ETHNO-MEDICO-BOTANY OF MOODABIDRI RANGE IN CHILD HEALTH CARE

Abstract

Traditional practices related to child care provides valuable knowledge and inputs in making best use of natural resources as it is proved very effective in indigenous experimentation. Medical ethno-botany forms a major part of medicinal aspects of aboriginal child care. Indigenous herbal practices related to child care provides valuable knowledge and aid in making best use of natural resources as it is dynamic in dissemination and scientific in indigenous experimentation. Twenty six villages in and around Moodabdiri were identified and planned for the present study. Principal investigator, Co Principal investigator, Technical assistant and local members visited each village in regular intervals to gather information regarding folklore practitioners and medicinal plants. A detailed proforma was prepared containing information about folklore practitioners and regarding the medicinal plants. In the present study the results are arranged in alphabetical order of the diseases. About 20 diseases are enumerated and in total 37 plants belonging to 28 families are used as herbal remedies in child–care, while 4 plant species are used along with other plant resources in herbal preparations. Local communities not only use these plants but also care for their conservation and protection; thus contributing towards sustainable development.