Lesser Reported Medicinal Plants of Erstwhile District Kalahandi

Kalahandi district with rich biodiversity is inhabited by both aboriginal tribes and nontribal communities. Over 92% of the populations living in the rural and hilly regions are deprived of the modern medical facilities as a result of which they are subjected to using medicinal plants only for their health care, as advised by vaidyas and local practitioners. During above study 57 plant species including 11 trees, 10 small trees or large shrubs, 10 shrubs, 3 under shrubs, 12 herbs, 7 climbers and 4 twinners were recorded which were used by local people for treating various ailments. Some lesser known medicinal plants, widely used by ethnic people of two localities of Kalahandi district have also been reported.