Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol.12 (3), July 2013, pp 404-410

Ethnobotanical uses of Gymnosperms of Neelam valley and of Kashmir

Muhammad Ishtiaq1*, Pazeer Iqbal2 & Tanveer Hussain1 1Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber , ; 2Department of Botany, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarbad, Pakistan E-mail: [email protected]

Received 29.11.12; revised 01.04.13

Present Ethnobotanical study was carried out during summer 2008 in spatial and temporal areas of Neelum valley and Muzaffarabad of Kashmir. Research revealed Ethnobotanical data that twelve Gymnosperm species are being employed in different ethnomedicines, food, fodder, shelter and other domestic purposes. A total of 65 people of both gender (age: 45-80 yrs) were interviewed using qustioaniaree, direct participant observation and demonstration technique method. A comprehensive Ethnobotanical profile of the plants comprised of: botanic names, vernacular names, family, distribution, occurrence, economic benefits, ethnomedicinal uses, preparation and administration modes. All information was compared with previous literature concurrently eliminating irrational reports and culminating this knowledge into plausible and applicable format. The inhabitants of the area used the plants for multi-purpose and have for a long time been dependent on surrounding plant resources for life subsistence. Pinus roxburgii Sarg., P. wallichiana A. B. Jacks., Cedrus deodara [(Roxb. ex Lamb.)G.Don], Abies pindrow [(Royle. Ex D.Don) Royle] and Taxus wallichiana Zucc. are prominent gymnosperms of Neelum valley and Muzaffarabad which are not only source of timber but also utilized as fuel wood and for medicinal purposes. Due to biotic an abiotic pressure different threats to the flora have been highlighted and suggestions for conservation of Gymnosperm taxa are formulated for implementations by relevant departments.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Gymnosperm, Neelum valley, Pinus roxburrgii, Plant conservation, Kashmir IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K 36/00, A47G 19/26, A47J 39/02, A23K, E04H 9/04, A01F 25/10, E04H 1/12

Since the beginning of civilization, human being conservation1,5. The application of analytical has used plants for different aspects of life. Plants parameters has been incorporated in recent provide people with food, medicines, as well as ethnobotanical studies by different researchers which materials for construction and the manufacture of make the results more reliable and authentic6. crafts and tools and many other products like fuel, Geographically surveyed part of Kashmir is located paints and poisons. In some cultures, plants have a on 73–75°N and 32–35°E and it is a part of the great ritual character and/ or are used because their 7,8,9 1 Himalayas that branches-off from Nanga Parbat . hallucinogenic character . Nowadays, many drugs are Neelum is located at North of Muzaffarabad. It being discovered by extracting their chemical constitutes on crescent shaped valley and it called constituents for human benefit. The term Ethnobotany Neelum valley which has two divisions, viz. lower was coined by John Harshberger (1896) to delimit a 2 part of (part of district Muzaffarabad) which lies specific field of botany and described plant uses . within the lower Himalayan ranges while middle and Ethnobotany was defined as “the use of plants by 3,4 upper Neelum valley (part of district Neelum) exists aboriginal peoples of an area” . in inner Himalayas. The altitude of Neelum valley Ethnobotanical studies are generally based on varies from 600 m at the valley entrance to 6218 m at qualitative methods, but now quantitative parameters the highest Basil peak of Shounther valley8. Neelum are also incorporated in ethnobotanical study, with the valley is a mountainous area divided into two parts by results of benefiting neither local people nor the that enters into the Jammu and —————— Kashmir from Tawbutt and flows down to *Corresponding author Muzaffarabad city to join river Jhelum. The area is ISHTIAQ et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF GYMNOSPERMS OF NEELUM VALLEY & MUZAFFARABAD 405

