Ethnomedicinal Plants Of Sumi Nagas

Ethnomedicinal Plants Of Sumi Nagas








Introduction
Nagaland, is located in the north eastern region of India, with an estimated population of over 1.5 million, covering an area of 16, 579 km2. Nagaland is situated between 25˚06’N and 27˚04’N latitude and 93˚15’E longitude. The climate of Nagaland ranges from sub-tropical to sub-temperate and the altitude varies from 194m to 3840m above sea level. It boarders with the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on one side, Manipur on the other side and also has a vast international border with Myanmar. The terrain is mountainous and covered by forests, which are among the richest in the Indian sub-continent, so Nagaland is broadly recognized as an area of mega-biodiversity. Nagaland has remained unexplored because of various reasons particularly on account of difficult terrain, poor communication facilities, mutual mistrust and hostility and prolonged insurgency conditions.
Nagaland is an abode of fascinating landscape, swift flowing streams, lush greenish Blue Mountains and forest. Heavy rainfall over six months in a year accompanied by intense solar radiation through clean sky and foggy suspension and high humidity makes it an ideal repository of a rich bio-diversity location, including medicinal plants and rich reservoir of genetic heritage.
The aboriginal Naga tribes have a rich knowledge, based on their natural resources, of indigenous folk medicine. After centuries of trial, often at the risk of the loss of human life, they have learned to utilize local plants to cure different ailments. Their beliefs and folk practices are based on past experiences with various diseases and their cures. The knowledge gained by tribals has been handed down from generation to generation by a rich oral tradition, therefore, remained confined to only few. Very few scientific works has been done on medicinal plants in Nagaland.
This project/ field work has been done on the ethnomedicinal plants used by the Sϋmi Naga Tribal’s of Nagaland. Natures gift of many rivers and streams alongside with varying climatic conditions have led to the presence of rich flora in this part of the state.



The Research Area

DISTRICT: Zunheboto.
VILLAGES COVERED: Rotomi, Philimi, Khrimtomi and Askhomi.
DISTANCE FROM DIMAPUR: 224 kms.
AREA: 1255 Km2.
TOTAL POPULATION: 154909 (2001 Census).

TOPOGRAPHY: There are high hills spread over many areas of the district. The hills vary from 1000 to 2500 meters and most people live between1500 - 2000 meters altitude. The Altitude of the district HQ. (ZBTO) is 1874.22 m. above sea level. (Most of the population resides in rural areas. Zunheboto Town is the only designated urban area of the district.)
CLIMATE & RAINFALL.: Owing to the high altitude, this district enjoys a monsoon climate almost throughout the year. Winters are very cold but summers moderately warm. December and January form the coldest part of the season and at times the temperature comes down to10Celsius. The highest summer temperature is 220 Celsius in the hill area accept Dimapur and its surroundings. The average rainfall is about 200 cm. It falls for nine months in a year, heaviest contribution being in July and August.
SOIL: Almost all the soils of the Zunheboto district belong to the following classes/orders. There are alluvial soil, Forest soil (organic) pertaining to monsoon, non-laterised soil and soils of high altitudes belonging to order spodosals.
RIVERS: There are three important rivers in the district, viz, Tizu River originating from Tuensang district flows down towards south crossing at the centre of Zunheboto district and join Chindwin. Doyang River originating in Japfu passes through west part of the district and joins Dhansiri in Assam. Tsutha River, originating in North East of Zunheboto drains eastern part of the district and joins Tizu below Nihoshe village, where a Mini Hydel Power project is located. Most of the area under terrace cultivation on Tizu, Tsutha and Mela a tributary of Tizu river.



The following medicinal plants are found in this region:

1. Achuchu. (Dioscorea alata). 41. Shenhanibo. (Ricinus communis).
2. Achuwomusϋye. (Equisetum ramosissimum). 42. Shefuxasϋ. (Duabanga grandiflora).
3. Aghauzhukuji. (Osbeckia crinita). 43. Sϋmugha. (Allium ascalonicum).
4. Ahupi. (Artemisia indica). 44. Thachisϋ. (Callicarpa arborea).
5. Achuphi. (Artemisia nilagirica). 45. Thsϋghusϋ. (Gmelina arborea).
6. Akhoyi. (Saccharum officinarum). 46. Tϋghami sϋbo. (Alstonia scholaris).
7. Akusa. (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). 47. Tϋghaloji shedu. (Melastoma malabathricum).
8. Alichesϋ. (Erythrina stricta). 48. Yephaniye. (Molineria capatulata).
9. Amsanibo. (Livistona jenkinsiana). 49. Zϋnhebo. (Leucosceptrum canum).
10. Amwosϋ. (Albizia chinensis). 50. Qopupu. (Bauhinia glauca).
11. Anapobo. (Leea compactiflora).
12. Anashibo. (Curcuma angustifolia).
13. Aphabo. (Bauhinia variegata).
14. Apighibo. (Arisaema tortusum).
15. Apunebo. (Bombax ceiba).
16. Aqhebo. (Calamus erectus).
17. Atsϋna. (Allium chinense).
18. Awothabo. (Brugmansia suaveolens).
19. Awsϋ. (Alpinia galanga).
20. Awϋkhunabo. (Debregeasia longifolia).
21. Awuti. (Bambusa tulda).
22. Axipibo. (Nicotiana plumbaginifolia).
23. Ayexani. (Alocasia Macrorrhiza).
24. Ayithobo. (Caryota urens).
25. Azϋyisϋ. (Albizia lebbeck).
26. Beghϋna. (Lycopersicon lycopersicum).
27. Bell Xathi. (Passiflora edulis).
28. Chighϋsϋ. (Michelia champaca).
29. Ghakuthi. (Juglans regia).
30. Kithimi Ghuquabo. (Oroxylum indicum).
31. Khakhuthi. (Solanum indicum).
32. Khamthi. (Litsea cubeba).
33. Khollethi. (Phyllanthus emblica).
34. Khosϋbo. (Melia composita).
35. Lavatsϋna. (Allium tuberosum).
36. Loshun. (Allium sativum).
37. Lϋtϋsϋ. (Alnus nepalensis).
38. Mϋghϋniye. (Fagopyrum esculentum).
39. Nebathi. (Ficus benjamina).
40. Sapotϋsϋ. (Albizia procera).



