Native species that thrive and reproduce naturally in their natural habitat without being cultivated are referred to as wild edible plants (WEPs). Since the beginning of time, people have been gathering WEPs, and they are now a staple of the human diet and conventional food systems. When food crops are few, WEPs continue to be crucial for maintaining food security and sovereignty, as well as having the potential to improve the well-being of disadvantaged households. Efforts to strengthen local market players and close the gap between consumers and producers, which would lessen the need for globally synchronized value chains, might also be centered on WEPs. https://www.digistore24.com/redir/391226/AFFILIATE/CAMPAIGN

1. 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.

2. 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.