Ethno-medicinal practices among the Toto tribe in Alipurduar, West Bengal

Authors

  • Akrom Sardar Department of Anthropology, West Bengal State University, West Bengal, India
  • Suvankar Paul Department of Anthropology, West Bengal State University, West Bengal, India
  • Priyabrata Mondal Department of Anthropology, West Bengal State University, West Bengal, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211987

Keywords:

Ethno-medicine, Illness, Local self-government, Toto, White magic

Abstract

Background: Ethno-medicinal practices has been widely using by the people of every corner of the world. Tribes are not exceptional from this. Totos are residing at the Alipurduar district of the state West Bengal. They strongly believe the natural resources of the earth like wind, water, fire and forest. They living totally forest oriented life. Ethno-medicine also somehow depends upon the natural resources as well as various types of plants.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design has been employed for this present study. The study has been done among the 152 families. Apart from this the data regarding various types of diseases and their curing system has been gathered through interview and observation methods. Schedule and questionnaire method has been also employed to collect data of disease pattern and their treatment system.

Results: It has been observed that 15.13%, 53.29% and 31.58% families believe on ethno-medicine, both ethno-medicine as well as modern medicine and only modern medicine accordingly.

Conclusions: Basically, the people called Ojha who practices ethno-medicine among the Toto tribe. There 5 ethno-medicinal practitioners are present who tremendously struggle to cure the patients as soon as possible by their skill and medicinal plants.

 

Author Biography

Suvankar Paul, Department of Anthropology, West Bengal State University, West Bengal, India

Anthropology

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Published

2021-05-25

How to Cite

Sardar, A., Paul, S., & Mondal, P. (2021). Ethno-medicinal practices among the Toto tribe in Alipurduar, West Bengal. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 8(6), 2869–2873. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20211987

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Original Research Articles