generally characterized by rugged topography, V- community and questionnaire methodology were shaped valley, glacial out wash traces along nallahas. employed to find occurrence density and compile Neelum valley is 260 km long, running along the Ethnobotanical informations4,11. Before visiting the Neelum river. There are lateral valleys adjoining the communities prior informant consent (PIC) forms main valley, forming a spur-like surface. The were filled and then interviews were conducted on interlocking pattern of mountains presents a variety of due hours. The local participants from five different aspects9. The main potential area of medicinal plants villages (Shandoor, Lowat, Graiz, Ghamot and is Neelam valley which constitutes right and left Shounther) with 40 yrs and/or above age were mountain chain running parallel to river Neelum interviewed and both genders were equally (formerly called Kishen Ganga) (Fig. 1). weighted12. The interviewees were carried out in local The area represents mountain terrain of the high community, to investigate local people and glaciated peaks and moist temperate, dry temperate knowledgeable persons (old men, women and forests, sub-alpine, high-alpine pastures, high elevated herdsmen) who are the main user of medicinal plants. peaks and cold desert constitutes major portion of the Frequent field trips in four seasons of the year (2008) area which experience long severe winter starting were arranged in order to collect informations about from mid November to end of April and a very short the ethnomedicinal and other uses of Gymnosperm mild summer from mid-June to mid-August. The plants. Plant specimens were photographed, collected population of Neelum valley is entirely rural and and identified by comparing with herbarium mostly poverty stricken and under nourished due to specimens and through available taxonomic 13,14,15 remoteness of the area. The economy of the area is literature . Sample plants were collected, mostly forest-based and agro-pastoral type. Timber, preserved according to the standard methods proposed 16 plant products and livestock raising are practiced this by Olorode and placed in herbarium of Department mountainous area. Main ethnic groups in the valley of Botany, Mirpur University of Science & are Gujars, Syed, Kashmiris and Awan. Frequently Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber spoken traditional dialects are Kashmiri, Hindko and Kashmir for future reference and exploratory Gujri languages1. The main purpose of the research research. Secondary data about these plant species, was to document the cultural and biological diversity their families, uses, origin, availability, botanical and of Neelam and Muzaffarabad areas. Second aim was vernacular names were entered into MS excel 17 to determine economic utilization of various worksheet and summarized as proposed by Cook . gymnosperm species. Thirdly to determine degrading The collected data was compared with previous parameters which impede Gymnosperm biodiversity research conducted on the same area or on same topic of the zone and then to formulate recommendations by using research papers, books, e-books and net. The for different researchers, other academicians, forest data after critical review and comparison were department officials and biodiversity conservationists screened and only verified and reliable informations for protection, propagation and conservation. were retained for further analysis and discussion.

Materials and methods Enumerations Direct observation, participatory appraisal 1. Cupressus sempervirens L. ; Family: Cupressaceae technique, structured and semi-structured interview of Vernacular names: Cipress, Saro Distribution: Cultivated in plains and lower hills Medicinal and economic uses: Fruit is anthelmintic and astringent. Its pollens cause hayfever . The wood is used in carpentry and for furniture making. Plants are used ornamental tree. 2. Juniperus communis L. var. saxatilis Pallas; Family: Cupressaceae Vernacular names: Juniper, Sukpa Distribution: Musk Deer National Park, Guraiz

Medicinal and economic uses: Its fruit is used as Fig. 1—Map of Neelam valley diuretic. Berries, wood and oil reported to be used in 406 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 12, NO. 3, JULY 2013

