Ethnobotanical Studies of Medicinal Plants used In Traditional (Folk) Medicines

Rajesh B. and Neethu Nair

Abstract: The present paper deals with the results of a survey of the folk medicines, plants and their parts used and formulations which used for different diseases. . The folk medicine practitioner has unique formulations (nattu medicines) for different types diseases related to different pains, physiological, infectious, allergic and other major disease (Table 1). About fifty six plant species under thirty five family, have been utilised in folk medicine preparations. About fifty six plant species under thirty five family utilised for preparation of sixty nine formulation with single and compound combinations of folk medicines. The present survey showed that, in folk medicines maximum formulations prepared from Leaves followed by roots, whole plant, whole fruit, bark and seeds. Similarly, the study also indicated that very less amount of flower are used in folk medicine preparations. Maximum spice plant species are used in folk medicines.

Keywords: Folk medicines, Spices, Diseases, medicinal plants, formulations