Local name of plant:
Atsϋna
Botanical name:
Allium chinense G. Don
Family:
Liliaceae
Distribution:
Found upto 1,800 m. Entire north-eastern parts of India.
Description:
An annual herb. Leaves basal, narrowly linear. Scape tall, slender; heads lax flowered. Flowers red, purple, campanulate, pedicels longer.
Parts used:
Bulbs
Medicinal uses:
Bulb is ground and boiled with mustard oil and rubbed on body to get relieve from fever. The bulb is also used in stomachache. The whole plant is used as a vegetable; also for flavouring curries and other preparations.
Medicinal system:
In Folk systems.






Local name of plant:
Amwosϋ
Botanical name:
Albizia chinensis (Osb.) Merr.
Family:
Mimosaceae
Distribution:
The plant is found mostly in old jhum fallows. It is found from an elevation about 600m to 1500m.
Description:
A medium sized tree, barks smooth. Leaves 15-30 cm long; leaflets sub-sessile, 20-40 pairs, oblong. Stipules large. Flowers heads pedunculate, in terminal and axillary penciled racemes; flowers sessile, yellowish white. Podslight brown, thin and glabrous.
Parts used:
Bark and leaves.
Medicinal use:
Powder of bark is anthelmintic and used in fish poisoning. Leaf extract is applied on skin disease. Extract of aerial spasmogenic and dimeric.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system







Local name of plant:
Azϋyisϋ
Botanical name:
Albizia lebbeck (Linn.) Benth.
Family:
Mimosaceae
Distribution:
It is well distributed in the lower altitude upto 700m., in the tropical forests of Nagaland.
Description:
A large deciduous tree with dark, rough, irregularly cracked bark. Leavesbipinnate; pinnae usually 2-5 pairs, obovate-oblong. Flowers yellow, fragrant, in globose, umbellate heads, 2- 4 cm diameter. Pods 15-30 cm long, 3-5 cm broad. Seeds 4-12, ellipsoid-oblong, light brown.
Parts used:
Bark, seeds and flowers.
Medicinal uses:
The bark is astringent, bitter, acrid, sweet, expectorant, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, anodyne, cephalic, opthalmie, depurative, tonic. The decoction of bark and powdered seeds is administered in the morning and evening before meal to purify the blood and remove blood toxicity. It is used as a remedy for breathing problem. Paste of bark or seeds is applied to treat skin. The seeds are useful in inflammations. Leaves are used as remedy for night blindness.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani and Sidha systems.



Local name of plant:
Sapotϋsϋ
Botanical name:
Albizia procera Benth.
Family:
Mimosaceae
Distribution:
It is found at the lower altitudes upto 1000 m.
Description:
A deciduous tall tree, with white bark. Young shoots and inflorescence with yellowish pubescens. Leaves bipinnate, pinnae 2-6 pairs; leaflets 6-16 pairs, oblong-ovate. Flowers yellowish-white, in peduncled heads. Pods 9-10 cm long, thin, glabrous, pubescent, white to pale on maturity.
Parts used:
Bark.
Medicinal uses:
Bark decoction is used in rheumatism and haemorrhage. Plant parts show anticancer activity. Plant is used in intestinal diseases. Stem bark’s paste is applied in backache.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk and Sidha systems.







Local name of plant:
Sϋmugha
Botanical name:
Allium ascalonicum Linn.
Family:
Liliaceae
Distribution:
It is cultivated in the fields and gardens.
Description:
A hardy, bulbous perennial herb. Bulbs small, about the size of nut, white.Leaves basal. Flowers greenish white or purplish white, in many flowered, globose heads on a fistular scape.
Parts used:
Bulbs.
Medicinal uses:
Decoction of bulbs used with milk, butter and Ferula asafetida and paste is applied in paralysis. Milder than garlic.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Unani and Modern systems









Local name of plant:
Lavatsϋna
Botanical name:
Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex. Spreng.
Family:
Liliaceae
Distribution:
It is found between 1,500-2,000m.
Description:
Bulbs cylindrical, with fleshy fibrous roots. Leaves linear, narrow, trigonous.Flowers white-pink, dense, in umbels, pedicels filiform.
Parts used:
Leaves
Medicinal uses:
Decoction of herb is used in urinary trouble and considered to be good diuretic.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.









Local name of plant:
Loshun
Botanical name:
Allium sativum Linn.
Family:
Liliaceae
Distribution:
It is cultivated throughout the district.
Description:
A bulbous herb. Leaves flat.
Parts used:
Bulbs.
Medicinal uses:
Garlic is very useful herbal medicine and used in a number of health problems. It reduces high blood pressure, protects against blood clots, reduces blood cholesterol, blood sugar, and has antibiotic properties. It is an excellent treatment for dressing wounds, for colds, flu, ear infections and digestion and expels worms.
Medicinal system:
Used in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Folk, Tibetan, Unani, Sidha and Modern systems.







Local name of plant:
Lϋtϋsϋ.
Botanical name:
Alnus nepalensis D. Don
Family:
Betulaceae.
Distribution:
Middle to higher altitude of 800-2,600m. Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Central and Eastern Himalayas.
Description:
A deciduous tree, upto 30 m tall, Bark compact, silvery grey, young shoot generally pubescent. Leaves alternate, simple, elliptic-lanceolate, serrate.Male flowers in drooping spikes, female in short erect spikes. Fruit a woody cone. Roots fix atmospheric nitrogen with symbiotic actinomycetes ( Frankia alni)
Parts used:
Bark, roots and leaves.
Medicinal uses:
Bark paste is used to cure stomachache and dysentery. Decoction of the rootsis taken orally for the treatment of diarrhea and the leaf paste is applied on cuts and wounds.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.






