The present work was carried out with the aim to document the indigenous knowledge on medicinal use
of plants by Raji community in west Nepal. The study was mainly based on primary data collected during
the explorative field study representing locality with significant Raji population. As per the approved
annual program of District Plant Resources Office (DPRO) Kailali for the fiscal year 2014/15, the work
was carried out in the year 2015. Among 61 plant species were identified in the present study highest
number of species was recorded in Bhuruwa, Khailad-4 of Kailali. Similarly, highest number belongs to
herbs (22 species) followed by trees (20 species) of trees. The most commonly used part of plants for
medicinal purpose was root (24 species) followed by leaf (14 species). According to types of health
problems, greater numbers of plant species (12 species) are found to be used by Raji to treat
gastrointestinal problem.
The study revealed that Raji community still has a strong traditional knowledge on medicinal plants use
and they are still applying traditional healing practices. But strength of indigenous knowledge and practice
is higher in the locality where Raji population is in significant number with their own socio-cultural settings.
The strength becomes weaker and weaker with decrease in households and population along with
socio-cultural erosion.