Traditional Knowledge and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Medicinal Plants among Local Healers of Azamgarh District, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

For generations, rural India’s healthcare systems have relied heavily on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The current study records the ethnomedical expertise of indigenous healers in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh District, including Vaidyas, Hakims, herbalists, and old villagers. Semi-structured questionnaires, in-person interviews, group discussions, and participant observations were used to perform field surveys in a few chosen communities. Eighty-five species of therapeutic plants from forty-seven families were identified. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Apocynaceae were the most prevalent families. The most commonly used plant part was the leaf (42%), which was followed by the roots (18%), bark (13%), fruits (11%), seeds (8%), and flowers (8%).Fever, cough, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, wounds, liver difficulties, respiratory infections, and gynecological issues were all treated with the documented species. The most popular preparation technique was decoction, which was followed by paste, powder, juice, and infusion. The study emphasizes how crucial it is to protect indigenous knowledge, encourage the sustainable use of medicinal plants, and validate traditional medicines scientifically for use in future medical applications.