Ethnomedicinal plants used by yak herders for management of health disorders

AIM: The aim of the study was to document the indigenous ethno-botanical knowledge of the transhumant nomads of Mustang, Nepal, a representative settlement in the Himalayan highland. METHODOLOGY: A study was carried out during a direct field visit to collect plants, consisting of a semi-structured questionnaire and personal interviews. Both fresh and dried herbs, plants parts, and fungus were collected as far as possible. RESULTS: The present study identified 51 medicinal plants and 2 funguses that were used for 47 different ailments in the medicinal practices of the nomadic tribes of Lower Mustang, Nepal. Most of the medicines were prepared as juice (22.64%) or powder (49.05%) and administered orally. Roots (23%) and leaves (28%) were the most frequently used parts of the plants while prayer-laced ties were commonly applied in sheds and housing areas. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that the transhumant pastoralist nomadic communities have their own traditional ethno-botanical medicines that remain cost effective and the method of choice for management of health disorders and is passed down through oral traditions under the guidance of an herbal practitioner. There is a need for such practices to be scientifically validated, with respect and inclusion into sustainable veterinary medicine to support these remotely located communities.