Ethnomedicinal Practices of the Lepcha Community in Ilam, East Nepal

Type Journal Article - Journal of Plant Resources
Title Ethnomedicinal Practices of the Lepcha Community in Ilam, East Nepal
Author(s)
Volume 15
Issue 1
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2017
Page numbers 31-44
URL http://dpr.gov.np/download/publications/Final Journal Compressed.pdf#page=35
Abstract
Lepcha is an ethnic community living in Ilam and Jhapa districts of Nepal. An ethnobotanical
survey was carried out on the utilization of plants by Lepcha communities in Phikal, Sri Antu and
Samalbung VDCs of Ilam by interviewing traditional herbalists and various men and women in
June and July 2015. The Indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine remains an integral part of
the health care system among Lepcha community. 90 plant species were recorded for their uses
for curing various ailments of 12 categories. The highest number of plants were used for gastrointestinal
disorders and least number for dental problems and nervous disorders. In addition to
medicinal use, the collected plant species were used for multiple purposes. These species,
belonging to 53 families and 84 genera are listed in alphabetical order, each with common names,
parts used, methods of preparation and route of administration. The ethnomedicinal knowledge
on this community found to be endangered due to migration, habitat loss and globalization.

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