folk remedies for cancer, indurations, polyps, prescribed frequently for treatment of cold, sinusitis, swellings, tumors and warts. It is also used in hayfever and bronchial asthma. “Ma huang” has been alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage industry. The in use in China for more than 5000 yrs, for the fruit and oil are diuretic, carminative, stimulant, and is treatment of asthma. used in dropsy, gonorrhea, gleets, leucorrhoea and 7. Abies pindrow Royle. ; Family: Pinaceae some cutaneous diseases. Ash of the bark is applied in Vernacular names: Rewar, Fir certain skin affections. The berries are also Distribution: Graiz, Ghamot National Park and recommended in infantile tuberculosis and diabetes. Shounther 3. Juniperus excelsa M.B. ; Family: Cupressaceae Medicinal and economic uses: The root decoction is Vernacular names: Cedar, Padam considered effective in cough, phthisis and bronchitis. Distribution: Ghamot National Park and Shounther Fresh leaf juice is good for infants dentition ache. Medicinal and economic uses: The wood used in Leaf powder admixture with Justicia adhotoda is nice pencil making. Fruit diuretic, carminative, stimulant, tonic in cough, asthma and fever. Wood is used for used in dropsy, gonorrhoea, gleets, leucorrhoea and construction purpose i.e. doors, windows, houses, some cutaneous diseases. The wood ash is mixed with furniture and as fuel wood. tobacco and best quality “Naswar” (Snuff) is 8. Cedrus deodara (Roxb.ex Lamb) G. Don.; Family: prepared and locally used. Pinaceae 4. Juniperus squamata Buch.; Family: Cupressaceae Vernacular names: Diar, Deodar Vernacular names: Cedar, Bantha Distribution: Guraiz, Ghamot and Shounther Distribution: Ghamot National Park and Shounther Medicinal and economic uses: Its wood is very commonly used as timber wood and in construction of Medicinal and economic uses: The plant fruit is used homes and furniture. Decoction of root is diaphoretic, in stomach disorders. Twigs are burnt as incense and antirheumatism, anti-renal and antidote to snake bite. berries used similarly as that of Juniperus communis Bark is astringent, useful in fever, diarrhoea and and J. excelsa. The wood is used locally as fuel wood. dysentery. The oil obtained is used in ulcers and skin 5. Thuja orientalis L.; Family: Cupressaceae diseases. They are valuable in horses and sore feet of Vernacular names: Thuja cattle. Cedar wood oil is used in microscopic work Distribution: Guraiz, Ghamot National Park Shounther and scientific materials. Medicinal and economic uses: Planted as an 9. Picea smithiana (Wall) Bois. ; Family: Pinaceae ornamental tree. The fruit and wood are anthelmintic Vernacular names: Spruce, Kachhal and astringent. Fruit is grinded and 1 teaspoon taken Distribution: Lowat, Ghamot, Shounther orally with water. Medicinal and economic uses: Wood is used in match 6. Ephedra gerardiana Wall.; Family: Ephedraceae industry. Wood pulp used for shingles, boxes and Vernacular names: Chepat, Thayon, Cheldymb, Asmani planking. The wood is used for construction purposes Booti and as a fuel wood. Distribution: Ghamot National Park Shounther 10. Pinus roxburgii Sarg.; Family: Pinaceae Medicinal and economic uses: Its stem is used in Vernacular names: Chir treatment of bronchitis, asthma, and relieving Distribution: Lowat, Guraiz, Shandoor bronchial spasm. Fruit is very effective in hepatic Medicinal and economic uses: Its wood is very useful diseases and used as blood purifier and cleaning of and mainly used in construction and house making. It teeth. The rhizome and dry plants are used as fuel by is also used in furniture and handicraft works. Its resin the inhabitant. Decoction of stem and root considered is stimulant and used as stomachic and as remedy for a remedy for rheumatism and syphilis. It decoction of gonorrhea. The resin is used externally applied as root has a compound “Ephedrine” which exerts a plaster to buboes, abscesses and broken ones for sympathomimetic action similar to that of adrenaline. suppuration and support. Leaf extraction is used in The drug, ephedrine obtained from the plant, used to burning of body, cough, fainting and ulceration. The treat coughs, asthma and hayfever. It stimulates the root with Calotropis procera is used in snake bite and heart and constricts blood vessels. It is also used in scorpion sting. Pine trees are used in reforestation and anaesthesia, and, because it may be taken orally, it is soil conservation. The oil is used as antiflatulent. The ISHTIAQ et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF GYMNOSPERMS OF NEELUM VALLEY & MUZAFFARABAD 407

