Indigenous Knowledge Associated with Maternal Health and Process of Child Birthamong the Hajongs of Dhemaji District

Abstract

Despite the amazing advancement in modern allopathic treatment in pregnancy, traditional health care practices have always been used by indigenous ethnics of the world, including the tribal people of India.Their knowledge for the traditional treatment of reproductive health especially pregnancy can be attributed to the abundance and rich diversity of medicinal plants in their habitat.Their wide knowledge of surrounding diverse ecology brings to work for their benefit in a very best way,among which ethno medicine is one .noticeable and valuable knowledge which need special attention. Generally it is believed that childbirth is a normal component of life such as sexual maturation and pregnancy surrounded by cultural,social,ethical and religious considerations.The status of reproductive health is widely varied depending on the prevailing practices of the individual and community at large.The environmental factors and usage of traditional knowledge, beliefs and taboos are also responsible for determining the reproductive health status of any society. The knowledge of the intimate relationship between man and plants in his immediate surrounding has been passed mainly through tradition(Jain,2004).Health is considered as one of the most important parameters in peoples’ life.Social and sexual stratification within societies act as important determinants of health of people in general and that of women in particular.Physiological differences along with gender inequality in societies play a major role in determining the health outcome of a population more particularly that of women.