Exploration and elucidation of various medicinal plants used in the management of dermatological disorders by folklore practitioners of Udupi District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurveda emphasizes to utilize the flora which is available in and around us for medicinal purpose. It also believes everything is medicinal in nature thus suggests to collect the information about these local medicinal flora from the Vanavaasi (Primitive tribes), Ajapa (Goatherds), Avipa (Shepherds) and Gopa (Cowherds). Traditionally the science of healing is taught from one generation to another, which is now kept as a secret. Hence an attempt is made in this direction to collect the information from traditional healers who use locally available plants of their place for skin ailments located in coastal region of Karnataka called Udupi. Methodology: The information regarding the plant species, their local name, part used, mode of usage along with dosage of the medicinal plants used by them. The data was collected by randomly selecting 24 informers who were from 16 different villages and data is collected using a Self-prepared questionnaire based interviews. Results and Conclusion: The ethno-medico-botanical survey is documented and it reveals that 27 different plant species belonging to 16 families which were used by the folklore practitioners to successfully prevent and treat various ailments of skin as well as hair.