Ethnomedicines of Chothe Tribe, Manipur

This book is based on the original research work carried out among the indigenous Chothe tribe of Manipur. In the study, a total of 130 (one hundred and thirty) ethno-botanical plants used as ethnomedicines are identified that belongs to 58 families in the treatment of about 69 different ailments and diseases. The most common families are Lamiaceae, Zingiberaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae. These ethno-botanical plants are mostly herbs that are seasonal. The leaf, stem and rhizome are commonly taken in the form of oral decoction and concoction. Some are eaten as food items while others are used for external purposes only. High frequency sicknesses and diseases are like fever, cough, dysentery, urinary or kidney problems, irregular menstrual cycle problems, jaundice and diabetes. The book also discusses certain ethno-botanical plants that have religious significances in the practice of healing and curing various ailments like for protection, to ward off evil spirits or against magical spells. It also highlights how their ancestors used certain animal’s part, insects and other natural objects in the application of healing and curing certain types of sicknesses and diseases. The study is mainly a documentation to understand how seriously and effectively the Chothes still continue to practice their ethnomedicines in the contemporary world and thereby encourage in conserving and preserving certain lifesaving drugs scientifically before it completely annihilated from its environment.