This study has been made in order to explore and document indigenous knowledge and practices of the Tharu community of eastern Nepal. Three VDCs namely, Lakhantari, Pakali, and Jagatpur of Morang, Sunsari and Saptari District were examined. Three study visits over the period of September-February, 2006 in the study area were made to collect primary information on medicinal plants using field observation, transect walks, interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies. Data analysis was done by SPSS programme. Altogether 136 medicinal plants were recorded, which are used to cure various human diseases like skin problems, stomach troubles, gastric illnesses, fevers, coughs and colds, headaches etc. For the treatment of different health problems, local people come to Dhami/Ojha; but also come from outside the VDCs, and at a national and international level too. Especially, elderly people and healers have knowledge about the medicinal plans and their uses in healthcare. With their long experience and practices, they have acquired a rich knowledge about the utilisation of plant resources in various ways. Medicinal plants are the first level of health care for the majority of people in the study area. However, medicinal plants of this area are seriously threatened by various human related activities like deforestation, habitat destruction, unsustainable harvesting of forest products and so on. Besides, due to various ecological, social and economic factors, the indigenous knowledge of the people is under threat. For the conservation and preservation indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants, some recommendations are made based on the present study.
