Traditional use of medicinal plants as febrifuge by the tribals of Purulia district, West Bengal, India

ObjectiveEthnobotanical excursions were carried out among the tribals of Purulia district, West Bengal, India to explore the traditional use of medicinal plants against fever.MethodsWith the help of a semi structured questionnaire, informants were interviewed and their indigenous knowledge regarding antipyretic use of plants was documented.ResultsA total number of 22 plants used as febrifuge were recorded along with their vernacular names, part(s) used, method of preparation and route of administration.ConclusionsDifferent tribal communities residing in the area were found to possess traditional knowledge of using phytotherapy in the treatment of fevers.