Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 7(2), April 2008, pp. 300-310

Indigenous in traditional healthcare system in Kedarnath valley of western Himalaya

VP Bhatti * & DP Vashishtha/ 'Department of Botany, Government PG College Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand 2Department of Botany, HNB Garhwal University, Sri nagar,Uttarakhand E-mail: [email protected];[email protected] Received 13 January 2006; revised 30 July 2007

The study deals with the indigenous plants used in traditional healthcare in Kedamath valley of Uttarakhand in western Himalaya. A total 130 species belonging to 94 genera and 62 families have been identified. Of these, 21 species are trees, 19 species are shrubs and 90 species are herbs. These species diversity are described for their distribution, utilisation pattern, and indigenous uses. The roots, rhizomes, bulbs, stems, tubers, leaves, barks, fruits and seeds are used for treatment of different ailments. The plants are rare (30 sp), endangered (15 sp), and vulnerable (3 sp) and common (82). As per their population structure, several anthropogenic and natural causes are analysed for their threatened status. The study is a first attempt to study the medicinal plants of the Kedamath valley area. Documentation of traditional knowledge on the ethnomedicinal use of these plants was studied.

Keywords: Kedarnath valley, Ethnomedicine, Traditional healthcare, Plant conservation 8 IPC Int. C1. : A61K36/00, A61PII02, A61PII08, A61PlIIO, A61Pl116, A61P5/00, A61P9/14, A61P17/00, A61P17/02, A61P19/00, A61P29/00, A61P31/00,

The Indian Himalaya presents a spectrum of identify threatened status and suggest the future action biological and cultural diversity. It supports 18,440 plan for safeguard of plants species. The study will be plant species, of which 25.3% are endemic to useful for conservation of the traditional herbal Himalaya'<. The rich plant diversity of the Himalaya knowledge as well as to formulate their sustainable is utili sed by the native communities in various forms utilisation. of medicine. So far, 1,748 species of medicinal plants and 675 of wild edible species have been reported Methodology from the Himalaya':". The Kedarnath valley is Extensive survey was carried during 2003-2004 to located between 30°21' to 31°16' latitude and 78°59' gather the information on species .occurrence, local to 79°56' longitude in the northern part of western names, altitude range, life form and their uses Local Himalayan district of Rudraprayag, Garhwal knowledgeable persons and vaidyas (Vimla Devi (Figs 1,2). The valley is inhabited by 350 villages of Semwal of Benoli village, Asharam Goswarni of Garhwali, a local community with about 1,40,000 Jakhnyal village, Goverdhan Prasad Semwal of population. The region is inaccessible and mostly Mansoona village, Jabar Singh of Narayankoti, remains cut off from rest of the country during off Rukmani Devi Rawat of Dangwari village, season. The inhabitant use local plant resources as Sureshanand Thapliyal of Thala village) were medicine, food, fodder, fuel, house building, timber consulted for information on indigenous uses of and for various other purposes. The studies, carried various local plants. Frequent (6) field trips were out so far, pertain to the inventory of the plant made during different seasons covering various resources. However, resource utilization pattern and localities (Makkumath, Parkandi, Mansoona, Ransi- population analysis of plants is yet to be studiedi". gondar, Ukhimath,Kimana, Pathali, Daira, Tala, Use of plants in folk medicine of this region is not Kotma, Kalimath, Basukedar, Kausalpur, Namoli, fully known and documented. Therefore, an attempt Lamgondi, Jola, Pathalidhar, Devshal, Kothara, was made to prepare a comprehensive inventory of Narayankoti, Hyun, Byung, Rabigaon, medicinal plants, document their indigenous uses, Triyuginarayan, Mayali, Dangi-Bhardar, Benoli, Kailash-Bangar, Jakhnyal, Bawai, Bhattgaoun, *Corresponding author Tamariya,Jalai,Kandara, Bhanaj, Akhori, etc.