Local name of plant:
Tϋghami sϋbo.
Botanical name:
Alstonia scholaris (Linn.) R. Br.
Family:
Apocynaceae.
Distribution:
At lower altitude upto 300 m, common in North East India.
Description:
A tall evergreen tree upto 25 m high with milky juice. Leaves in whorls of 4-7, obovate, oblanceolate, leathery, midrib very prominent beneath. Flowersgreenish white, in umbellate panicles. Fruits follicles, cylindric, pendulous, upto 60 cm long. Seeds flattened, oblong, with brown hairs at either end.
Parts used:
Leaves, bark and milky exudates.
Medicinal uses:
Bark with bitter taste with an alkaloid called diamine. The bark is used in heart disease, asthma, chronic diarrhea and to stop bleeding of wounds, deafness, leprosy and dyspepsia. Stem bark of Croton roxburghii are pounded together and boiled in water, extract is taken orally to cure gastric trouble. The drug is used in cancer in Ayurvedic system. Decoction of leaves is used in beriberi, congestion to ulcers, sores, rheumatic pain, toothache and earache.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Homeopathy, Tibetan, Unani and Sidha systems.




Local name of plant:
Apighibo.
Botanical name:
Arisaema tortusum (Wall.) Schott
Family:
Araceae.
Distribution:
Middle to higher altitudes (1,300-2,000 m). Common in forested area.
Description:
A perennial tuberous herb, monoecious. Leaves 2, pedatisect; leaflets 7-13, oblong to lanceolate, acuminate. Peduncle longer than the leaf. Spathe green, cylindric, limb ovate, shortly acute. Spadix to 30 cm long; appendage long, curved. Fruits red.
Parts used:
Corms, roots and seeds.
Medicinal uses:
The plant is poisonous. Corm has insecticidal and insect repellent properties. Roots are used to kill the worms that infect cattle’s; seeds are given with salt for colic in sheep.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.







Local name of plant:
Ahupi.
Botanical name:
Artemisia indica Willd.
Family:
Asteraceae.
Distribution:
Lower to higher altitude upto 2,300 m.
Description:
A perennial tall aromatic shrub up to 2.5 m high with leafy branched stem.Leaves sessile, pinnatisect, lobes entire, toothed, upper leaves smaller, 3-fid.Heads 3-4 mm long, ovoid to subglobose. Outer flower female, inner bisexual, fertile. Achenes small, oblong- ellipsoid.
Parts used:
Leaves and young shoots.
Medicinal uses:
Purgative, stomachic, deobstruent, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, insecticidal. It cures asthma, itching, onerexia, gastritis, rheumatism, bronchitis, fever, headache, haemorrhage and diarrhea. It is also used in treatment of skin disease and foul ulcers. Application of leaf paste on the head of young children is helpful in prevention of convulsion.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda and Sidha system.






Local name of plant:
Achuphi
Botanical name:
Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp.
Family:
Asteraceae
Distribution:
Middle to higher altitude 2000 m.
Description:
An aromatic shrub, hairy, pubescent or tomentose. Stem paniculately branched. Leaves lower ovate, lanceolate or 1-2 pinnate, irregularly serrate or lobulate. Heads ovoid or subglobose, clustered, in panicled racemes. Achenesminute, oblong-ellipsoid.
Parts used:
Shoots, leaves and flowering tops.
Medicinal uses:
Used in brain diseases, asthma, stomachic, aphrodisiac, and expectorant. Juice is applied on forehead to reduce headache, giddiness, decoction of leaves helpful in piles, diuretic. It has anti lithic and alexipharmic properties, febrifuge and weak, decoction is given to children in measles and fevers. Leaves are applied as haemostatic and in burning sensation of conjunctivitis, roots are used as tonic and antiseptic. Plants also used to keep away flies and insects.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda and Folk systems.





Local name of plant:
Awuti
Botanical name:
Bambusa tulda Roxb.
Family:
Bambusoideae
Distribution:
Commonly distributed in the valley (600m).
Description:
Culms tufted, upto 20 m in height, 5-10 cm in diameter, hollow, smooth, green. Culm sheath 15-22 cm long, 15-25 cm broad, covered with brown hairs, slightly attenuate upward. Leaves linear, oblong or lanceolate.Inflorescence leafless panicle; spikelets clustered.
Parts used:
Shoots
Medicinal uses:
Tender bamboo shoot is boiled in water and soup is used in pox and other skin diseases. The paste of shoot is applied in poisonous bites and injuries.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.







Local name of plant:
Aphabo
Botanical name:
Bauhinia variegata Linn.
Family:
Caesalpiniaceae
Distribution:
It is distributed upto middle altitude (1,500 m).
Description:
A moderate sized tree with dark grey bark. Leaves ovate, suborbicular, deep cordate, dull green, coriaceous. Flowers large, white, pink or purple. Pods 15-25 cm long, flat, glabrous. Seed 10-15
Parts used:
Roots, bark and flowers.
Medicinal uses:
The roots and bark are astringent, constipating, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, used in diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, wounds, cough and diabetes. Fresh flowers are used in blood pressure.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha and Folk system.








Local name of plant:
Qopupu
Botanical name:
Bauhinia glauca (Wall. ex Benth.)
Family:
Caesalpiniaceae
Distribution:
It is well distributed at the middle altitude (1,000-1,600 m).
Description:
A large cirrhose climber. Shoots and inflorescence clothed with copper coloured hairs when young. Leaves 5-10 cm long, lobed, glabrous. Flowerswhite, in terminal and lateral, many flowered corymbs. Pods oblong.
Parts used:
Bark.
Medicinal uses:
Decoction of bark is used in leprosy and dysentery and its infusion is used in poisonous bites.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.








