Ethno-Medicinal Healing Practices Among the Santals of Odisha, India

Abstract

The present study reconnoiters the traditional healthcare practices among the Santal Tribe in Odisha. By interacting with the sample population and traditional health care service providers of the study attempts a holistic understanding on traditional health care practices among them. 25 different plant species are documented that used as a medication. The process of collection of plants, preparation and medication are based purely on traditional method. Significantly, the plants are recognized by using native dialect prior to be translated into the Odia language and scientific botanical names. The data are collected in integrated narrative methods, those include unstructured interviews, focused group discussion and case study among the community members and key informants’ interview among the medicinal specialists of sample area. Moreover, the observation has been made to understand the access of Santals people traditional health care practices. Overall, this study comprehends a holistic picture of health care system and also contributes significantly to the documentation and preservation of traditional healthcare knowledge among the Santal Tribe in Odisha. It accentuates the importance of distinguishing and respecting native healing traditions and the appreciated role of medicinal plants in maintaining community health and wellbeing