Study on ethnomedicinal plants of Sherpas of Sikkim, Himalayas

Abstract

History of the use of medicinal plants is believed to be as old as the history of humankind. The Modern sciences recognizes that, multitude of ethnic cultures across the world often possess often unique knowledge on use of medicinal plants for the physical well being of humankind. Sherpas of Nepal and Sikkim, who otherwise are renowned all over the world as exceptional mountain-climbers have remained beyond the purview of any study of their knowledge on medicinal plants. This study attempts to fill this gap. In all, ten medicinal plants that which are used by Sherpas in the region under study have been identified along with the parts of plants used, and as also the in disease conditions for which they are employed. The study is preliminary, but it succeeds in establishing the existence of Sherpa in ethno-medicinal traditions.