Abstract
The knowledge of medicinal plants, historically, was occupied by a few
specialized herbal healers in rural communities; thus, much of their use was observed
as being primarily of local interest. For the past couple of decades, medicinal plants
have been increasingly recognized for their role in health care and improving economic
status. India is one of Asia's largest countries, with the richest arrays of well-known
medicinal plants and alternative medical systems, including Ayurveda. The medicinal
plants are used as traditional medicine by the indigenous people of North 24 Parganas,
Howrah and Kolkata. The study aimed to identify the plant species used as traditional
medicines by natives in North 24 Parganas, Howrah and Kolkata, and also to describe
the method of preparation and uses of some medicinal plants. This research was
conducted in three districts of west Bengal. The information recorded includes methods
of treatment of disease, Tribal names of plants they used for treating various diseases,
parts of the plant used, preparation and mode of application, and whether the plant is
used alone or in combination with other plants. Results indicate that the indigenous
people in those districts have been using at least 33 plants as a source of medicine.
Most of these medicinal plants are commonly gathered from local areas. Common
diseases like fever, cough and cold, constipation, hypertension, tuberculosis, wounds,
etc., can be treated using medicinal plants from those three districts. Research also
found that all parts of plants are used, but leaf extracts are the most common parts of
the plant used for treating medical conditions.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Herbal healers, West Bengal, Traditional medicine, folk medicine.