Traditional Therapeutic Practices of the Gandhamardhan Tribes: Insights from Indigenous Knowledge Systems

The Gandhamardhan Hills in western Odisha are a key ecological and cultural area where Indigenous medical knowledge supports the health of various tribal communities, such as the Gond and Kandha. The present article explores the foundations of tribal medicinal systems, including over 200 medicinal plant species used for a range of ailments. It emphasizes Traditional Ecological Knowledge, highlighting relational worldviews and sustainable practices, while analyzing the role of traditional healers and the transmission of knowledge. The article also addresses challenges such as deforestation and the marginalization of Indigenous practices. It advocates for the ethical documentation of these traditions and their integration into modern healthcare, stressing their significance in ecological wisdom and cultural resilience amid socio-environmental changes.