Local name of plant:
Apunebo.
Botanical name:
Bombax ceiba Linn.
Family:
Bombacaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed at lower altitude (800 m) and found planted on the roadside of highways.
Description:
It is a large deciduous tree. Stem straight, more or less buttressed at the base when old, covered with conical prickles when young. Leaves digitate; leafletslanceolate or obovate, acuminate, entire, glabrous. Flowers large, scarlet or yellow, fleshy. Capsules oblong 10-12 cm long. Seeds glabrous embedded in silky wool.
Parts used:
Bark, flowers, roots, seeds and gum.
Medicinal uses:
Flowers used in vegetables for dysentery and stomach trouble. The resin powder is used in diarrhea. Young fruits are useful in calculus affections, chronic inflammations and ulceration of bladder and kidney. Seed are useful in treating gonorrhea. A part made out of the prickles is good for restoring skin colour especially on the face. Glycosides and tannins are reported in roots.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Unani, Folk and Sidha systems.




Local name of plant:
Thachisϋ.
Botanical name:
Callicarpa arborea Roxb.
Family:
Verbenaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed from lower to middle altitude (300-1,500 m). On jhum lands of hilly slopes.
Description:
Small evergreen tree. Bark corky, brown. Leaves elliptic-lanceolate, oblong to ovate, tomentose beneath. Flowers lavender or pale purple. Drupes small, purple blue when ripe.
Parts used:
Leaves and bark.
Medicinal uses:
Used in fever, gastric diseases, headache. Bark is used in skin diseases and scorpion sting. It is carminative and used in cutaneous diseases.
Medicinal system:
In Folk and Unani systems.








Local name of plant:
Aqhebo.
Botanical name:
Calamus erectus Roxb,
Family:
Arecaceae.
Distribution:
It is well distributed from lower to middle altitude (upto 100m).
Description:
Erect densely tufted. Stems 3.5-4.5 m in height, 2.5-3.0 cm in diameter.Leaves 3.5-4.5 m long; sheath spinous; leaflets ensiform, narrowly-lanceolate, spinulose on margins. Fruits ellipsoid.
Parts used:
Seeds.
Medicinal uses:
Seeds are used in indigestion and stomachache.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.









Local name of plant:
Awothabo.
Botanical name:
Brugmansia suaveolens (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.)
Family:
Solanaceae.
Distribution:
It is native to Brazil. Naturalized in India. It is found upto altitude 1,700 m.
Description:
A shrub. Leaves large, simple, alternate, oblong, entire. Flowers large, white, drooping, funnel shaped. Capsules smooth.
Parts used:
Leaves.
Medicinal uses:
Leaf paste is applied on forehead to cure dizziness, against muscle sprain. Extract of plant is used as blood pressure depressant.
Medicinal system:
In Homeopathy system.









Local name of plant:
Ayithobo.
Botanical name:
Caryota urens Linn.
Family:
Arecaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed upto the middle altitude (1,200 m).
Description:
A lofty palm with smooth cylindrical, shiny, annulate trunk with crown of leaves. Leaves bipinnate; leaflets like fish tail. Flowers in pendulous spadix.Fruits globose, reddish on maturity.
Parts used:
Nuts and tender leaves.
Medicinal uses:
The tender leaves are used in acidity (pitta). The pulp of fruits is useful in hyperdipsia and fatigue. A paste made from the nut is used in hemicranias.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani and Sidha systems.








Local name of plant:
Akusa/ Losani.
Botanical name:
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume.
Family:
Lauraceae.
Distribution:
It is cultivated crop.
Description:
A moderate sized tree of about 15 m height with reddish brown bark. Leavesovate, elliptic, shining above, 3-5 nerved. Flowers small, in axillary or terminal panicle. Fruits ovoid berry, dark purple in colour.
Parts used:
Bark and oils.
Medicinal uses:
The bark is bitter, aromatic, astringent, expectorant, diuretic, anthelmintic. It is used in diarrhea, nausea and fever. It is used for gastric disorder by the Naga Tribes.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Folk systems








Local name of plant:
Awϋkhunabo.
Botanical name:
Debregeasia longifolia Wedd.
Family:
Urticaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed from middle to higher altitude (660-2,000 m). Also cultivated.
Description:
A small tree upto 10 m high; wood reddish brown and rough. Leaves toothed, undersurface of leaves grey, tomentose while upper side is rough and uneven. Flowers in cluster on small stalks. Fruits bright orange-yellow.
Parts used:
Fruits and bark.
Medicinal uses:
Bark is used in making shampoo by local tribes. Fruits are edible and improve digestion.
Medicinal system:
In Folk and Sidha system.







Local name of plant:
Anashibo.
Botanical name:
Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
Family:
Zingiberaceae.
Distribution:
It is well distributed from lower altitude to middle altitude (upto 1,400 m).
Description:
It is a small herb with globose rhizome, tubers at the end of fibers. Leaveslanceolate, sessile, 30-90 cm long. Spikes arising laterally; bracts pink; corolla lobes white or yellow. Capsules ovoid.
Parts used:
Whole plant.
Medicinal uses:
Rhizome is sweetish, fragrant, cooling, oleaginous, tonic, aphrodisiac, useful in biliousness, leprosy, burning sensation, dyspepsia, loss of taste, bronchitis, asthma, fever, jaundice, anemia, leucoderma. Stones in kidney and bladder, urinary discharges, ulcers and blood diseases. All parts of the plant is used for curing food poisoning. Naga’s often carry with them pieces of this plant to overcome the suspected food poisoning. It is aromatic, stimulant, tonic, carminative, blood purifier. Used to relieve congestion. Juice obtained by crushing rhizome is rubbed on swelling of body, paste is bound with a cloth on fractures.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Homeopathy, Sidha and Unani systems.