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BHA IT & V ASHISHTHA: TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN KEDARNATH VALLEY 301 villages) of the study area. A tentative list of Results and discussion medicinally important local plants, their habit, habitat, The study enumerates 130 plant species (trees 21 medicinal uses, threatened status were recorded by species, shrubs 19 species and herbs 90 species) of consulting herbarium, regional floras and field plants belonging to 62 families; 94 genera are observations. identified, which have been used traditionally for The identification of specimens was done with the various ailments by local inhabitants (Table 1). help of regional floras and specimens that are housed Among the collected species, 7 species is distributed in Herbarium of HNBGarhwal University, Srinagar in the subtropical area (500-1,000 m) followed by 52 6 8 13 species in sub-temperate area (1,100-2,000 rn), 35 Garhwal, Uttarakhand • - • The collected plants were species in temperate zone (2,100-3,000 m) and 36 arranged in alphabetical order under trees, shrubs and species in alpine zone (> 3,000m). The maximum herbs heads and classified (Figs 3-12). The threatened native species are distributed in sub-temperate area status has been enumerated as rare, vulnerable, (1,100-2,000 m) followed by alpine zone (> 3,000 m), endangered and common following the criteria temperate zone (2,100-3,000 m) and subtropical area formulated by IUCN. (500-1,000 m), respectively.

Tablel - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedarnath valley area of Uttarakhand

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plant partes) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name Trees Abies pindrow Royle Raga/Jhilla Pinaceae Rheumatism, ulcers, Resin, bark Syrup with honey is given cough extract orally/bark paste on skin. A. spectabilis (D. Morinda Pinaceae Fever, asthma, Leaves, Syrup with honey and boiled Don) Mirbel bronchitis, cough bark extract water is given orally. Aegle marmelos (L.) Bel Rutaceae Diarrhoea, digestive Leaf and fruit Decoction is given orally. Correa disorder Betula utilis D. Don Bhojpatra Betulaceae Bums, cuts, Bark, resin Paste is applied on skinlliquid (Roxb.) Loud. contraceptive, jaundice, of resin is prepared for ear ear complaints, hysteria, drop. wounds Cedrus deodara Deodar Pinaceae Bowel complaints, piles, Bark Decoction is given orally; barks lambago, rheumatic paste is applied on skin for pain, arthritis, urticaria rheumatic pain. Emblica officinalis Aonla Euphorbiaceae Stomach problem Fruit extract Oral Gaertn. Ficus aurculata Lour Timla Moraceae visceral obstructions, Fruit, bark, Oral bladder complaints and leaves Ficus semicordata Khaina Moraceae Leprosy, visceral Fruit, bark, Oral/leaves and fibre water Buch.-Ham. ex obstructions, bladder and leaves bath. J.E.Smith complaints Ficus palmata Forsk Bedu Moraceae Visceral obstructions, Fruit, bark, Oral bladder complaints, and leaves Leprosy Juglans regia Linn. Akhor Juglandaceae Eczema, syphilis and Leaves and Paste of outer rind of fruit is rheumatism fruit used on skin. Litsea glutinosa Singrau/ Lauraceae Bone fracture Wood and Paste applied on skin (Lour.) Robinson Maida-lakri bark Myrica esculenta Kaphal Myricaceae Headache, tonic Leaf, fruit Fruit juice taken is orally; paste Buch. -Ham. Ex. is applied externally on skin. D.Don. Pinus wallichiana Kail Pinaceae Abscess, dislocation of Resin, bark Paste is applied on skin; Jacks. joints, unconsciousness, and leaves decoction is taken orally. ulcer Prunus cerasoides Panya Rosaceae Psychomedicine, body Bark and leaf Paste is applied on skin D.Don. swelling and contusions paste Contd- 302 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No.2, APRIL 2008

Tablel - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedarnath valley area of Uttarakhand - Contd

