Use of Plants in Traditional Medicines for the Cure of Respiratory Ailments in the Malwa Belt of Punjab, India

Abstract

Article InfoTraditional system of medicine is re-emerging health aid in the present scenario. A large number of plants find their use for ethnomedicinal purposes for the cure of acute as well as chronic type of ailments. Respiratory ailments due to their communicable nature are affecting human beings of almost all age groups. The chances of occurrence of such diseases fuel up in areas with high level of pollution. Keeping this in mind, the present study was commenced in the malwa region of Punjab state. During the study, ethnomedicinal knowledge regarding the use of plants against respiratory ailments in the folk medicines was documented. A total of 83 plants belonging to 37 families were recorded to be used against respiratory diseases. Some of the new claims pertaining to the use of plants during the investigation indicate the presence of some valuable phytochemicals present in them and their use in future with more significant perspectives. During the present investigation, it was also felt that there is need of sustainable use of such valuable resources and making the younger generation more aware of ethnomedicinal plants.