Ethno-medicinal Plants Used by the Traditional Healers of Pachamalai Hills, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

The traditional healers of Pachamalai hills were studied for the use of medicinal plants. We report 12 species of medicinal plants used for common ailments such as asthma, cough, cold, fever, stomach problems, snake bites, skin disease etc. The traditional healers are on the decline because the younger members of the tribe have started moving towards the towns and cities and are not willing to practice this form of medicine. There is danger that the knowledge of these medicinal plants will also die with them. It is therefore, necessary to document the plants and take efficient steps to conserve them.