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plant partes) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name Quercus Banj Fagaceae Gonorrhoea, digestive Bark, leaves, Decoction and syrup is taken leucotrichophora disorder gum orally. A. Camus Rhododendron Burans Ericaceae rheumatism, dysentery, Leaves, flower Decoction or juice is taken arboreum Smith wounds, tonic, fever orally/ paste is applied on skin. Spondias pinnata Amra Anacardiaceae Stomach and ear Fruit, bark Juice orally/extract in liquid (L.f.) Kerz. problem gum, leaf form used as ear drop. Svzygium cumin (L.) lamun Myrtaceae Diabetes Bark, fruits, Oral Skeels kernel Taxus baccata Linn. Thuner Taxaceae Sedative, cancer, Leaf, fruits Decoction taken orally/ bark asthma, antiseptic, and bark and wood paste on skin fractured bones Terminalia bellirica Bahera Combretaceae Stomach problem Fruit Decoction orally (Gaertn.) Roxb. T. chebula Retz Hera Combretaceae Stomach problem Fruit Decoction orally Shrubs Adhatoda vasica Nees Basinga Acanthaceae Whooping cough, Skin Leaf, flowers, Infusion or juice is taken orally. diseases, Headache, root Dysentery, fever, pulmonary affection Asparagus lhimi Liliaceae Sexual debility & tuberous root, Decoction or powder form is adscendens Buch.- urinogenital disorders, fruit taken orally. Ham. ex Roxb. diabetes, dysentery, dysuria A..racemosus Willd Jhirni Liliaceae Aphrodisiac, antiseptic, Root Decoction taken orally. refrigerant, urinogenital disorder or abortifacient Berberis chitria KingoreiChotar Berberidaceae Jaundice, eye ailments, Fruit, bark and Boiled wood water is used as Edwards ophthalmia root eye drop/fruit, decoction of root is taken orally. B. lyceum Royle. KirmoriRasaut Berberidaceae Diabetes/Skin disease, roots, stem and Boiled wood water is used as jaundice, monorrhagia, bark eye drop/fruit, decoction of eye ailments root orall y . B. aristata DC. Kingore/ Berberidaceae Alterative, fever, skin decoction of Boiled wood water is used as Daruharidra disease, jaundice, bark root, eye drop; fruit! root decoction opthalmia, fever wood is taken oral! y . B. asiatica Roxb. ex Kilmora Berberidaceae Leucorrhoea, fever, Root, bark, Boiled wood water is used as DC. jaundice, skin disease, wood eye drop/fruit, decoction of opthalmia root is taken orally. Callicarpa Daiya Verbenaceae Rheumatic pains, Fruits and After heating it is applied macrophylla Vahl. aphthae leaves externally. Calotropis procera Ank Asclepiadaceae Expectorant, cold cough Latex, root, Oral/Skin (Aiton) Dryander and asthma bark and flower Cannabis sativa Linn. Bhang Cannabinaceae Anthelmintic, appetite, Seed, leaves, Oral bowel complaints, bark, fruit cramps, bronchitis, cuts, dyspepsia, gonorrhoea, ear and eye complaints, narcotic, piles, skin eruption, cold, cough, convulsions, epilepsy, laxative, nervine stimulant, paralysis of . tongue, piles Contd- ---_._ ... __ ._.... ,_. BHATT & VASHISHTHA: TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN KEDARNATH VALLEY 303

Table1 - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedarnath valley area of Uttarakhand - Contd

