Folk Medicine and Traditional Food Habits of the Bhotiya Tribe of Uttarakhand

Dr. Neelam Negi

Folk medicine, Traditional food, Bhotiya, Tribe, Indigenous Knowledge, Kirat, Mongoloid.

The Bhotia tribe inhabits the border regions of Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttarakhand. The word Bhotia is believed to be derived from the word Bhot, which refers to Tibet. Thus, the word Bhotia reflects their close connection to Tibet1. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding which tribes migrated to the Uttarakhand region in the past, and which castes and tribes intermingled here during different historical periods. Scholars have offered answers based on their own interpretations. The Bhotiya tribe has historically been a trading community, forming the basis of trade between India and Tibet. The Bhotiya tribe possesses unique and distinctive customs, folk medicine practices, and traditional food (dietary) habits. Their traditional healing methods and dietary practices are a testament to their long history and their ability to survive in challenging environments. This tribe is distinctly different from other communities in Uttarakhand. It is classified into several sub-groups. These sub-groups are found in three districts of Uttarakhand: Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh. Before the advent of modern medicine, every community used various types of traditional medicines and folk remedies to treat illnesses, and each community had its own traditional herbalist or folk healers. Illnesses were generally treated with these folk remedies. Different formulas were used for different diseases. These formulas were developed by the early generations of the community during its heyday and passed down through subsequent generations. The plants that grow in different geographical locations and the dietary practices of a community are deeply connected to its health and medical practices. This is clearly evident in the folk medicine of the Bhotiya tribe. Before the advent of modern medicine, folk remedies and dietary practices were the only effective forms of treatment, and these traditional methods were passed down from one generation to the next. However, due to several factors disrupting the community's lifestyle in recent times, the process of transmitting this valuable knowledge from previous generations to the present and future generations has been interrupted. As a result, centuries-old traditional knowledge is on the verge of extinction. This research paper presents a historical study of the folk medicine and traditional food habits of the Bhotiya tribe.The research area is primarily focused on the villages of the Bhotiya tribe in Pithoragarh district.

Volume 14 Issue 2, February-2026

Pages : c400-c405