Traditional Phytotherapies with Medicinal Plants in Outer Seraj Area of the North Western Himalayas
Abstract
In the current study, survey was carried out on ethnic uses of therapeutic plants in the Outer Seraj area of Kullu distract of Himachal
Pradesh. The purpose of the study was to gather information related to therapeutic plant species commonly used in that area to cure common
diseases. The data was gathered through interviews with traditional healers, Vaidyas, and other well-informed individuals. The study lists 39
plants from 32 different families. The highly represented families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Polygonaceae, Apiaceae, Saxifragaceae, and
Fabaceae. Most of the plants from the region are used to cure multiple ailments and used in the form of paste, powder and decoctions.
However, the overexploitation of these therapeutic plants has posed a threat to their extinction. Seven plant species from the region were
reported to be endangered. Therefore, the need of the hour is to document the precious knowledge of indigenous practices and take steps for
the and conservation of these plants. Strict biodiversity conservation laws needs to be enforced along in-situ ex-situ with community
participation for the sustainable utilization of the natural resources including plant wealth.
Pradesh. The purpose of the study was to gather information related to therapeutic plant species commonly used in that area to cure common
diseases. The data was gathered through interviews with traditional healers, Vaidyas, and other well-informed individuals. The study lists 39
plants from 32 different families. The highly represented families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Polygonaceae, Apiaceae, Saxifragaceae, and
Fabaceae. Most of the plants from the region are used to cure multiple ailments and used in the form of paste, powder and decoctions.
However, the overexploitation of these therapeutic plants has posed a threat to their extinction. Seven plant species from the region were
reported to be endangered. Therefore, the need of the hour is to document the precious knowledge of indigenous practices and take steps for
the and conservation of these plants. Strict biodiversity conservation laws needs to be enforced along in-situ ex-situ with community
participation for the sustainable utilization of the natural resources including plant wealth.