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plant partes) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name Cinnamomum tamala Dalcheenil Lauraceae Stimulants, carminative, leaves and Decoction is taken orally. (Buch.-Ham.) Nees Tejpat rheumatism, diarrhoea, bark scorpion sting, throat irritation, colic, dyspepsia Ephedra gerardiana Tutgauthal Ephedraceae Asthma, joint pain, Stem and root Oral/Skin Wall. ex Stapf Somlata blood pressure, extract circulatory, cardiac stimulants, rheumatism, syphilis. HippophaesalisiJolia Chuk Elaeagnaceae Cardiac trouble, Fruit Fruit juice for cardiac or syrup D.Don dandruff of immature fruit for dandruff. Prinsepia utilis Royle. Bhaikul Rosaceae Rheumatic pains and Seed, root and Skin/Oral diarrhoea bark Rhododendron Burans Ericaceae Coryza, catarrh leaves Decoction is taken orally. anthopogon D. Don R. campanulatum D. Burans Ericaceae Boils, cold, cough, fever, Root, leaves, Oral Don headache, rheumatism, flower sciatica, skin disorder, syphilis, tonic Vitex nigundo L. Sinwali Verbenaceae Rheumatism, sprain root and fruits Decoction is taken orally. Arthritis, anthelmintic Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Lythraceae Haemorrhoids, Leaves and Decoction or powder orally. (L.) Kurz febrifuge, Vaginitis bark, flowers Zanthoxylum armatum Timru Rutaceae Tooth-ache, Tooth decay Fruit, Stem, Decoction or powder orally. DC. bark Herbs Abrus precatorius Ratti Fabaceae Fever, asthma, arthritis, Leaves, seed Decoction is taken orally. Linn. tuberculosis, and roots stomatistics, rheumatic, dysentery and chest pain Achyranthes aspera Lich-kuri Amaranthaceae Muscular cramps, Root, leaf Decoction is taken orally. Linn. malarial fever, to extracts facilitate delivery, dropsy and bronchitis A. bidentata Blume Chicheree/ltjiri Amaranthaceae Wounds and snake bites, Root, Plant Paste applied on skin! malarial fever, to extract Decoction is taken orally. facilitate delivery, dropsy and bronchitis Aconitum balfourii Meetha Bish Ranunculaceae Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Rhizomes Paste fried in Ghee is Stapf Paralysis, Rheumatic externally used,! powder of the fever and puerperal purified rhizomes orally. fever, bowel complaints A. heterophyllum Ateesh Ranunculaceae Fever, Cough, Chills, Root Powder mixed with honey is Wall. ex. Royle Stomachache, Diarrhoea taken orall y. Acorus calamus Linn. Bauj Araceae Cough, vomiting and all Root Decoction is given orally. stomach ailments Adiantum venustum Sun raj Adiantaceae Fever Frond Decoction is given orally. Don Ajuga bracteosa Wall. Kadwipattil Lamiaceae Malaria, Astrigent and Plant extract ,Decoction is given orally. ex. Benth Neelkanthi febrifuge A. brachystemon Neelkanthi Larniaceae Malaria, Astrigent and Plant extract Decoction is given orally. Maxim. febrifuge Contd- 304 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No.2, APRIL 2008

Table 1 - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedamath valley area of Uttarakhand - Contd

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plant partes) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name

Anemone polyanthes Ratanjot Ranunculaceae Food poisoning Seed Decoction is given orally. Buch.-Harn. ex D. Don A. obtusiloba D. Don. Kanchphool Ranunculaceae Diarrhoea Root Decoction is given orally. A. vitifolia Buch.- Mudeela Ranunculaceae Ringworm, Eczema Leaves and Paste is applied externally. Ham. ex DC root Angelica glauca Choru Flatulence, Colic Root Decoction is given orally. Edgew. Argemone mexicana Kandelu Papaveraceae Leprosy, leucorrhoea Leaf and roots Paste with turmeric is applied L. on skin/decoction is taken orally. Arisaema tortuosum Bag mungri Araceae Snake bites, bums Tubers Paste externally applied. (Wall.) Schott A. concinnum Schott. Meen Araceae Snake bites Berries Paste is applied externally. A. wallichianum Meen Araceae Erysipelas & Scabies Tubers Paste is applied externally. Hook. f. A. jacquemontii Khaprya/Saperi Araceae Antidotes of poisonous Fruit Decoction is given orally. Blume mausi mushrooms/ snake bite Arnebia benthamii Balchhari/ Boraginaceae Asthma, rheumatic pain, Roots Decoction is given orally; (Wall., ex G. Don) Ratanjot snake-bite, and mixed infusion is used externally LM. Johston with mustered oil to used. hasten the hair growth and give a red dye Artemisia nilagirica Kunjaa Asteraceae Malaria fever, cuts & Plant Decoction is given orally/paste C.B. Clarke wounds, headache, extractlleaf is used externally. stomachache Astragalus Rudravanti Fabaceae Blood disease, skin Root, whole Infusion is given orally/paste is candolleanus Royle disease and tuberculosis plant applied on skin. ex.Benth A. chlorostachys Rudravanti Fabaceae Tonic, tuberculosis Root, whole Infusion is given orally/paste is Lindley plant applied on skin. Bergenia ciliata Silphara Saxifragaceae Kidney stones, Sores, Root, leaves Decoction/juice is given orally; (Haworth) Sternb. Swellings, tonic paste is applied on swelling. Bidens pilosa L. Kumra/kurei Asteraceae Cough, cuts, diarrhoea, Whole plant Extract is given orally/ as eye ear and eye complaints, drop/as ear drop/paste on headache, leprosy, skinlbath. snakebite, inflammation, skin disorder, sores, wounds, leucoderma Boerhavia diffusa L. Pundera/Pumav Nyctaginaceae Jaundice, Asthma, Roots, plant, Decoction is given orally/ a Bronchitis, Eye problem leaf Infusion of plant as eye drop. Carum carvi L. Jangli dhania Apiaceae Carminative, Cold Seed, young Decoction is given orally. Cough, Fever, Stomach plant disorder, Cassia tora L. Chakunda Caesalpiniaceae Skin disease, cut, Leaves, fruits Skin /Oral wounds, piles, snakebite, and roots bone fracture and dropsy C. occidentalis L. Chakunda Caesalpiniaceae Skin disease, cuts, piles, Leaves, fruits Skin IOral wounds and bone and roots fracture, ringworms, boils

