Author(s): Lavanya R and Pramod V Pattar

Abstract: Ethno medicinal knowledge is the ancient herbal plant knowledge transmitted over a period of time explaining the relationship between plants and traditional people for mutual care and benefit. Moreover, women are the knowledge carriers but still their knowledge is going unrecognized. The present studies have revealed 32 plant species belonging to 23 families that are used for various purposes by traditional healers. Leaves were found most frequently used part for primary healthcare by rural women including other various parts. Therefore, the maximum use of leaves medicinal purpose indicates either these plants are easily availability or they may have strong medicinal properties. The analysis of habits of plants documented, showed that herbs share the largest proportion with 14 species (44%) followed by trees with 11species (34%), shrubs with 6 species (19%) and climbers with 1 species (3%) and also plant parts used in study area for traditional practices. Documentation of primary health care by rural women and their participation in traditional practices is very important to our society. It will not only help in purpose of plant conservation and economical utilization of folk plants but would also lead development of employment generation among the local people.