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Ethnobotany in the Nepal Himalaya
Ripu M Kunwar1, Rainer W Bussmann
1Ethnobotanical Society of Nepal, G.P.O. Box 19225, Kathmandu, Nepal. rkunwar@gmail.com
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
|December 6, 2008
Summary
Indigenous knowledge in Nepal reveals that over half of the region's flora has medicinal value, with higher altitudes showing increased use of herbal remedies due to poverty and tradition.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Ethnomedicine
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in Nepal has deep historical roots.
- Recognized globally for intrinsic and instrumental value in science and conservation.
Observation:
- A review of 264 ethnobotanical studies (1979-2006) analyzed plant resource use across Nepal's altitudinal and longitudinal gradients.
- Field verification in seven western districts confirmed documented knowledge.
Findings:
- Up to 55% of the flora in the study region possesses medicinal value, significantly higher than Nepal's average (21-28%).
- Medicinal plant richness decreased with altitude, yet the percentage of plants used medicinally increased.
- Higher altitude communities rely more on herbal remedies due to limited alternatives, poverty, and trust in traditional medicine.
Implications:
- Significant undocumented indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants requires exploration and documentation.
- Strengthening the use and conservation of this knowledge can improve livelihoods for impoverished populations.
- Culturally valued indigenous knowledge systems hold scientific importance for conservation and health.
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