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