Contd- BHATT & VASHISHTHA: TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN KEDARNATH VALLEY 305

Table1 - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedamath valley area of Uttarakhand - Contd

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plant part( s) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name Centella asiatica (L.) Brahmi Apiaceae , blood Whole plant Decoction is given orally /paste Urban purifier, diuretic, skin and leaf is applied on skin. disease, and leprosy Cissampelos ereira L. Parha Menispermaceae Snake, scorpion bite, Root Orally gastric, cough and urinary troubles Corydalis govaniana Bhutkeshi Fumariaceae Antiperiodic, hysteria, Root, whole Skin /Oral Wall. diuretic, alterative, plant syphilis, scorfula C. cornuta Royle Indrajata Fumariaceae Swelling, inflammation, whole plant Skin /Oral fever Cuscuta europaea L. Akash-laguli Cuscutaceae Skin disease Plant Skin Dactylorhiza Salampanja/Gar Orchidaceae Expectorant, wounds, Tuber Past is applied externally. hatagiria (D. Don) urpanja tumour, astringent Soo aphrodisiac, bone fracture Delphinium elatum Nirbishi Ranunculaceae Itch, skin eruptions, eye Seed Skin Linn. sores D. denudatum Wall. fern! Nirvishi Ranunculaceae Toothache, snake bite Tuber/rhizome Skin ex Hook.f.&Thoms D. brunonianum Nirvishi Ranunculaceae Cuts, wounds and Tuberlrhizome Skin Royle rheumatism D. caeruleum Jacq. Nirvishi Ranunculaceae Cuts, wounds and Tuber/rhizome Skin rheumatism D. vestitum Wall. ex Nirvishi Ranunculaceae Cuts, wounds and Roots Skin Royle rheumatism Dioscorea bulbifera Gainthi Dioscoreaceae Bronchial cough, Tubers Eaten as vegetable/paste on L. antiseptic and burn burn and wounds. wounds D. deltoidea Tairu Dioscoreaceae Urinogenital disorders Rhizomes Oral Wallich.ex. Griseb. Drimia indica (Roxb.) Banpyaz Liliaceae Epilepsy, diabetes Bulb, leaves Juice is taken orally. Jessop Euphorbia hirta L. Dudhibari Euphorbiaceae Piles, bronchial Entire plant Decoction with curd is taken infection, wart and and latex orallylinfusion used externally. asthma Evolvulus alsinoides Sankhpushpi Convolvulaceae Cough, cold, asthma, Plant and Decoction is given orally. L. brain tonic and flower bronchitis Fagopyrum Ougal Polygonaceae Lung disorder, Root, fruit and Decoction is given orally. esculentum (L.) rheumatism, typhoid, leaves Moench. urinary complaints. Fumaria indica Pit-papra Daphniphyllaceae Fever, wounds, Whole plant Decoction is given orally/paste (Haussk.) Pugsl. suppressed urination on wounds. Girardinia Bhaisya kandalil Urticaceae Gonorrhoea, delivery Leaf Decoction! juice is given diversifolia (Link) Jhirkandali problem orally. Friis Gloriosa superba L. Langlya Liliaceae Painful delivery, Tubers, leaves Decoction!powder is given suppressed urination orally. Hedychium spicatum Kapoorkachri/ Zingiberaceae Dyspepsia, Piles, Root Decoction of rhizome with Buch.-Ham. Ex. J.E. Banhaldi Tuberculosis, Asthma sawdust of Deodara, purified Smith roasted powder of rhizome is given orally. Contd- 306 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No.2, APRIL 2008

