The tribes of Wayanad depend basically on different plants for their treatment. The field work documented about
thirty two plant species used against digestive disorders. The plants used for the treatment with their botanical
names, local name, mode of administration, status of plants and the tribes associated are listed in the form of
table. Five different tribes, the kurichia, kuruma, kattunaika, paniya and adiya of Wayand district of Kerala state,
India were interviewed. The interviewed tribal groups use plant parts either single or in combined form to treat
digestive disorders like piles, ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, pinworm, vomiting, acidity, chest
burning, jaundice and stomach pain. The tribal groups do not want to share their ancient traditional knowledge
with other people. Moreover, the existing knowledge on traditional uses of medicinal plants are declining fast
because of the lack of interest of young people to learn the traditional knowledge from the old tribal medical
practitioner. So the documentation and conservation of the knowledge is essential.