Documentation of Herbal Cosmetics Used by Tribal People of Vapi Taluka’s for Skin & Hair Care

Abstract

Vapi taluka, located in the Southern parts of Gujarat, India. In Valsad district, boasts a picturesque setting along the banks of the Daman Ganga River Surrounded by neighboring areas such as Daman, Umargam, Sanjan, Sarigam, Bhilad, Udvada, and Pardi. Vapi shares its borders with the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Diu, as well as Maharashtra. The local population, predominantly belonging to various Adivasi sub-tribes such as Varli, Kokni, Patel, Ahir, Hadpati, Rabara, Maravedi, Harijan, Rohit, Kori Patel and Solanki, possesses rich traditional knowledge of herbal cosmetics. This study delves in to the usage of herbal cosmetics of Vapi taluka, documenting the methods of preparation and application of cosmetics products derived from indigenous plants species. The research reveals that (69%) of the plants are utilized for skin care, (38%) for hair, and (13%) for overall body care. Various plants families, including Rutaceae (13%), Zingiberaceae (7%), contribute to these herbal cosmetics practices. The methodology employed involves the collection and preparation of herbarium organization of results based on plant scientific names, families, habits, cosmetics methods, and their respective usage among the tribal communities of Vapi taluka. This study underscores the significance of herbal cosmetics in traditional knowledge systems and highlights the valuable insights offered by the indigenous population regarding the utilization of plant resources for cosmetics purposes.