Abstract:

This article describes the indigenous knowledge of local communities on the traditional healthcare system in district Kachchh, Gujarat. A total of about 726 individuals, from 55 villages across district Kachchh were interviewed, using structured questionnaire survey method. Major communities across wide range of age groups ranging from 15 years to above 90 years were covered. Of the total interviewed persons 49% claimed to have the ethnoveterinary knowledge. Respondents listed a total of 75 plant species that are used for treating ailments in the animals. Leaves, seeds, fruits and in some cases whole plant were used for medicinal purposes. The administration procedures were quite simple and the plant parts are fed to sick animal in the form of crushed green leaves, powder of seeds or sometime in the paste form. Some of the most common diseases treated through plant-based medication are rheumatism, fever, bloat, and foot and mouth disease and to expel the placenta after delivery in cattle.