49 vascular plant and 2 fungal families encompassing 92 genera. These 121 species are employed to treat a total of 116 ailments. We present data on 58 plant species previously unknown for their medicinal uses in the Mustang district. Of the medicinal plants reported, the most common growth form was herbs (73%) followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. We document that several parts of individual plant species are used as medicine. Plant parts were generally prepared using hot or cold water as the 'solvent', but occasionally remedies were prepared with milk, honey, jaggery, ghee and oil. Amchis recommended different types of medicine including paste, powder, decoction, tablet, pills, infusion, and others through oral, topical, nasal and others routes of administration.ConclusionsThe traditional pharmacopoeia of the Mustang district incorporates a myriad of diverse botanical flora. Traditional knowledge of the remedies is passed down through oral traditions and dedicated apprenticeships under the tutelage of senior Amchi. Although medicinal plants still play a pivotal role in the primary healthcare of the local people of Mustang, efforts to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal species are necessary.

Medico-ethnobotany of Magar Community in Salija VDC of Parbat District, Central Nepal

“…5). Similar results were also reported in other ethno-medicinal studies (Lulekal et al, 2008;Bhattarai et al, 2010;Rana et al, 2010) …”

“…Roots of the plant were used for higher number of remedies (22) followed by the leaves (14) and seeds (10). Higher proportion of ethno-medicinal practices from root sources was also reported by Lulekal et al (2008), Bhattarai et al (2010), and Cheikhyoussef et al (2011).…”

Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew) for the Livelihood of Local People in Some Protected Areas of Nepal

“…However, Bhattarai et al (2010) on their study in Mustang district of Nepal reported the use of the species as fence and medicine for cancer.…”

Impacts of environmental change on agroecosystems and livelihoods in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

“…Conventionally managed agricultural productivity not only provides a major contribution to local consumption, but also substantially contributes to feeding the livestock in Manang and other parts of the ACAP region (Chaudhary et al, 2007). Animal husbandry is an integral part of the farming system; manure is an essential fertilizer (Aase et al, 2009) locally available plant species used to treat different ailments and diseases (Bhattarai et al, 2010 We also noticed local people in Shikha and Marpha are dependent on wild edible plant species and gather substantial amounts of wild plants to meet their daily nutritional needs.…”