Author(s): Shikha Sharma and Kiranjot Sidhu

Abstract:
In the present times, when environmental, socio-economic and behavioral factors are taking a toll on health, it is important to study the present status of the indigenous knowledge among the masses in which it has been prevalent and used since ages. In this context a study was planned to study the awareness and use pattern of women regarding medicinal plants used for respiratory problems which have been documented in form of a technical bulletin developed under AICRP on Home Science. The study was conducted in three socio-cultural regions of Punjab i.e. Majha, Malwa and Doaba. A total of 240 women were selected for equal representation of rural and urban population. An interview schedule was developed on basis of the technical bulletin, “Respiratory Disorders- Data on respiratory disorders”, ICAR, New Delhi (2003) prepared under the Extension Component of All India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science. Hence it can be concluded that although more women knew about the medicinal plants but comparatively lesser percentage were aware of its use for respiratory problems. Women were aware that the plants were used for respiratory problems but they were not aware about many of their properties. This was evident for all the plants and for majority of the women. However, the level of awareness was significantly different for different properties for all the plants. The most cited reason for using medicinal plants was the use by elders, time tested of effectiveness of medicinal plants and conviction of their usefulness. Another reasons were lesser cost, no side effects and easy availability. Awareness and use of medicinal plants was not associated with socio-economic or personal characteristic of the rural women except the size of the family or use of media in case of level of awareness. Planned extension strategies can go a long way in passage of indigenous knowledge and in present times media can play an effective role in this context.