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Ethnobotanical Leaflets 14: 259-67, 2010.
Wild Medicinal Plants Used by Local Communities of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Neena Rani Boktapa* and Avinash Kumar Sharma
Non Wood Forest Products Division
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun 248006
*Silviculture Division
Forest Research Institute, Dehradun 248006
[email protected]
Issued: March 01, 2010
Abstract
An ethnobotanical study was carried out in adjoining areas of Manali in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh during the month of April to May 2007. The information related to medicinal species which are used to cure common ailments and diseases were gathered by personal interviews with village headmen, local healers, and shepherds. A total of 33 plants belonging to 24 families are listed in this paper. Details of medicinal plants are described alphabetically with their botanical name, family, local name, part used, disease/ailment and ethno medicinal uses.
Key Words: Medicinal plants, common ailments, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Introduction
The Himalayas have a great wealth of medicinal plants and traditional medicinal knowledge. Himachal Pradesh, one of the pioneer Himalayan States is a rich repository of medicinal flora. Because of its geographical position, hazardous means of transport communication; the traditions, myths, legends and folklores of the ancients are carefully persevered in the lores and mores; temples and historical places in existence at various regions of this state. Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh is well known medicinal plants hot spot in the western Himalaya that has rich diversity of flora and fauna. Singh and Rawat (1998) have listed more than 250 species as ethnomedicinal and about 50 of them are commercially exploited which have been listed in the Red Data Book of IUCN (Singh and Rawat, 1998 & 2000). Dhaliwal and Sharma (1999) recorded more than 900 species of angiosperms from Kullu valley. A brief ethnobotanical account of 109 plant species belonging to 41 families and 86 genera of Kullu district in North Western Himalaya have been recorded by Singh (1999). Singh (2004) has enumerated about 58 locally used medicinal plants from Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu Valley. Negi and Subramani. (2006) recorded 38 plants belonging to 23 families and 17 Red listed species in the Naggar area of Kullu valley, Himachal Pradesh. A first hand information on 35 plant species was recorded from Malana, located in Parvati valley of Kullu district by Sharma et.al.(2005).According to Rao (1996), there is an urgent need to document the ethnobiological information presently existing among the diverse communities before the traditional knowledge are completely lost. The importance of recording the usage of plants in this region is especially imperative because of rapid loss of forest wealth and traditional wisdom due to increase in tourism and modernization.
Materials and Methods
Study Area
The study comprised of local villages in the Manali area of Kullu District (HP) lying between 32058'00" North latitude and 77006'04" East longitude. On the North and North - East, it is bounded by Lahaul - Spiti and Kangra districts, on the East and South -East by Kinnaur and Shimla districts. The altitudinal range of this area lies between 1,300 m to 6,000 m above mean sea level. Climate of the district is cool and dry. The region receives moderate rainfall during monsoon of which the bulk is received during the months of July - August. Snowfall is received during the month of December - February.
Methodology
The study was conducted during the month of April and May 2007 in villages of Manali area of Kullu district. The information on local use and diseases cured was collected using structured questionnaire from the respondents of both sex and age groups ranging from 22 82 yrs. Several village headman, local healers, and shepherds were consulted to verify the information on indigenous use of important plant species. The plant collections were identified with the help of Flora of Himachal Pradesh and herbarium at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. A total of 33 species have been recorded and enumerated with its family name, local name, part used, disease/ailment and uses (Table 1).
Table 1: Medicinal Plants and their uses.
|
Sr. No.
|
Botanical Name
|
Family
|
Local Name
|
Part Used
|
Disease/ailment
|
Uses
|
|
|
01
|
Aconitum
heterophyllum Wall.
|
Ranunculaceae
|
Atish
|
Root
|
Fever
|
The dry root is powdered and taken orally with lukewarm water twice a day for 3-4 days.
|
|
02
|
Aconitum balfourii Stapf.
|
Ranunculaceae
|
Patish
|
Root
|
Acidity
|
The dry root is powdered and taken orally with lukewarm water twice a day for one week.
|
|
|
Aconitum balfourii Stapf.
|
Ranunculaceae
|
Patish
|
Root
|
Stomachache
|
A decoction of dry roots of patish and karu (Picrrorhiza kurroa) is prepared and taken orally at bed time
|
|
03
|
Acorus calamus Linn.
|
Araceae
|
Boz, Bach
|
Rhizome
|
Cuts and wounds
|
The dried rhizome is powdered and mixed with water. A thick paste is applied on affected areas.
|
|
|
Acorus calamus Linn.