Table 1 - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedarnath valley area of Uttarakhand - Contd

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plant partes) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name Heracleum candicans Kakriya Apiaceae Leucoderma, Menstrual Root, fruit Paste is applied externally/fruit Wall. Ex DC. disorder, eczema, itches orally. H. canescens Lindley Kakrya Apiaceae Eczema, ringworm Root Paste is applied externally. Jurinea dolomiaea Dhoop lakkad Asteraceae Antiseptic, colic, fever 3000-3500 Skin Boiss and laxative Leucas cephalotes Biskhapru/ Larniaceae Diphoretic, anthelmintic, Plant Decoction is given orally. (Roth) Sprengel Dronpushpi snake-bite Morina longifolia Bish-kandara Dipsacaceae Snake-bite, boils, Root Paste is applied externally. Wall., ex DC. wounds Nardostachys Jatamasi Valerianaceae Epilepsy, Hysteria Rhizomatous Paste is applied externally jatamansi DC. roots Origanum vulgare L. Bantulsi Lamiaceae Bronchitis, colic, Extract of Oral whooping cough, and leave diarrhoea Dactylorrhiza Salampanja/ Orchidaceae Expectorant, wounds, Tuber Paste is applied externally hatagirea D. Don Garurpanja tumour astringent, aphrodisiac, bone fracture Oxalis corniculata L. Bhilmora Oxalidaceae Appetite, corns, cuts, Whole plant Oral/Skin dysentery, fever, jaundice, rickets, scurvey, swelling, stomachache, wart Picrorhiza kurrooa Kutki Scrophubriaceae Cathratic, stomachic, Roots, whole Oral/Skin Royle ex Benth. fever, dyspepsia and plant purgetive Pimpinella acuminata Adiantaceae Stomach disorder, Root/whole Oral/Skin (Edgew.) CI. gastric, diarrhea, plant extract dysentery Peurospermum Chippi Adiantaceae Anthelmintic, Gastric, Root Oral/Skin angelicoides (DC.) CI. Stomachache Plantago depressa Luhurya Plantaginaceae Cuts, wounds and piles, Leaves and Seeds are eaten, paste is Willd. stomach ailments seeds applied externally. P. lanceolata L. Luhurya Plantaginaceae Cuts, wounds and piles, Leaves, seeds Skin ailments Podophyllum Bankakri Podophyllaceae Purgeti ve, alterati ve, Root Skin hexandrum Royle bitter-tonic Potentilafulgens Bajradanti Rosaceae Stomatitis and aphthae Fruits and Decoction/juice is given orally. Wall. ex Hook. whole plant P: gerardiana Wall. Bajradanti Rosaceae Cut and wounds Root Paste is applied on wounds. ex Lindley Rauvolfia serpentina Sarpgandha Apocynaceae Fever, anxiety, epilepsy, Roots Decoction is given orally /Skin (L.) Benth. intestinal and nervous disorder Rheum australe D. Archu Polygonaceae Bone-ache, Muscular Rhizome/ Paste with turmeric and fried Don pains, Bruise, abdominal roots with Ghee is applied on skin/ pain, appetite, dysentery Decoction is given orally. R. moorcroftianum Dolu Polygonaceae Constipation, umblicus Rhizome/ Decoction is given orally. <, Royle roots Rubia manjith Roxb. Majethi Rubiaceae Tonic, astringent, snake- Stem, root Decoction is given orally. ex Flem. bite, dysentery r Rumex hastatus Almora Polygonaceae Cuts, wounds and check Plant extracts Decoction is given orally / ,-!il;,! j" D.Don. bleeding Paste is applied on skin. Contd- BHATT & VASHISHTHA: TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARESYSTEMIN KEDARNATH VALLEY 307

Tablel - Plants in traditional healthcare system in Kedamath valley area of Uttarakhand - Contd

Plant name Local Family Diseases cured Plan t parte s) Method of administration (Garhwali) used name

Saussurea lappa Kuth Asteraceae Asthama, bronchitis Root Decoction /powder is given Decne. orally. S. obvallata (DC.) Brahm Kamal Asteraceae Leucoderma Root Paste is applied on skin. Edgew