Local name of plant:
Achuchu.
Botanical name:
Dioscorea alata Linn.
Family:
Dioscoreaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed from lower to middle altitude (upto 1,500 m).
Description:
A perennial climber with 4-angled stem and tuberous roots. Stems twining.Leaves alternate, broadly ovate or rounded, cordate glabrous. Flowersdioecious, clustered, axillary. Capsules broadly obcordate.
Parts used:
Tubers.
Medicinal uses:
The tubers are sweet, cooling, aphrodisiac, diuretic, anthelmintic useful in diabetes, piles, leprosy, gonorrhea, and helminthiasis. It is used in piles, diarrhea. Eaten to stop the white fluid along with wine.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk and Sidha systems.












Local name of plant:
Shefuxasϋ.
Botanical name:
Duabanga grandiflora (Roxb. ex DC.) Walp.
Family:
Sonneratiaceae.
Distribution:
It is found upto middle altitude (1,200 m).
Description:
A tall tree with drooping branches. Leaves opposite, red when young, oblong, glabrous. Flowers in compound terminal corymbs, with unpleasant smell.Capsules coriaceous. Seeds minute.
Parts used:
Stem bark.
Medicinal uses:
Stem bark is used in skin diseases.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.









Local name of plant:
Achuwomusϋye.
Botanical name:
Equisetum ramosissimum Desf.
Family:
Equisetaceae.
Distribution:
Found upto an altitude of 1,500 m.
Description:
A perennial and rigid pteridotype with hollow stem, up to three feet long.Leaves (sheath) rudimentary, toothed. Cones solitary, terminal.
Parts used:
Whole plant.
Medicinal uses:
The plant is used as medicinal coolant and its decoction is prescribed in treatment of gonorrhea. It stops coughing, effects in bleeding within the urinary tract. The herb prescribed to treat rheumatic and arthritic problems, for chronic swelling of legs.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.








Local name of plant:
Alichesϋ.
Botanical name:
Erythrina stricta Roxb.
Family:
Fabaceae.
Distribution:
It is found upto middle altitude (1,400 m).
Description:
A large tree with strong prickles. Leaves trifoliolate; leaflets ovate, glabrous, shining above. Flowers coral-red, in terminal racemes. Pods 10-12 cm long, torulose, and spindle shaped. Seeds kidney shaped, red.
Parts used:
Flowers and bark.
Medicinal uses:
Flowers are pounded and used as tonic. Bark decoction is used in skin diseases.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani and Sidha systems.









Local name of plant:
Mϋghϋniye.
Botanical name:
Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.
Family:
Polygonaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed from the middle to higher altitudes (500-2,000 m).
Description:
A tall, branching, pubescent herb. Leaves sagittate, cordate. Flowers in paniculate cymes, small, white. Nutlets triangular, with sharp angles and flat sides.
Parts used:
Whole plant.
Medicinal uses:
Plant is used in arthritis. The grains are used for colic, choleric diarrhea, abdominal obstructions. It is used particularly to treat fragile capillaries; also helps strengthen varicose veins and heal chilblains. Often combined with lime flowers it has a specific treatment for haemorrhage into retina. Also commonly taken in combination with other herbs for treatment of high blood pressure.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.






Local name of plant:
Nebathi.
Botanical name:
Ficus benjamina Linn.
Family:
Moraceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed in the lower altitude (200 m).
Description:
A large spreading tree with drooping branches. Leaves ovate, elliptic, entire acuminate, thinly coriaceous, glabrous, and shining above. Receptacleaxillary, solitary or paired, globose, red turning bluish black.
Parts used:
Leaves and tender shoots.
Medicinal uses:
Leaf decoction is used in ulcer. The tender shoots are good in cough and dysentery.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.








Local name of plant:
Thsϋghusϋ.
Botanical name:
Gmelina arborea Roxb.
Family:
Verbenaceae.
Distribution:
It is found in the lower altitude (upto 900 m).
Description:
A medium sized deciduous tree. Leaves broadly ovate, entire, acute, base truncate or cordate. Flowers yellow, axillary or borne in terminal panicles.Fruits oblong or oval, succulent drupes, with hard stones.
Parts used:
Bark, leaves, fruits and roots.
Medicinal uses:
Roots and bark are laxative. The roots make one of the gradient of Dasamula,an Ayurvedic preparation. The bark powder alongwith bark powder of Rubia manjith and seeds of Satavari is given with milk to avoid abortion at early stage of pregnancy. Leaves are demulcent and are rubbed on forehead to get relief from headache. It promotes digestive power, improves memory, overcomes giddiness and is useful in fever, rheumatism, epilepsy, convulsions (with bark of Bauhinia purpurea), piles, syphilis (with shoots ofLagerstroemia parviflora, roots of Solanum violaceum and Achyranthes and leaves of Sida cordata).
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Tibetan, Unani and Sidha systems.




Local name of plant:
Ghakuthi.
Botanical name:
Juglans regia Linn.
Family:
Juglandaceae.
Distribution:
It is found at middle altitude of 1,500 m.
Description:
A large deciduous tree; bark grey. Leaves imparipinnate; leaflets elliptic-oblong, entire, aromatic. Flowers small, yellowish green: male in pendulous catkins; female 1-3 opposite the terminal leaf. Fruits with leathery exocarp;nut thick shelled, 2 valved. Seeds oily.
Parts used:
Leaves, bark and seeds.
Medicinal uses:
The barks and unripe fruits are used to poison the fishes by the Naga Tribe. Leaves are astringent, anthelmintic, used in eczema, herpes and syphilis. The fruits are tonic, and carminative. Leaf is good remedy for scrofula. The expressed oil of fruits is considered useful against tapeworm and is also used to strengthen and lubricate the muscles. The kernels are said to posses aphrodiasiac properties and are recommended in colic and dysentery.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Unani, Tibetan and Sidha systems.




