Traditional herbal cures practiced in some areas of north and south 24-parganas districts of west bengal (india)

Recent study on the uses of medicinal plants for primary healthcare in some periurban areas of North and South 24-Parganas districts of West Bengal revealed widespread use of herbal cures among the local people. A total of 102 plant species were listed from three areas, Amtala and Diamond Harbour in South 24-Parganas and Habra in North 24-Parganas. These herbal medicines are believed to give good results against common ailments like cough, cold, dysentery, diarrhoea, skin problems, cuts, wounds, inflammations and acne as well as difficult diseases like jaundice, diabetes, anaemia, rheumatism, epilepsy, cardiac disorders, hypertension, constipation, bone fracture, insect and snake bites, etc. Often, different parts of the same plant were used to cure different ailments and leaves are the mostly used plant part. The study revealed that the district of 24-parganas (North & South) is rich in medicinal plant wealth and knowledge on their traditional uses. Local people in the periurban areas practice such traditional medicines even today, and if paid attention to, these natural resources can act as important basic materials for sustainable commercial exploitation (178 words).