|
Araceae
|
Boz, Bach
|
Rhizome
|
Stomachache
|
The dry root is powdered and taken orally as such with lukewarm water once a day.
|
|
|
Acorus calamus Linn.
|
Araceae
|
Boz, Bach
|
Rhizome
|
Stomachache
|
The dry roots are burnt on charcoal. Smoke is exposed
to the belly at bed time.
|
|
04
|
Ainsliaea aptera DC.
|
Asteraceae
|
Sath jeri
|
Root
|
Stomachache
|
A decoction of dry root is prepared and taken orally once a day.
|
|
|
Ainsliaea aptera DC.
|
Asteraceae
|
Sath jeri
|
Root
|
Stomachache
|
The dry root is powdered and mixed with jaggery. The dose is taken orally with lukewarm water.
|
|
05
|
Allium humile Kunth.
|
Amaryllidaceae
|
Faran, Duno
|
Leaves
|
Tonsillitis
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The fresh leaves are crushed and taken orally with milk.
|
|
06
|
Anemone
obtusifolia Don.
|
Ranunculaceae
|
Mingooa
|
Root
|
Toothache
|
The small piece of fresh root is put between aching teeth. The root piece is chewed for 4-5 minutes.
|
|
07
|
Angelica glauca Edgew.
|
Umbelliferae
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Chora
|
Root
|
Stomachache
|
Roots are powdered and taken orally as such with water twice a day.
|
|
08
|
Arnebia
benthami (Wall. Ex G. Don.) Johnston
|
Boraginaceae
|
Ratanjot
|
Root
|
Arthiritis
|
Dry roots are soaked in mustard oil for more than one week and the warm oil is massaged on the affected part(s) at bedtime.
|
|
|
Arnebia
benthami (Wall. Ex G. Don.) Johnston
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Boraginaceae
|
Ratanjot
|
Root
|
Hairfall
|
The dry roots are soaked in mustard oil for more than one week till its color changes to reddish pink. The oil is massaged.
|
|
09
|
Artemesia capillaris Thunb.
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Asteraceae
|
Jhaoo
|
Leaf
|
Earache
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Leaf juice is extracted. Leaf juice is used as an ear drop. The Treatment is undertaken once a day.
|
|
10
|
Berberis aristata DC.
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Berberidaceae
|
Kshamal
|
Flower
|
Acidity
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The flowers are boiled in water and filtered. The extract is taken orally.
|
|
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Berberis aristata DC.
|
Berberidaceae
|
Kshamal
|
Flower
|
Eye infection
|
Roots are boiled in water and filtered. The filtrate is used as an eye drop. The treatment is undertaken twice a day for one week.
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|
11
|
Cannabis sativa Linn.
|
Cannabinaceae
|
Bhaang
|
Seed
|
Arthiritis
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Seed oil is extracted by expulsion and is warmed by heating. The warm oil is massaged on the affected part(s). The treatment is undertaken at bedtime once a day.
|
|
12
|
Cassiope
fastigiata (Wall.) D.Don
|
Ericaceae
|
Hieun -sheli
|
Leaf
|
Minor burns
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Fresh leaves are crushed and a thick paste is made. A thick paste is applied externally on the affected parts.
|
|
13
|
Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don.) Soo
|
Orchidaceae
|
Panja, Salampanja
|
Rhizome
|
Fever
|
The rhizome is powdered. The powder is taken orally with lukewarm water. The powder is taken twice a day for three days.
|
|
|
Dactylorhiza hatagirea(D. Don.) Soo
|
Orchidaceae
|
Panja, Salampanja
|
Rhizome
|
Cuts and wounds
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The dry rhizome is powdered and mixed with water. A thick paste is applied on affected areas.
|
|
|
Dactylorhiza hatagirea(D. Don.) Soo
|
Orchidaceae
|
Panja, Salampanja
|
Rhizome
|
Cold and cough
|
The dry rhizome is boiled in water and decoction is prepared. The decoction is taken orally. The decoction is given twice a day for 4-5 days.
|
|
14
|
Datura metel Linn.
