Aquatic/semi-aquatic plants used in herbal remedies in the wetlands of Manipur, Northeastern India

This paper reports on aquatic/semi-aquatic plants from the wetlands of Manipur valley in Northeastern India,which are used to cure various diseases. Empirically formulated and accepted prescriptions by the various ethnic communities of Manipur for curing 45 ailments by using 43 aquatic/semi -aquatic plant species are presented along with method of preparation, prescribed doses and administration, which were recorded from the local healers and responses obtained by the patients. Out of the 43 aquatic/semi-aquatic medicinal plants recorded, 20 plants are regularly used as vegetables in Manipur and among them 13 are sold in the market. Some of the healers sell their formulated herbal products in the market.