Local name of plant:
Khamthi.
Botanical name:
Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers.
Family:
Lauraceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed from middle to higher altitude (1,000-1,700 m).
Description:
A small tree, deciduous, aromatic. Bark green, warty, thin. Leaves lanceolate, acuminate, bright green above, glaucous beneath, midrib often purplish below. Flowers small, yellow, in capitate umbles, solitary or in corymbs. Fruitslemon scented berry enclosed in persistent calyx, black when ripe.
Parts used:
Roots, bark and fruits.
Medicinal uses:
Powdered root and bark are used to relieve pain. Fruits are used in combination with other medicines in allergic diseases by Nagas.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.







Local name of plant:
Zϋnhebo.
Botanical name:
Leucosceptrum canum Sm.
Family:
Lamiaceae.
Distribution:
It is found upto middle altitude (1,500 m).
Description:
A small tree, bark grey, smooth. Leaves elliptic, acuminate, crenate, coriaceous, glabrous. Flowers white or pinkish, in dense spikes. Nutletstriquetrous.
Parts used:
Leaves and inflorescence.
Medicinal uses:
The white tomentum is scraped from the leaves and applied as hemostatic. Inflorescence is soaked in water and taken as astringent, stimulant and tonic by Nagas.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.








Local name of plant:
Anapobo.
Botanical name:
Leea compactiflora Kurz.
Family:
Leeaceae.
Distribution:
It is found in the foot hills (600 m).
Description:
Shrub or small tree. Leaves 3 foliolate or 1-2 pinnate; petiole sheathed at base, winged above; leaflets elliptic or ovate, hispid, serrate, membranous.Flowers greenish white. Fruits orange yellow, turning black on maturity.
Parts used:
Leaves.
Medicinal uses:
Leaves are crushed and rubbed in body pain, nervous disorder and also in insect bites by Naga tribes.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.








Local name of plant:
Amsanibo.
Botanical name:
Livistona jenkinsiana Griff.
Family:
Arecaceae.
Distribution:
Found between 800 m to 1,200 m. It is also cultivated.
Description:
A beautiful palm upto 10 m high. Leaves large, forming a thick crown, reniformly flabellate, divided into 65-70 segments, petioled, spines on petioles. Flowers small, clustered on swollen stalks. Drupes 1-2 cm in diameter. Seeds blue.
Parts used:
Fruits and seeds.
Medicinal uses:
Fruits used in stomach ailments. Seeds are used as buttons.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.









Local name of plant:
Beghϋna.
Botanical name:
Lycopersicon lycopersicum (Linn.)
Family:
Solanaceae.
Distribution:
It is widely cultivated.
Description:
A pubescent herb. Leaves irregularly pinnate, serrate. Flowers yellowish, in cymes. Fruits red or yellowish.
Parts used:
Fruits.
Medicinal uses:
The fruits are sweet, emollient, carminative, antiseptic, liver and kidney stimulant. Pulp of ripe fruits is applied on head against nausea and vertigo.
Medicinal system:
In Folk and Ayurveda systems.









Local name of plant:
Tϋghaloji shedu.
Botanical name:
Melastoma malabathricum Linn.
Family:
Melastomataceae.
Distribution:
It is found upto middle altitude (1,500 m).
Description:
A bushy shrub. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, appressed hairy above, under surface scaly. Flowers purple, in clusters at the end of branches. Fruitsglobose, fleshy, purple.
Parts used:
Fruits, leaves and flowers.
Medicinal uses:
Leaves are applied on cuts to stop bleeding. Fruits are eaten. Flowers are used in piles.
Medicinal system:
In Folk, Ayurveda and Sidha system.









Local name of plant:
Khosϋbo.
Botanical name:
Melia composita Willd.
Family:
Meliaceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed upto middle altitude (1,500 m).
Description:
A moderate sized tree with smooth dark grey bark. Leaves bi-pinnate, sometimes tri-pinnate, usually opposite. Flowers lilac blue, in numerous, axillary, cyme bearing panicles. Drupes globose, yellow when ripe.
Parts used:
Bark, leaves, flowers and fruits.
Medicinal uses:
Bark is bitter and used as anthelmintic. Leaves and pulp of the fruit are also used as medicine. Leaf extract is astringent and stomachic. Wood extract is good in asthma. Flower paste is used in skin disease and in killing of lice. Gum is used in spleen enlargement.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurvedic, Folk systems.







Local name of plant:
Yephaniye.
Botanical name:
Molineria capatulata (Lour.)
Family:
Hypoxidaceae.
Distribution:
Found from lower to middle altitude (upto 1,500 m).
Description:
It is a tuberous herb. Leaves lanceolate; petioles villous below. Pedunclesflattened, densely pubescent. Flowers yellow. Fruits subglobose, obscurely 3-angled.
Parts used:
Rhizomes.
Medicinal uses:
The tribes use it in veneral diseases and in any injury. It is also used in piles, jaundice, asthma and diarrhoea. It is considered as tonic for skin diseases. Outer skin of the rhizomes peeled and soaked in water. Used for eye diseases.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.







Local name of plant:
Xapho kini xamunu.
Botanical name:
Mussaenda frondosa Linn.
Family:
Rubiaceae.
Distribution:
Found in middle altitude (1,200 m) and also planted.
Description:
A handsome erect shrub or small tree up to 4 meter high. Flowers tubular, funnel shaped, in terminal cymes, yellowish outside and orange red inside, one of the calyx lobe gets modified into white leaf.
Parts used:
Roots, flowers and shoots.
Medicinal uses:
Decoction of dried shoots is used in cough, bronchitis, fever, inflammation, wounds, leucoderma, jaundice. Root paste is applied to cure leprosy and its juice is used in eye troubles. Flowers are used on ulcers.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani and Sidha systems.







Local name of plant:
Axipibo.
Botanical name:
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.
Family:
Solanaceae.
Distribution:
It is available at middle altitude (1,500 m).
Description:
A hairy herbaceous weed up to six feet high. Stems slender, leafy. Leavessessile, oblong-lanceolate to obovate-spathulate, entire or undulate. Flowerswhitish, in terminal racemes. Seeds minutely rugose.
Parts used:
Leaves.
Medicinal uses:
It is used for relieve during pain.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.









