Ethnobotany of Irular tribe in Palamalai Hills, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

250-255The present paper highlights the use of plants for various ailments by Irular tribe living in Palamalai Hills. A total of 50 plants species belonging to 47 genera and 31 families used by them as herbal medicines to treat several common diseases such as skin diseases, dysentery, cough and cold, cuts and wounds, etc. were documented. During present study it has been observed that the ethnobotanical systems and herbal medicines as therapeutic agents are of a paramount importance in addressing health problems of traditional communities. The indigenous knowledge available with these people plays an important role in quick and proper identification of natural resources