MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TRIBAL AND FOLKLORE MEDICINE IN RURAL AREAS OF MYSORE DISTRICT

Mysore district lies in the Southern Plateau and it is in the southern part of Karnataka state of India. The district covers an area of 6854 sq. km. that is, 3.57 per cent of the state’s total geographical area. Apart from being the cultural capital of the state, Mysore has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. About 62,851 hectares of the district is covered by forest. Mysore district is the third richest in forest wealth in the State. Many varieties of medicinal plants grow in these forests. In rural parts of Mysore district people still relay on these native herbal medicines to cure various ailments. One who prescribes the herbal medicines is called as Nati Vaidya meaning local Doctor. These Nati Vaidyas belong to various tribes and communities and are being practicing these herbal medicines since from many generations. The ethno-medico-botanical information was collected through direct interactions and discussions with local herbal practitioners (Nati vaidyas), elder people of different tribes and communities and patients who received treatment from Nati Vaidya’s residing in rural areas of Mysore district. During field work, the information collected on plant species, being used to treat various human diseases and disorders along with their local name, plant parts, method of preparation, and mode of application, dosage and duration were documented.