Indigenous Herbal Medicine Practices among the Tribal People of the Kendujhar district in Odisha

This Article explores the indigenous herbal medicinal practices of the Tribal People, an ancient indigenous community in Odisha. The importance of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare is now well known, as they help in new research and support biodiversity conservation. However, in many remote parts of the Kendujhar district, information about how people use these plants for medicine is still limited. To collect this information, questionnaire surveys, direct observations, and field visits were carried out to learn about the different plants used for treatment. The findings highlight the significance of traditional medicinal knowledge in sustaining livelihoods and preserving ecological balance. However, the Tribal People faces several challenges, including land displacement, cultural erosion, environmental degradation, marginalization, and limited access to resources. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts to protect indigenous knowledge and rights, promote cultural diversity, and integrate traditional practices into sustainable development strategies.