Abstract

FOLK MEDICINE CAN BE PRACTICED BY ANYBODY IN BANGLADESH: MEDICINAL PRACTICES OF A ‘BAUL’ SINGER IN SHERPUR DISTRICT

Mahmuda Jahan Munni, Mst. Kaniz Moriom Surovi, Jesmin Parvin, Most. Mohima Yesmin, Noor-E-Jannat, Tanjim Mustari, Syeda Seraj, A.B.M. Anwarul Bashar and Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background: Folk medicine is widely practiced in Bangladesh and persons from various occupations practice it on a regular or part-time basis. Quite often, persons coming from diverse occupational backgrounds can be seen to possess a remarkable knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses. The objective of this study was to document the medicinal plants used by a ‘baul’ singer who also practiced folk medicine in Sherpur District, Bangladesh. Methods: Interview of the folk medicinal practitioner (FMP) was carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results: The FMP interviewed used a total of 72 plants distributed into 47 families for treatment. The sheer number of plants used and the diversity of diseases treated suggested that the FMP, even though his main occupation was singing, possessed a quite remarkable knowledge on the medicinal properties of plants. Also to be noted is that he used a number of plants in his treatment, which were quite unique. Conclusion: The medicinal plants used by the FMP included some plants, which were used for treatment of paralysis, liver disorders, and heart disorders, and so merit scientific attention.

Keywords: Folk medicine, medicinal plants, baul, Sherpur, Bangladesh.