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Solanaceae
|
Dhatura
|
Seed
|
Arthiritis
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Dried seeds are roasted on iron pan and powdered after cooling. The powder is mixed with hot mustard oil to make a paste. A thick paste is applied on the affected parts at bed time.
|
|
15
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Ficus palmata Forsskal
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Urticaceae
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Fagad, Fagar
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Stem
|
Toothache
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The latex of the stem is squeezed out.2-3 drops of latex are applied on aching teeth and gums.
|
|
16
|
Gentiana kurooa Royle
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Gentianaceae
|
Neelkanthi
|
Leaf
|
Fever
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The leaves are boiled in water and filtered. The extract is taken orally.
|
|
17
|
Gerardinia heterophylla Decne.
|
Urticaceae
|
Zaran,
Bichoo Ga
|
Whole plant
|
Snakebite
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The whole plant is swept on the affected part. Until the patient feels relaxed and improved
|
|
|
Gerardinia heterophylla Decne.
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Urticaceae
|
Zaran,
Bichoo Ga
|
Leaf
|
Muscles sprain
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Fresh leaves are crushed and mixed with cow dung. The mixture is warmed by heating. The mixture is wrapped in a cotton cloth and tied on affected portion. The Treatment is undertaken at bedtime.
|
|
18
|
Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham.
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Kachoor
|
Rhizome
|
Acidity
|
The dry rhizome is powdered. The powder is taken orally with lukewarm water once in a day.
|
|
19
|
Heracleum
lanatum Michx.
|
Umbelliferae
|
Patrala
|
Root
|
Leucoderma
|
The dry root is powdered and mixed with water. A thin paste is applied on the affected parts. The treatment is undertaken once a day for 1-2 week.
|
|
20
|
Mesua ferrea Linn.
|
Guttiferae
|
Nagkesar
|
Seed
|
Fever
|
A decoction is taken orally once in a day.
|
|
21
|
Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers.
|
Morchellaceae
|
Gucchi
|
Fruiting
Body
|
Fever
|
The Gucchi is mixed with eggs of fish. The preparation is taken orally once a day.
|
|
|
Morchella esculenta(L.) Pers.
|
Morchellaceae
|
Gucchi
|
Fruiting
Body
|
Cold & cough
|
The fruiting body is boiled in water and decoction is prepared. The decoction is given at bedtime for 2-3 days.
|
|
22
|
Picrorrhiza
Kurooa Royle ex Benth.
|
Scrophulariaceae
|
Karu
|
Root
|
Jaundice
|
The dry root is boiled in water and decoction is prepared. The decoction is taken orally.
|
|
|
Picrorrhiza
kurooa Royle ex Benth.
|
Scrophulariaceae
|
Karu
|
Leaf
|
Cold & cough
|
Dry leaves are boiled in water and decoction is prepared. The decoction is taken orally once a day.
|
|
|
Picrorrhiza
kurooa Royle ex Benth.
|
Scrophulariaceae
|
Karu
|
Root
|
Stomach-ache
|
The dry root is powdered and mixed with jaggery. The dose is taken once a day
|
|
23
|
Plantago
major L.
|
Plantaginaceae
|
Dunsua
|
Seed
|
Constipation
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Dry seeds are powdered and mixed with sugar. The dosage is taken orally at bed time.
|
|
24
|
Pleurospermum
brunonis Benth
|
Umbelliferae
|
Losar
|
Flower
|
Skin disease
|
The dry flower is powdered and mixed with water to make a thick paste. A thin layer is applied on the affected parts. The treatment is undertaken once a day regularly.
|
|
|
Pleurospermum
brunonis Benth
|
Umbelliferae
|
Losar
|
Flower
|
Stomatitis
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The dry flower is powdered and mixed with butter to make a thick paste. A thin layer is applied on the affected parts. The treatment is undertaken once a day regularly.
|
|
|
Pleurospermum
brunonis Benth
|
Umbelliferae
|
Losar
|
Flower, leaf
|
Small pox
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The flower and leaf is crushed to make a paste. A thick paste is applied externally on the affected parts. The Treatment is undertaken once a day for one week.
|
|
|
Pleurospermum
brunonis Benth
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Umbelliferae
|
Losar
|
Flower, leaf
|
Cold & cough
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A decoction is prepared. The decoction is taken orally to warm up body during cold. The decoction is given once a day.
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25
|
Podophyllum
hexandrum Royle
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Podophyllaceae
|
Bankakdi
|
Root
|
Snakebite
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The dry root is powdered and mixed with water. A thin layer is applied on the affected parts. The treatment is undertaken twice a day for one week.
|
|
|
Podophyllum
hexandrum Royle
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Podophyllaceae
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Bankakdi
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Flower,
Leaf
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Jaundice
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Juice is extracted and mixed with butter. The juice is taken orally. The Treatment is undertaken at bedtime.
