Abstract

HOME REMEDIES USED IN SOME VILLAGES OF MANIKGANJ DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Sayeda Shahnaj, Ummarin Asha, Tanjila Mim, Arifa Khatun, Sharmin Akter, Nur Salma Haque, Ishita Malek, Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

Background. Home remedies are one of the most common and quite often effective forms of treatment for various diseases throughout the world. Bangladesh is no exception to this, and such remedies are known locally as ‘totka’ treatment. Since totkas have been practiced since time immemorial, they can prove valuable in providing information on the therapeutic values of the materials used (usually plants) for treatment. The objective of the present survey was to document the plants used in totka practices in several villages of Manikganj district, Bangladesh. Methods. Interview of four totka practitioners (TPs) was carried out with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. Results. The four TPs interviewed used a total of 24 plants distributed into 19 families in their treatment. Conclusion. The results suggest that the TPs treated a number of diseases with plants, which scientists may benefit from further studies in their continuous quest for newer and better drugs.

Keywords: Home remedies, medicinal plants, Manikganj, Bangladesh