Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of sacred groves in rural informal healthcare management. Apart from its socio-religious importance, medicinal plants are one of the active benefits which people can connect with easily. Plants with multiple uses require special attention in restoration and conservation planning. The usefulness and protection of all the reported ethno medicinal plants need to be evaluated by phyto-chemical and pharmacological studies. Plants with high informant consensus factor, use report and fidelity level should be given main concern to carry out bioassay and toxicity studies. Awareness generation, participatory management planning, local awareness and thorough evaluation of these plant resources are key factors for long term survival of these groves.