Floral heritage and women’s health: Ethnomedicinal insights from Girwa Tehsil, Udaipur district, Rajasthan (India)
Aditi Chauhan and Gunmala Gugalia
Rajasthan’s tribal and rural populations maintain rich ethnomedicinal traditions, yet systematic documentation of plants supporting women’s health remains scarce. This study documents ethnomedicinal plants used in Girwa tehsil, Udaipur district, with emphasis on natal and postnatal healthcare. Field surveys were conducted from January 2023 to June 2024 in 22 villages, using semi-structured interviews with midwives, healers, and elders. A total of 115 species belonging to 58 families were recorded, with 18 species directly related to reproductive and gynecological health. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (42%), followed by fruits (26%) and roots/tubers (14%). Gastrointestinal (28 species), skin & infection-related (25 species), and musculoskeletal disorders (21 species) were the leading categories, while 18 species were specifically used in natal/postnatal contexts. Findings highlight Girwa’s floral heritage as a vital but threatened healthcare resource, underscoring the need for phytochemical validation, conservation, and integration into community health.