Foraging for medicinal plants and food

Security of food and nutrition is currently one of the biggest challenges facing our planet. According to estimates, two billion individuals worldwide have micronutrient deficiencies that increase their risk of illness. This can be a major barrier to economic growth. Food security is a serious concern, particularly in nations that rely heavily on imports. Some of these nations do, however, display extremely biodiverse habitats that contain valuable, wild-edible plants.

Eating wild plants and animals is deeply rooted in the long history of human abilities to adapt to natural habitats, engage with nature, and interact with social contexts. Plants have taken on a significant role in human society since the time of the earliest hunter-gatherers and during various stages of adaption. People all over the world have relied on several wild species, especially for food and medicine.

Wild edible plants are those that naturally grow on farmland and on fallow or uncultivated ground and have edible components.

Throughout the beginning of time, wild plants have been utilized by humans for a variety of reasons, including food, medicine, fiber, and fodder for domestic animals. For countless families and communities all over the world, edible wild plants are vital to the security of their food supply and means of subsistence.

About 800 types of plants are thought to be used as food in India, primarily by the country's tribal people. In India, the rural portion of the population makes up about 75% of the total. Eating wild foods is a common practice in many communities, and it is closely linked to peoples' socio-cultural, spiritual, and physical well-being. It is crucial in ensuring that people get the nutrition they need.

It is essential to supply the dietary needs of the tribal population year-round in distant areas of the nation. The rural communities' food demands are met by wild food resources, which also supply supplementary food supplements, particularly during times of food crises. To maintain a balance between population expansion and agricultural output, particularly in developing nations, researchers have identified many wild edible food plants that may be helpful to humans.

For the tribal people, particularly during times of scarcity, the wild edible plant supplies delectable fruits, nourishing leaves, and other important portions including bulbs, roots, seeds, and leaf stalks. Wild plant usage and availability testify to their importance, and this is particularly evident in indigenous societies. However, in recent years, many tribal communities' long-standing customs have become endangered and are slowly vanishing. As a result, it is urgently necessary to study and record wild edible plants using an ethnobotanical approach and to come up with creative solutions for utilizing their potential for the benefit of humanity.

Although herbs and spices are typically regarded as safe and make great alternatives to chemical additions, there is currently a growing interest in medicinal plants as all-natural replacements for synthetic food additives. The main functions of medical plant extracts and herbs are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antiviral, antifungal, and food preservative. Since many vegetal compounds exhibit antioxidant and antibacterial properties, using natural preservatives to extend the shelf life of food systems is a promising technological advancement.

Using the plant's fresh aerial portions or juice is said to have medicinal benefits such as diuretic, antiscorbutic, blood purifying, and digestive tonic properties. Before seeking medical advice, those using Warfarin (Coumadin®), pregnant women, kids, and chemotherapy patients shouldn't take excessive amounts of watercress. Watercress has one of the highest concentrations of isothiocyanates of any vegetable and high levels of vitamin K.

Special benefits of wild edible plants

• They are particularly rich in vitamins A and C, zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folacin.

• They also play a significant role in meeting the nutritional needs (vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, and minerals) of the tribal population.

• Nutritional balance and food security, especially for the vulnerable populations of women, children, and the impoverished.

• Satisfy dietary requirements at times of food shortages, giving rise to the idea of "famine-foods" or plants taken only during times of food stress (such as drought, war, and other trying times); Offers additional dietary supplement

• Has tremendous medical potential and serves as domestic animal fodder.

• Provide a different way to earn money in cash.

• Provide a number of crucial dietary components that insufficient agricultural production would normally give.