ETHNOMEDICINAL PRACTICES OF A CHAKMA TRIBAL HEALER PRACTICING AMONG A MARMA COMMUNITY IN RANGAMATI DISTRICT, BANGLADESH
Ashraful Islam, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Umme Hanee, Anindita Guha, Fatema Zaman, Umme Mokarroma, Hasnat Zahan, Sharmin Jabber, Sanjida Naurin, Hafiza Kabir, Sharmin Jahan, Mohammed Rahmatullah*
ABSTRACT
Background. The Chakmas and Marmas are two tribal communities scattered among the districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. Although the communities have their separate medicinal practices, occasionally a healer from one community may practice among other tribal communities. The objective of the present study was to document the ethnomedicinal practices of a Chakma healer practicing among a Marma tribal community in Rangamati district of Bangladesh.
Methods. Interview of the tribal healer was carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results. The healer used a total of 21 plants (18 identified, 3 unidentified) distributed into 14 families for treatment. The various diseases treated included gastrointestinal disorders, shivering, cholera,
vomiting, rheumatism, pain, dog bite, stomach stone, insomnia, paralysis, stroke, poisoning, diabetes, and hepatitis. An interesting feature of the healer was his use of animal parts along with medicinal plants for treatment. Conclusion. This rare case of one tribal healer practicing among a different tribal community merits scientific attention as to the efficacy of the healing methods.
Keywords: Marma, medicinal plants, zoo therapy, Rangamati, Bangladesh.
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