PLANTS USED BY TRIBALS

 1. FOOD PLANTS

The tribal people mainly depend on forest plants for their food requirements. In India about 800 edible plants are used by various tribal populations. Tribals collect various parts of the plants growing in forests such as fruits, flowers, seeds, young shoots, leaves, etc for eating. The following are examples

LEAF

Achyranthes aspera- Amaranthaceae- Young leaves.

Basella rubra- Basellaceae- Leaves

Bauhinia purpurea- Fabaceae- Leaves

Pouzolzia zeylanica- Urticaceae- Leaves.

Cannabis sativa- Bhang- Leaves and tender shoot- Rajasthan.

FRUIT

Aegle marmelos- Rutaceae.

Diospyros melanoxylon- Ebenaceae- 

INTOXICANTS & BEVERAGES

    Intoxicants or the beverages consumed by tribals for intoxication are of various types depending upon the plant from which they are obtained and the process of preparation. Women and children also consume these beverages during religious ceremonies or festivals. Moreover, these drinks also play a supplementary role for tribal people and are also used in small quantities as medicine for various ailments by different tribes. For example, rice beer is used as an intoxicant by most tribals in India and it is also used for medicinal purposes as a light tranquilizer, for treatment of fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and gynecological disorders.

1. Borassus flabellifer 

Family: Arecaceae 

This plant is commonly known as the ‘Asian Palmyra Palm’ or ‘Toddy Palm’ or ‘Wine palm .The sap of this plant is used by the tribals for making an alcoholic drink called ‘tadi.’ The sap is obtained by tapping the shoot top and collecting it in earthen pots. It is fermented before consumption.

2. Cannabis sativa 

 Family: Cannabaceae 

 A beverage called bhang lassi is prepared from the female flowers, especially during festivals. The buds along with leaves are crushed in a pestle and mortar, the paste is added to milk or curd and filtered, finally it is flavored with sugar, fruit and spices. Consumption of this beverage is part of ancient Hindu culture.

3. Eleusine coracana 

 Family: Poaceae

 An alcoholic drink called ‘paise’ is prepared from the grains of this plant. A fermented paste prepared from the grains of wheat or maize is used to make this liquor. This beverage is prepared fresh or a day earlier and tribal men, as well as women, consume at least, as well as women, one litre per head in the morning before going to fields for work. 

4. Ficus hispida 

Family: Moraceae

 Country liquor is prepared from this plant by tribals of Orissa. Tribals of Meghalaya use unripe fruit as vegetable. The fruit juice is used for various medicinal purposes also.

5. Madhuca longifolia

 Family: Sapotaceae

Dried corollas or flower buds of this plant are  fermented to obtain an alcoholic drink called ‘mahua’ which is very popular among the tribals of India. Gond and Kol tribes also use it for treating dysentery.

RESINS

Resins can be defined as oxidation products of various essential oils.

1. Gardenia resinifera 

Family: Rubiaceae 

Uses: Members of Gond tribe use resin obtained from the stem and buds of this plant as insecticide and repellant for flies. 

2. Butea monosperma 

Family: Fabaceae 

The gum resin is of ethno-medicinal importance and is used as tonic. It has diuretic and astringent properties.

3. Shorea robusta 

Family: Dipterocarpaceae. 

Sal resin is applied for relief from chest pain and cramps.

4. Pinus roxburghii 

Family: Pinaceae 

Besides being commercially important, pine resin has local medicinal uses also.It is used for treatment of boils, bone fractures, swellings, ulcers, urinary complaints and sprains.

OILS

1. Allium sativum 

Family: Liliaceae 

Oil obtained from garlic bulb is rich in sulphur and has strong antimicrobial activity .It is used by Indian tribals for head massage to treat headache. Gond tribes use it.

2. Azadirachta indica 

Family: Meliaceae 

Oil obtained from the seeds is called neem oil which is very aromatic.It is used for treatment of skin problems such as itching, healing of cuts and wounds.

3. Madhuca indica 

Family: Sapotaceae 

Oil is edible, commonly known as ‘garang’,’ idum’ or ‘mahua tel’. It is used as hair oil & lamp oil.

4. Ricinus communis 

Family: Euphorbiaceae 

Castor oil obtained from the seed of this plant is used by tribals for treating disorders like rheumatism, constipation and worm infestation.

MISCELLANEOUS- Religious and Cultural

Ficus religiosa- Peepal or Bodhi tree- 

Ficus benghalensis- Banyan tree

Aegle marmelos- Found in Shiva temples

Saraca indica- In Hinduism, this tree is associated to the God of Love, also known as the Kama Deva.

Azadirachta indica- associated with goddess Durga and many people believe that neem trees help in keeping evil spirits away.

Ocimum sanctum- Tulsi- used in temples.

Phyllanthus emblica- Chyavanprash

Cocos nucifera- in temple rituals.