Traditional methods of healing practiced by Warli tribes in Thane district of Maharashtra state

Abstract

Thane is one of the major and tribal district of Maharashtra.This district has predominance of Warli, Thakur, Dhorkoli, Mahadevkoli, Dhodia and Dubla.In Jawhar and Mokhada Talukas of Thane district among these different races of tribes Warali is the major ethnic group. These tribes live in places where there is no facility of Hospitals and medicines except the Taluka places. These people have their own traditional knowledge of curing common diseases. Efforts were made to investigate the traditional methods of healing common ailments. Present study reveals that these people are using plants from their local area, which are easily available for them. The also use the combination of plants in treating particular ailment. Local name of the plant used are recorded and identified and photograph and herbaria prepared for record. Plant part used method of preparation; administration modes and doses are presented. Impact of urbanization on traditional knowledge is discussed. Methods of use as well as conservation of such medicinal plants are suggested.