S. simpsoniana (Field Phenkamal Astereceae Metrorrhagia Entire plant ------& Gardn.) Lipsch.

Selinum tenuifolium Bhutkesh Apiaceae Incence, insecticidal, Root ------Wall. exCL Nervine sedative S. vaginatum Bhutkesh Apiaceae Nervine sedative, Root Decoction is given orally. (Edgew.) Cl. hysteria Sese li sibirieum (L.) Takkar Adiantaceae Mental disorder Leaf, Root Decoction is given orally. Boiss. Smilax aspera L. Kukardara Smilacaceae Diuretic, diaphoretic and Root Paste is applied on skin. rheumatic-arthritis S. glaucophylla Kukardara Smilacaceae Flatulence, aphthae, Root Decoction is given orally. Klotzsh fever Solanum nigrum L. Makoi Solanaceae Spleen, Diarrhoea, eye leaves and Infusion is given orally /Eye ailments, and piles stems drop Stephania glabra Gindaru Menispermaceae Psycomedicine, Tuber Decoction is given orally. Roxb. dysentery, asthma, tuberculosis, fever Swertia angustifolia Chirotu Gentianaceae Blood disease and Plant extract Decoction is given orally. Buch. -Ham., ex malaria D.Don. S. chiriyata (Roxb. ex Chirayta Gentianaceae Blood disease and Plant extract Decoction is given orally. Fleming)Karsten malaria Taraxacum officinale KanphullKaratu Asteraceae Blisters, Blood purifier, Root, young Decoction is given orally. Weber bowels, diuretic, ulcers, shoot and dysentery, dislocation of leaves joints, foment, gastric, headache, kidney disorder, liver complaints, tonic vertigo, wounds Thalictrum foliolosum Mamiri Ranunculaceae Eye-inflammation, colic, Root Decoction is given orally. DC. fever and ophthalmia T. secundum Edgew Peelijari Ranunculaceae Stomach disorders Root Decoction is given orally. Tinospora sinensis Giloe Menispermaceae Debility, urinary stem and Infusion is given orally/Skin. (Lour.)Merrill. troubles, leprosy malaria leaves Urtica dioca L. Kandali Urticaceae Dysmenorrhoea, entire plant Decoction is given orally. Sciatica, rheumatism and skin ailments Valeriana jatamansii Samewa Dipsacaceae Aphrodisiac mental Roots Decoction is given orally Jones disorders Viola betonicifolia Vanafsa Violaceae Sinusitis, Skin and blood Whole plant, Extract or powder of plant, Smith disease, diaphoretic, leaf leave decoction is given orally. fever and cough, Pharyngitis Withania somnifera Ashwagandha Solanaceae Urinary disorders and Leaf, root Juice or powder orally. (L.) Dunal fever, Scrofula, Insomnia 308 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, Vol 7, No.2, APRIL 2008

Uttark&shl

Tehri

Fig. 1 Location map of Utlarakhand Fig. 2 Location map of Rudraprayag Fig. 3 Acorus calamus ~

Fig. 10 Rubia manjith Fig. 11 Taxus baccata Fig. 12 Terminalia chebula BHA IT & VASHISHTHA: TRADITIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN KEDARNATH VALLEY 309

