𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 :-

The history of hospitals and modern medicine in Nepal is not very long. The oldest hospital in the country is Bir Hospital, which was established during the time of Bir Shamsher in 1947 B.S. It began with only seven beds and five staff members. This small hospital was built in the capital city, Kathmandu, where it still stands today. However, many centuries before this hospital was built, the Tamang community already had its own traditional way of healing. The Bombo masters, who were both healers and spiritual guides, used many types of herbs found in the forests. They chose each herb carefully according to the season, time and the nature of the illness. In those early days, when there were no hospitals or doctors, the Bombo masters were respected as the true healers of the village. Medicinal plants were traditionally used together with mantras to treat a wide range of ailments, including insanity, broken bones, dislocated joints, snake bites, food poisoning, cuts, burns, scalds, wounds that had become infected or infested with insects and other serious injuries. They were also applied to support women’s health, addressing issues such as menstrual irregularities and infertility, reflecting a holistic approach that combined spiritual practice with natural remedies. The Tamang people believe that every plant and tree has a living spirit called Lha, which is the sacred life energy of nature. By connecting with this spirit, the Bombo brings balance to the body, mind and soul. The healers used different parts of plants such as leaves, roots, bark, seeds and flowers as valuable medicines. Herbs were used in three main ways: for physical healing, for mental and emotional balance and for spiritual purification. For physical healing, they used herbs like Niramasi, Paniamla, Jatamasi , Ranisinka, Tulasi, Nim, Amla, Harro, Barro, Ashwagandha, Kurilo, Satuwa, Pakhanbed, Bojho, Rudilo, Dubo, Titepati, Sisno, Chiraito, Yarsagumba, Sugandhawal, Ghodtapre, Bish, Okhar, Haledo, Lapsi, Bhyakur, Timur etc. For peace of mind, they burned Neem leaves, Rudhilo, Saaldhup, Juniper, Guggul, Frankincense, Rudraksha wood/bark, Pine resin, Camphor, Sandalwood, Agarwood, Cardamom husk, Tulsi, Rui, Simal bark etc. For spiritual cleansing, they used  Syukpa, Titepati , Sunapati, Bhairungpati, Malagiri leaves etc. along with prayers and mantras. During healing, the Bombo beats the drum gently, chants ancient words and lets the smoke of sacred herbs flow around the patient. It is believed that this helps to remove negative energy and to awaken new life and strength within. The Bombo understands that sickness does not only begin in the body but also in the loss of harmony between the human spirit and the natural world. With the growth of science and modern medicine, hospitals and medical treatments have become available in many places. Still, the Bombo healing tradition remains a valuable part of Nepal’s ancient culture. Modern medicine depends on machines and chemical drugs, while the Bombo tradition depends on faith, natural herbs and spiritual energy. In earlier times, these healers used herbs not only for simple illnesses but also for serious and life-threatening diseases and even for minor surgical procedures. The effectiveness of these traditional practices can still be seen today, as many people in Tamang communities continue to share stories of recovery and healing through the use of such herbs.In the past, wherever the Bombo went, (our grandfather also did the same) they carried a small bundle called “Basaa.” Inside that bundle were all the medicinal herbs they needed, which we might today call a medical kit box. For this reason, Bombo masters are still regarded with great respect, and in some places they are lovingly called “medicine men.” My true intention is not to say that doctors or modern medicine should be ignored in today’s world of science and technology. Certainly not. What I wish to say is that the old and powerful herbal knowledge, which has helped people for many generations, should also be respected and studied with care. These ancient healing methods deserve more research and preservation so that their wisdom is not lost. Real progress comes when we learn to bring the best of both worlds together, when modern science and traditional wisdom walk side by side to heal people with compassion and respect for life.