Abstract

ETHNO MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SALEM DISTRICT, TAMILNADU, INDIA – A REVIEW

Devaki R.* and Santhosh Kumar R.

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Abstract

Ethno botanical studies have great significance in intensifying our comprehension of medicinal plants used by tribal communities, the rich diversity got together by them for their nourishment, and the alternate way taken by them for conserving it. The data of medicinal plants have been collected over several centuries based on various systems of medicine such as the Siddha system and other Traditional Indian systems, Amchi, Modern. In India, it is declared that traditional physicians use 2500 plant species and 100 species of herbs assist as natural principles of medicine. Kanjamalai, the temple of Lord Siddheswara Swamy is located in the North-Western foothill, 16 kilometers far from the city of Salem, and is nearer to Salem Steel Plant. It derives its name from Kanju (gold) that rests on its streams, Ponni Aru and Kandha Nadhi. India constitutes a rich population of Pteridophytic plants, the bulk of it grows richly in moist tropical and temperate forests. The Kolli hills rest between 11ᵒ30’00’’ N latitude and 78ᵒ15’00’’E longitude. It is located in the Namakkal District of Tamil Nadu above the river Cauvery, covering an area of about 503 km. Palamalai hill is situated in the North-West of Salem District, Tamilnadu which is densely covered by a reserved forest. Herbs that are frequently employed in the preparation of medicine formulations are mostly found in those regions that support various ailments of human beings and animals.

Keywords: Ethno medicinal plants, Salem, Kanjamalai hills, Kolli hills, Palamalai hills.