Article: USES OF INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANTS OF EAST KHASI HILLS, MEGHALAYA, NORTHEAST INDIA: A REVIEW STUDY

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.120374

Pages: 57-59

Author: Neelam *, Dwivedi K. N.

Abstract: Meghalaya, the hilly state, is one of the seven states of North-Eastern region of India. This small state was carved out of Assam and made a full –fledged state on 21^st January 1972. The Khasi, Jaintia, Bhoi and War, are collectively known as the Hynniewtrep people and they predominantly inhabit the districts of Eastern Meghalaya. Indigenous people are generally very knowledgeable about the wild medicinal plants around them, many of them have local names and are important to the people as folklore. The present topic is chosen to explore the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants by Khasi tribe in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. To explore the knowledge of medicinal plants, many Villagers and traditional healers (Ojhas) who were experienced in practicing indigenous or folk medicine are consulted to gather information. In this review study a total of 30 medicinal plants are documented and information on local names, scientific names, family, habit, plant parts used and medicinal uses of these plants are also given. The documented plant species are used for some common ailments like headache, stomach problems, cold, cough and fever, jaundice, skin diseases, blood pressure and diabetes etc. These plants are taken orally in the form of Swarasa (juices) or Kwatha (decoction). These kinds of traditional practices require scientific validation and documentation of their therapeutics in Ayurveda.

Keyword: Folklore, Indigenous, Khasi tribe, Medicinal plants.