2023, Vol. 5, Issue 6, Part A

This systematic review examines the ethnomedicinal and traditional healing practices of the Bhotia tribes in Uttarakhand's trans-Himalayan valleys. It synthesizes knowledge on plant-based therapies commonly used to treat ailments such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, and musculoskeletal conditions, along with the ritual role of shamans (dangaris) as healers and spiritual mediators. The review draws on ethnographic studies and scholarly reports to explore the transmission of healing knowledge, gendered roles in healthcare, and the interface between indigenous systems and formal biomedicine. Emphasis is placed on the resilience and adaptability of Bhotia healing practices in the face of socio-economic changes, modernization, and government health interventions. This study contributes to the understanding of medical pluralism and indigenous healthcare sustainability in the Himalayan context, underscoring the cultural significance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary health frameworks.