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|
Podophyllum
hexandrum Royle
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Podophyllaceae
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Bankakdi
|
Root
|
Stomach-ache
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The dry roots are powdered. The root powder is taken orally as such with lukewarm water. The dose is taken once a day
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26
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Prinsepia utilis Royle
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Rosaceae
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Bhekal
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Seed
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Arthritis
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The seed oil is extracted by expulsion and is warmed by heating. The warm oil is massaged on the affected part(s) at bedtime.
|
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27
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Prunus
armeniaca L.
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Rosaceae
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Khubani, Khurbani,
Khumani
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Seed
|
Arthritis
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Seed oil is extracted by expulsion and is warmed by heating. The warm oil is massaged on the affected part(s) The massage is done at bedtime.
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28
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Rhododendron
campanulatum D. Don.
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Eriaceae
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Shalgar
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Leaf
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Small pox
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Fresh leaves are crushed to make a paste. A thick paste is applied externally on the affected parts. The Treatment is undertaken twice a day for one week.
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29
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Rheum australe D.Don.
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Polygonaceae
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Chuchi
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Root
|
Small pox
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The dry root is powdered and mixed with water. A thick paste is applied externally on the affected parts. The Treatment is undertaken once a day.
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Rheum australe
D.Don.
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Polygonaceae
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Chuchi
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Root
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Muscles sprain
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The dry root is powdered and mixed with water. A thick paste is applied externally on the affected parts. The Treatment is undertaken at bedtime.
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30
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Saussurea
gossypiphora D.Don
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Asteraceae
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Guggibaan
|
Flower
|
Cuts & wounds
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The flower is dried. The wool of the herb is applied to fresh cuts and seals the wound. The dry wool is applied per day.
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31
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Solanum surattense Burm. F.
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Solanaceae
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Kantkari
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Leaf
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Arthritis
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The fresh leaves are heated mildly on iron pan and made into poultice. The warm leaves are tied on the affected part(s) using muslin cloth. The poultice is applied at bedtime. sufficient relief is observed after one application
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32
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Viola
serpens Wall.
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Violaceae
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Banfsa
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Leaf
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Cold & cough
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A decoction is prepared. The decoction is given orally twice a day.
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33
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Zanthoxylum armatum DC.
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Rutaceae
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Timber,
Timru
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Bark
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Toothache
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The bark is removed from the stem. Small piece of bark is chewed for 4-5 minutes.
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Figure 1. Plant parts used for the treatment of common ailments and diseases.
Results and Discussion
Present study reports 33 medicinal plants which are commonly found in the study area. These plants with medicinal properties are being used by the local communities in their day to day health care. It is reported that underground parts (44%) are used in most of the formulations of the medicines followed by flowers/seeds (25%), leaf (23%) and remaining other parts. The destructive harvesting of the medicinal plants by the maximum use of underground parts from the wild may lead to extinction of the species in the future. Plants growing in high altitudinal regions are of immense use in herbal and pharmaceutical industries as well. As demand for medicinal plants are ever increasing and these resources depleting from the nature. Therefore, there is a need to generate awareness among the local communities towards the sustainable utilization and conservation of medicinal plants.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the local people for sharing their knowledge regarding plants and their uses in day to day healthcare practices.
References
Chauhan, N.S. (2006). Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Himachal Pradesh. 2nd Edition. Indus Publishing Company, New Delhi.
Dhaliwal, D.S. and Sharma, M. (1999). Flora of Kullu District. BSMPS, Dehradun.
Negi, P.S. and Subramani, S.P. (2006). Ethnobotanical study in the Naggar area of Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 30(2):349-358.
Rao, R.R. (1996). Traditional knowledge and sustainable development. Key role of ethnobotanists. Ethnobotany 8:14-24.
Sharma, P.K. et.al. (2005). Studies on plant associated indigenous knowledge among the Malanis of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. Vol. 4 (4): 403-408.
Sharma, P.K. et.al. (2004). Observations on the traditional phytotherapy among the inhabitants of Parvati valley in Western Himalaya, India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Vol. 92(2-3): 167-176.
Singh, S.K. and Rawat, G.S. (1998). Traditional verses commercial use of wild medicinal plants of Great Himalayan National Park. Proceedings International Mountain Meet 98, Rishikesh.
Singh, S.K. and Rawat, G.S. (2000). Flora of Great Himalayan National Park. Himachal Pradesh. Bishen Pal Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun.
Singh, G.S. (1999). Ethnobotanical study of useful plants of Kullu District in north western Himalaya, India. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 23(1):185-198.
Singh, S.K. (2004). Ethno-medicinal plants of Kullu valley, Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products. Vol. 11(1):74-79
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