The traditional knowledge from local tribal people as traditional herbal healers/ Gunias/ Baigas has been documentation during the studies. The information was collected by interviewing local traditional herbal healers/Gunias/ Baigas in Bastar district. They have immense knowledge about plants and drugs are being utilized by tribals since long back by collecting plants and their parts to prevent for different ailments. Ethno-medicinal information of medicinal plants were obtained from informants by semi-structured interview, observations, focus group discussions and case study. 

95 medicinal plant species were documented, which are used to treat 38 human diseases.  The category of medicinal plant species includes shrubs, herbs, trees and climbers etc. Roots, leaves, fruits and flower are the most frequently used plant parts. The method of preparation is by crushing, powdering and mixing with cold water to serve as a drink and chewing. 

Tribal People of Bastar are knowledgeable about the plants, their distribution, medicinal use and management. Indigenous practices somehow contributed to the sustained use, management and conservation of medicinal plants. Knowledge of medicinal plants is wider among elderly women and men. The results of this study indicated significant contribution in efforts directed towards conservation and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plant resources. 

 

Keywords: Traditional Knowledge; Ethno-Medicine; Conservation and Sustainable Harvesting.