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DOI: 10.21088/ijb.2394.1391.12225.3

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of plants used by local people in and around Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, focusing on uses in daily life, health and traditional medicine. Fieldwork was carried out using semi-structured interviews, guided walks, participant observation and voucher specimen collection. We document 38 species (wild and cultivated) commonly used by households, traditional healers (vaidyas/gurujis), and artisans for food, fodder, fuel, construction, personal hygiene, materia medica and ritual purposes. For each species we provide botanical identity, local name, parts used, major uses, method of preparation/application and conservation notes. The survey highlights continued reliance on a small set of multipurpose arid-adapted species (e.g., Azadirachta indica, Withania somnifera, Aegle marmelos, Capparis decidua, Salvadora persica, Ziziphus mauritiana) for both household and medicinal needs. We discuss implications for community health, sustainable use and conservation priorities, and suggest directions for phytochemical and pharmacological followup. This work serves as a baseline ethnobotanical record for the Nawalgarh region and a resource for local conservation and community health initiatives.
 

Keywords : This paper presents a comprehensive ethnobotanical survey of plants used by local people in and around Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, focusing on uses in daily life, health and traditional medicine. Fieldwork was carried out using semi-structured interviews, guided walks, participant observation and voucher specimen collection. We document 38 species (wild and cultivated) commonly used by households, traditional healers (vaidyas/gurujis), and artisans for food, fodder, fuel, construction, personal hygiene, materia medica and ritual purposes. For each species we provide botanical identity, local name, parts used, major uses, method of preparation/application and conservation notes. The survey highlights continued reliance on a small set of multipurpose arid-adapted species (e.g., Azadirachta indica, Withania somnifera, Aegle marmelos, Capparis decidua, Salvadora persica, Ziziphus mauritiana) for both household and medicinal needs. We discuss implications for community health, sustainable use and conservation priorities, and suggest directions for phytochemical and pharmacological followup. This work serves as a baseline ethnobotanical record for the Nawalgarh region and a resource for local conservation and community health initiatives.

Corresponding Author : Ravindra Goswami