Local name of plant:
Ayemhϋ/Aniza.
Botanical name:
Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.
Family:
Lamiaceae.
Distribution:
Found at lower altitude upto 900 m.
Description:
A perennial herb with woody rootstock; branchlets purplish, softly hairy.Leaves opposite, decussate, hairy, entire or toothed, dotted with minute glands. Flowers small, creamish or purplish, in slender spike in small compact clusters. Seeds reddish, subglobose. Tow types of plant are known ; the green type and purple type.
Parts used:
Roots, leaves, shoots and seeds.
Medicinal uses:
Decoction of roots is used in curing malarial fever and common cold. Seeds are used in genitor-urinary disorders. Leaves are used for digestive problems, bronchitis, skin diseases and ringworm control. Basil oil has antibacterial, insecticidal activities and is mosquito repellent.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Tibetan, Sidha, Unani and Folk systems.






Local name of plant:
Kithimi Ghuquabo.
Botanical name:
Oroxylum indicum Linn.
Family:
Bignoniaceae.
Distribution:
It is common at lower altitudes (upto 700 m).
Description:
Deciduous tree upto 8 m tall, branched. Leaves opposite, bipinnate, pinnules 3-5 foliolate; leaflets ovate, acuminate. Flowers large, fleshy, purple, in long terminal raceme on 30 cm long peduncle. Capsules 30-90 cm long, flattened, curved, woody.
Parts used:
Roots, bark, fruits and leaves.
Medicinal uses:
It’s bark decoction is used for cancer treatment. Tender fruits refreshing and stomachic, seeds purgative and leaves are used externally for enlargement of spleen.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Tibetan, Unani and Sidha system.







Local name of plant:
Aghauzhukuji.
Botanical name:
Osbeckia crinita Benth.
Family:
Melastomataceae.
Distribution:
It is distributed from middle to higher altitudes (1,500-2,000 m).
Description:
A small much branched shrub upto 2m high. Leaves ovate, oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, rounded to subcordate, clothed on both surfaces with harsh adpressed hairs. Flowers purple, in corymbs of cymes. Fruits abruptly narrowed to a neck.
Parts used:
Roots and bark.
Medicinal uses:
Bark juice is administered in indigestion and stomachache.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.









Local name of plant:
Bell xathi.
Botanical name:
Passiflora edulis Sims.
Family:
Passifloraceae.
Distribution:
It is cultivated at the middle and higher altitudes (800-1,600 m).
Description:
A perennial climber. Leaves 3 lobed, toothed, glabrous, serrate. Flowers large, white-bluish purple. Fruits purplish, globose, rind hard. The pulp has strong bael like smell.
Parts used:
Fruits and leaves.
Medicinal uses:
Juice of fruits is good tonic for dysentery. Leaves are used in diabetes and high blood pressure by tribes. Fruit juice is used for flavouring candy, ice-cream, cake-fillings frosting, carbonated beverages and cordials.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.







Local name of plant:
Khollethi.
Botanical name:
Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
Family:
Euphorbiaceae.
Distribution:
Found in lower to middle altitude upto 1,200 m.
Description:
Deciduous tree with smooth greenish grey, exfoliating bark. Leaves simple, feathery, oblong. Flowers whitish, small. Fruits glabrous, of variable size, fleshy, obscurely 6 lobed. Seeds trigonous, six.
Parts used:
Fruits, bark, flowers and seeds.
Medicinal uses:
Fruit is a natural source of vitamin C and is used in treatment of scurvy. It is cooling, refrigerant, diuretic and laxative. Dry fruit is used in haemorrhage, diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also used in cardiac disorders, headache, constipation, piles, enlarged liver and greyness of hairs. The seeds is used in treatment of asthma, bronchitis and biliousness.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Tibetan, Unani and Sidha system.





Local name of plant:
Tϋghakϋtsuye.
Botanical name:
Plantago erosa Wall.
Family:
Plantaginaceae.
Distribution:
It is common in moist and waste land upto middle altitudes (1,500 m).
Description:
An erect, glabrous, perennial herb. Leaves radical, generally 7-nerved, entire or toothed, variable, petioled, ovate, oblong. Flowers crowded in long, slender, cylindrical spike. Capsules ovate, glabrous. Seeds dark black.
Parts used:
Whole plant.
Medicinal uses:
Plant paste is haemostatic and applied on boils, burns and inflammation. Leaves are cooling, diuretic, astringent and vulnerary infusion of leaves is useful in diarrhoea. Decoction of roots is used in cough. Seeds are used in dysentery and toothache. Traditionally used for bee sting, incised wounds and bleeding piles.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani and Sidha system.






Local name of plant:
Sϋlithi.
Botanical name:
Morus alba Linn.
Family:
Moraceae.
Distribution:
In wild upto altitude of 1,000 m and also cultivated.
Description:
A deciduous moderate sized tree, with milky latex; bark brownish; leavesalternate, oval, lobed, membranous, serrate. Flowers greenish, monoecious, in catkins. Fruits ovoid, ultimately purple to black.
Parts used:
Roots and bark.
Medicinal uses:
It is used in cough, dropsy and injury.
Medicinal system:
In Folk, Ayurveda, Unani and Sidha system.









Local name of plant:
Chighϋsϋ.
Botanical name:
Michelia champaca Linn.
Family:
Magnoliaceae.
Distribution:
It is found in the lower altitude (600-1,200m).
Description:
An evergreen tree; bark smooth, pale grey. Leaves ovate to lanceolate, shinning on upper surface, glabrous or minutely hairy beneath. Flowerssolitary, yellow, fragrant, borne on short stalk in axils.
Parts used:
Bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds.
Medicinal uses:
The bark is purgative, diuretic, febrifuge and stimulant. Leaf juice is used to treat colic. Flowers oil is used in perfumes, gout, cephalgia, opthalmie and rheumatism. Flowers and fruits are antispasmodic. Seeds and fruits are applied on cracks of feet.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani and Tibetan systems.