The medicinal plants are categorized as rare: (Abies Ageratum conyzoides, Argemone mexicana, Cassia pindrow, ,Betula utilis, Asparagus adscendens, A. occidentalis, Cassia tora, Chenopodium racemosus, Berbaris lyceum, Aconitum atrox, A. ambrosioides, Clerodendrum viscosum, Corchorus heterophyllum, Ajuga brachystemon, Anemone aestuans, Coronopus didymus, Dononaea polyanthes, A. obtusilosa, Arisaema tortuosum, angustifolia, Impatiens spp., Nicotiana Astragalus candolleanus, A. chlorostachys, Boerhavia plumbaginifolia, N. rustica, Oxalis corniculata, Phyla diffusa, Carum carvi, Cuscuta europoaea, nodiflora, Ricinus communis, Saussurea heteromalla, Delphinium elatum, D. denudatum, D. brunonianum, Stella ria media, Tagetes minuta, T. patula, Veronica D. caeruleum, D. vestatum, Hedychium spicatum, spp., Xanthium indicum, Zornia gibbosa, etc. Besides, Leucas cephalotus, Morina longifolia, Rubia majitha, several recently introduced weedy species are also Saussuria lappa, S. ovallata, S. simpsoniana, adversely affecting the plant diversitl,17·19. vaginatum, Thalictrum foliolosum); endangered: Out of 15,000-16,000 plant species, 1,500-1,600 (Taxus baccata, Acorus calamus, Angelica glauca, flowering plants species are under the threatened Bergenia ciliata.,Ephedra gerardiana, Corydalis categoryI4,20.28.The common drug yielding plants that govaniana, C. cornuta, Gloriosa superba, are under threatened categories, includes Aconitum Nardostachys jatamansi, Plantago depressa., balfouri, Aconitum heterophyllum, Arnebia benthamii, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rauvolfia serpentina, Acorus calamus, Berberis spp., Bergenea stracheyi, Swertia angustifolia, S. chiriyita, Tinospora sinensis); Btciliata. Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dioscorea vulnerable: (Picrorhiza kurrooa, Rheum emodi, deltoidea, D.glabra, Ephedra gerardiana, Hedychium Dioscorea deltoidea) and rest 82 species of common spicatum, Hyosocyamus niger, Iphigenia indica, plants. Jurinea dolomiaea, Meconopsis aculeata, The local communities use these indigenous plants Nardostachys grandiflora, Picrorhiza kurrooa, for curing most of their ailments including Podophyllum hexandrum, Rheum australis, Swertia tuberculosis, asthma, paralysis, diarrhoea, jaundice, sp, Saussurea costos, Valeriana jatamansi, etc. There opthalmia, kidney stone, bone fracture, mental are 22 valuable medicinal plants found in Kedarnath disorder, arthritis, urinogenital disorders, snake bite, valley area. There is a need to educate and inculcate wounds and cuts. The traditional people, involved in awareness about the concern of nature, especially for medicare (Vaidyas) do not easily disclose the name rare and endangered species as well as to their and places of occurrence of these plants in order to habitats and associated socio-economic values. The avoid competition for plant material and misuse of new opportunities generated by the recent plant population.This has blocked the correct and technological advances in the field of medicinal and authentic documentation of the traditional folk aromatic plants cultivation, their processing and trade medicines. However, the society is becoming open can make the farmers economically benefited. In-situ minded, conscious and ready to part with the valuable and ex-situ conservation efforts are also required to undisclosed information with the next generation. maintain such plant germplasm in the region The unplanned land use pattern such as involving the local communities. urbanisation, industrialisation, quarrying, mining, References tourism, deforestation, grazing and browsing, I Samant SS, Rawal RS, Adhikari BS & Dhar U, commercial exploitation of useful plants are Establishment and maintenance of a functional arboretum at responsible for the resources degradation 101, 4.One of Kosi-Katarmal,Almora, Kumaon Himalaya, In:Researchfor Mountain Development: Some initiatives and the most important factors of the degradation of accomplishments, (Gyanodaya Prakashan, Nainital), 1998c, biodiversity is the clearance for developmental 289-318. activities and invasion of the alien (weed) species in 2 Singh DK & Hajra PK, Floristic diversity, In: Biodiversity the hills. Eupatorium adenophorum, Lantana camara, Status in the Himalaya, (British Council, New Delhi), 1997, 23-28. and Parthenium hysterophorus are occupying large 3 Samant SS & Dhar U, Diversity, endemism and economic tracts from foot hills to 2,000 m elevation, reducing potential of wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya, Int J the area for the naturally occurring wild plants10,15,16. Sustainable Dev World Ecol, 4 (1997) 179-191. The invasive species causing great loss to the 4 Samant SS, Dhar U & Rawal RS, Biodiversity status of a diversity and economic loss, resulting to reduction in protected area of west Himalaya, I-Askot wild life Sanctury, Int J Sustainable Dev World Ecol, 5 (1998) 194-203. crop yield. A good number of species found to occur 5 Aitkinson ET, The Himalayan Gazetteer, (Cosmo Publisher, in thickets such as Acanthospermum hispidum, New Delhi), 1882, (Reprint 1973). 310 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No.2, APRIL 2008

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