IDENTIFICATION OF PLANT USE AS NATURAL HERBAL SHAMPOO IN MANIPUR

Abstract

In a field survey, conducted in the year, 2011/12, in Imphal valley of Manipur, on the use of herbs as ingredient sources for the production of natural herbal shampoo referred to as “Chinghi”, by Meitei community. The survey revealed that, the therapeutic application of 35 plant species representing 28, genera and 18, families. Tree species contributed immensely, yielding 38%, while herbs 32%, shrubs 27%, and climbing shrubs 3%, respectively being the record of the total number of plants used as ingredient in herbal shampoo preparation. These natural shampoos are used for a wide range of common ailments like anti-ageing of the hair, blackness, shininess and smoothness of the hair. It is prepared from young leaves and tender stalk of shoot of trees or shrubs, or whole plant of the herbs and fresh fruits with local sticky rice water (Oryza sativa subspecies japonica,) locally called “chenggi” after boiling it. Fermented lime peel is also use as a natural herbal shampoo. Interviews and reports from elderly people (uni-sex, between the ages of 30-75), were collected during the survey on the different types of ingredients they have been using, over the years, in “Chinghi” preparation, and benefits they obtained from it. Leaves and whole plant (herb), are the major plant parts used for its preparation at the rate of, 62%, and 14%, respectively. The study shows details of their scientific, common, and local names, including their family, parts used, habit of the plants, and their usefulness.