Ethnomedical survey of medicinal plants having antipyretic effect used by Paliya tribes in Idukki district of Kerala

Abstract

The present research is a detailed study of plants used for different purposes by a primitive tribe Paliya inhabiting the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. The study has been conducted at seven Paliya settlements in the Idukki District of Kerala. Ethnobotanical information was collected using primary as well as secondary sources of data. The primary data collection was done through field visits to the seven hamlets of Paliya communities. The method of primary data collection involved three components: field trips, focus group discussion and collection and identification of the plants. The secondary data were collected from the official records maintained in tribal departments, forest department, and records of studies on the life of Paliya. The Ethno-medico-botanical studies among the Paliya tribes in Idukki district of Kerala resulted the documentation of 388 plant species used to cater different needs of Paliya. Among this 237 plant species belonging 78 families are used for treatment for various ailments. The present paper deals with the plants used for the treatment of fever and associated problems by the Paliya tribes. A total of 41 plant species belonging to 26 families used for fever are reported here. The plants recorded were arranged alphabetically with botanical name, vernacular name, family, habit and method of preparation for their health care needs.