SHILLONG:
Most of our forefathers came from animistic cultures, which held that all things, including plants, have spirits. And this is still relevant in today’s world, much of the natural world is still revered as sacred, and plant spirits are protected within, as is still present in Meghalaya’s sacred groves.
Meghalaya is well known for its diverse medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as its flora and fauna. The use of medicinal plants is a long-standing tradition in the state. This is all the more essential when we consider different tribes inhabiting different districts with their diverse traditional practices. As per Meghalaya State Medicinal Plants Board (MSMPB) there are 834 medicinal plant species that have been reported so far.
Here are the most commonly used medicinal plants by the people of Meghalaya for every-day food and health purposes.
1. Jyllang : Also known as garlic chives.
Scientific name: Allium tuberosum (Roxb) and family of Liliaceae.
Use: The entire plant is extracted and used to treat conditions like hypertension, colds, and coughs.
- Ja-iur: Known as Winged Prickly Ash plant
Scientific name: Zanthoxylum acanthopodium (DC) and family of Rutaceae.
Use: This north-eastern medicinal spice is used to treat stomach disorders,fish poison insecticide and vermicide.
- Jarain: Known as Buckwheat
Scientific name: Fagopyrum esculentum and family of Asteraceae.
Use: It is also used to heal jaundice,cancer, dyspepsia, constipation, rheumatism, and hypoglycemia as well as renal problems.
- Jamyrdoh: Known as Chameleon Plant
Scientific name: Houttynia cordata (Thunb) and family Saururacae.
Use : Leaves are eaten raw for blood purification and also applied to treat sores and boils.
- Jajew: Roselle leaves
Scientific name: Hibiscus sabdariffa, comes from Malvaceae family.
Use: Roselle plant health benefits in diarrhea, blood dysentery, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties etc.