Ethno-medicinal plants used by Bakarwals for treatment of livestock

Ethno medicine forms an inherent part of Bakarwal community as they believe in traditional method of treatment. Hence present study was planned to identify the plants used by Bakarwals for treatment of various diseases. A total of 10 herbs/shrubs belonging to different families have been documented in this research. It was found that Rumex hastatus Linn (Kutch) and Rheum webbianum Royle(Phamb challan) are used to treat wounds and cuts, Iris kashmiriana Baker (Kabriposh) and Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (Wan wangun) are used for their antiseptic properties, and Datura stramonium Linn (Datur boel) and Saussurea costus (Koth) have been put to use for treatment of joint pain. Some other plants mentioned in the study include, Rumex nepalensis spreng.(Abuj), Artemisia scoparia Waldst.&Kitam (Tethwan) and Trigonella foenumgraecum (Fenugreek seeds/Meethi).The research findings clearly indicate a prevelance of ethno medicine in the bakerwal community which may potentially be due to in accessibility of modern veterinary facilities and reluctance to adapt to modern veterinary medicine.There is need for in-depth study of ethno medicinal plants in order to facilitates the growth and development of ethno veterinary medicine.