Local name of plant:
Akhosϋba.
Botanical name:
Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Family:
Meliaceae
Distribution:
It is native to Burma (Myanmar). Widely cultivated in the lower altitude (900m).
Description:
An evergreen tree up to 12 m height. Leaves up to 30 cm long, pinnate;leaflets lanceolate, acuminate, serrate, unequal sided. Flowers small, white with pleasant fragrance, in loose clusters. Fruits round-oblong, greenish, yellow when ripe.
Parts used:
All part f the tree.
Medicinal uses:
Bark of the stem, roots and leaves have antibiotic activity. Green twigs are used to brush teeth and cure tooth ache, bad breath and gum diseases and boils. Decoction of leaves cures fever and removes phlegm from bronchial tubes. Smoke from burnt leaves repels mosquitoes. Seed oil is antihelmintic, antiseptic, and sap of the neem cures leprosy. Tonic prepared from bark is bitter and is used in fever and skin diseases. Leaves are hung outside the door to ward off viral diseases (measles, small pox).
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani, Tibetan and Sidha systems.



Local name of plant:
Awsϋ.
Botanical name:
Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd.
Family:
Zingiberaceae.
Distribution:
It is found from lower to middle altitude (upto 1200 m).
Description:
Perennial herd about 2 m in height. Rhizome deep orange to brown in colour, aromatic, pungent bitter, covered with fibrous scales. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, glabrous. Flowers white, in panicles. Fruits about 1.5 cm long, orange red, constricted in middle and contain 3-6 seeds. Seeds with pungent aroma.
Parts used:
Rhizomes.
Medicinal uses:
Rhizomes antibacterial agent and digestive stimulant. Aromatic, and bitter, stomachic and carminative used in rheumatic, and catarrhal infections. It is also used in respiratory troubles in children. Paste of rhizomes is used to reduce body temperature. Prescribed for cure of leucoderma and piles.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani and Sidha systems.





Local name of plant:
Shenhanibo.
Botanical name:
Ricinus communis Linn.
Family:
Euphorbiaceae.
Distribution:
Found from lower to higher altitudes upto 1,200 m.
Description:
A tall, soft wooded shrub. Leaves palmately 5-9 lobed, serrate. Flowersreddish or yellow, in terminal sub-paniculate racemes, the upper flowers female, the lower male. Fruit a globose capsule, 3- lobed, echinate. Seedssmooth shiny mottled grey, white.
Parts used:
Leaves, roots, bark and seed oil.
Medicinal uses:
Leaves are anthelmintic. Warmed leaves are tied on swellings, boils and rheumatic joints. Oil is purgative, used in skin inflammation and leprosy. A drink of juice in water is taken to treat breast tumors.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Unani, Tibetan, Homeopathy and Modern systems.







Local name of plant:
Yevϋithi.
Botanical name:
Rubus foliolosus D. Don
Family:
Rosaceae.
Distribution:
Fond at middle altitude (1,100 to 1,600 m)
Description:
A stout prickly, scandent shrub. Leaves pinnately 3 foliolate, usually prickly.Flowers short, in clusters, white or pink. Drupes juicy, red.
Parts used:
Roots.
Medicinal uses:
Root decoction is used in fever and malaria.
Medicinal system:
In Folk system.










Local name of plant:
Akhoyi.
Botanical name:
Saccharum officinarum Linn.
Family:
Poaceae.
Distribution:
It is cultivated in valleys and at the lower hills upto 1,200 m.
Description:
Culms 2-6 m tall, erect, waxy below the nodes. Leaf blades rigid, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, drooping at the tip, median nerve thick, white above.Inflorescence very large panicle. Spikelets linear-oblong, pale or brownish, surrounded by white silky hairs.
Parts used:
Culms.
Medicinal uses:
The juice is used in jaundice and gall bladder disorders. The leaf ash is used to treat sore eyes the stem juice is used to treat sore throats.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda, Folk, Tibetan, Unani and Sidha systems.








Local name of plant:
Khakhuthi.
Botanical name:
Solanum indicum Linn.
Family:
Solanaceae.
Distribution:
Lower to middle altitude (upto 1,200 m).
Description:
A prickly undershrub, up to 1.5 m high. Leaves large, ovate, subentire, lobed, sparsely prickly. Flowers blue, in axillary cymes; peduncles hairy and prickly.Berries globose red or dark yellow. Seeds minute, pitted.
Parts used:
Roots and fruits.
Medicinal uses:
Roots are bitter, astringent, digestive, carminative and diuretic, paste is used in skin diseases, leprosy, also relieves labour pain, useful in toothache, cough, asthma, bronchitis, fever, worm complaints and cardiac disorders. Fruits are used by local tribes for stomach ailments. Juice of leaves with fresh juice of ginger is taken to stop vomiting, fruits rubbed up with sugar used as external applications for itch. Powder is sometimes used in preparation of local drink.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda and Sidha system.





Local name of plant:
Ayexani
Botanical name:
Alocasia macrorrhiza (Linn.) G. Don
Family:
Araceae
Distribution:
It is cultivated upto middle altitude (1,400 m).
Description:
Perennial herb upto 1 m high. Rhizome cylindrical, long, stout. Leaves large, ovate-cordate, wavy, stalk long. Inflorescence a spadix, male flowers above the female flowers. Berries ovoid, red on ripe.
Parts used:
Rhizomes and leaves.
Medicinal uses:
Extract of leaves is used in snake bite. The rhizome is used in treating colic, vomiting and phlegmon. Its external use is as a plaster in effective furunculosis.
Medicinal system:
In Ayurveda and Sidha systems.