Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517 502, Andhra Pradesh, India

Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517 502, Andhra Pradesh, India
Health ,Disease ,Culture , Medicinal Plants ,Yanadi ,

The present study is intended to throw light on the socio- cultural elements pertained to health standards and indigenous practice of ethno medicine among Yanadi of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. In the present paper a total of 220 Yanadi families were studied, the total population of Yanadi is 960 (470males and 490 females). The traditional health knowledge of the Yanadi is closely interlinked with bio resources and medicinal plants for healthcare are derived by continuous access to and observation of the natural resource. They have rich traditional health knowledge. This aboriginal tribe has authentic information on medicinal values of different plant species. The present study Yanadi tribe identifies 61 plant species used for different medicines for various diseases. They use various plant parts like roots, tubers, stem barks, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. They have been using these medicinal plants in the form of paste, powder and juice. Yanadi generally believe that good health is a reward for a life of honesty, religious piety, and moral rectitude. Health of these people is constantly influenced by their food habits, cultural practices and beliefs. They believe that karma, physical, supernatural and spiritual factors are responsible to get diseases. All these socio- cultural variables explain that Yanadi under study have deep rooted ancestral affinities with their environs whatever ancient it could be.

4 , 3 , 2014