bark scales are used for colorings of the leather. The found in moist temperate coniferous forest, sub alpine tar is used for road metalling. Leaves are used in and high alpine pastures. These habitats are either construction of roofs of cattle yards. Its resin is also occupied by permanent human settlements or seasonal used as hair remover by local inhabitants. The leaf grazers (local seasonal migrants, nomads (bakarwals). extract is used in quenching hotness and thirst of In these remote areas about 60% of the local summer. The resin is applied on wounds of cattle as population (children, women) other then nomads are blood clot and antiseptic. engaged in collection and processing of different 11. Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jack.; Family: Pinaceae gymnosperm plants. These collectors are much Vernacular names: Biar, Kail ignorant about the proper time of collection, Distribution: Shandoor, Guraiz, Lowat, all area processing, storing and marketing techniques. The Medicinal and economic uses: It is used for furniture use of improper collection techniques at any season and fuel purposes. Its wood is very useful and mainly and cutting of plants causes much loss to these natural resource and as well as to whole biodiversity used in construction and house making. It is also used 21 in furniture and handicraft works. Its resin is stimulant of this area . and used as stomachic and as remedy for gonorrhea. This research presents ethnobotanical applications The resin is used externally applied as plaster to of gymnosperm plants of Neelum valley and buboes, abscesses and broken ones for suppuration Muzaffarbad of Kashmir. Gymnosperm plants have and support. Leaf extraction is used in burning of been used by man in his life as source of medicines body, cough, fainting and ulceration. The wood is and botanics for years and similar findings have been very important in furniture making and house noted in survey of Neelam valley22. Pinus spp have constructions. It is under severe threat due over been part of many ethnomedicines in Kashmir and exploitations by indigenous and commercial mafia. these trees are very important because they provide 12. Taxus wallichiana Zucc.; Family: Taxaceae many economic recourses and uses for people of the area4. Taxus spp have been used in treatment of colds Vernacular names: Birmi, Yew 23 Distribution: Guraiz, Lowat and other chest infections . Most of gymnosperm Medicinal and economic uses: The wood is used for species are used for treating arthritis, rheumatism and house and furniture making. Tea of leaves is useful in stomach disorders (Table 1). Some species are high fever and asthma. Its bark and leaf extract has reported to be quite effective remedies for different compound “Taxol” used as anti-cancer. Due to its diseases such as fever, diarrhea, diabetes, jaundice, high demand in pharmaceutical industry there is huge backache, stomachache, ulcers, cold and even cancer. biotic pressure on this species and makes it vulnerable Inter alia gymnosperms are a major source of timber, to be threatened or may be extinct in future. Leaves fuel wood and fodder for local communities of the decoction is used in bronchitis, hiccough and asthma, area. Many parts of plants or their products are sold to for indigestion, epilepsy and as aphrodisiac. Plant is the local markets to earn money, because the used bio-netting to kill and catch fish from rivers and community is totally dependent on the forests for their dams. Its branches are used fodder for sheep and needs. The prevalently used parts were roots, leaf, cattle. wood and bark in different local appliances and ethnomedicines (Fig. 2). As people of Neelam valley Discussion and rural parts of Muzaffarabad mainly rely on Plants are part parcel of any mountainous livestock and raising herds so these forests are under community because they solely depend on local flora. heavy pressure of over grazing. Other anthropogenic It is centuries old practice of man to extract and activities of man for fuel wood needs, herbal process the medicinal plants for local economic uplift, medicines, construction, thatching and shading are daily human use and for animal treatment18,19. In the generating severe pressure to flora of the area. lower part of Neelam valley, particularly in Kutla and Furthermore, as population is increasing Lachrat (local names) Gymnosperms plants are so exponentially and ispso facto forest of area are heavily exploited in the past that new generations are gradually being changed unconsciously into unable to see and use these Gymnosperms and agricultural patches and domestication of homes gradually may be omitted from their culture values4,20. leading silent threats for plant biodiversity. As the The majority of Gymnosperms plants are naturally area has very beautiful panoramic view so it has great 408 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 12, NO. 3, JULY 2013

Table 1—Important ethnomedicinal uses of gymnosperms of Neelam valley & Muzaffarabad (AK) Name of species Local name Parts used Diseases to be treated Taxus wallichiana Birmi, Yew Root Epilepsy and as aphrodisiac Pinus wallichiana Biar, Kail Wood, leaf, seeds Gonorrhea, burning of body, cough, fainting and ulceration Cedrus deodara Diar, Deodar Root, wood, oil Diaphoretic, antirheumatism, anti-renal and antidote to snake bite Juniperus excelsa Cedar, Padam Fruit, wood Leucorrhoea and some cutaneous diseases Juniperus communis Juniper, Sukpa Fruit, wood, root Tuberculosis, diabetes. swellings, tumors and warts Ephedra gerardiana Chepat, AsmaniBooti Stem and fruit Anaesthesia, coughs, asthma and hayfever. Abies pindrow Rewar, Fir Root and fresh leaf Cough, asthma and fever and toothache

scientific knowledge in local communities about proper time of collection, parts used, collection of different parts of medicinal plants, there is huge risk to flora of the area. But proper timing of collection of desired part of a plant generally determines the yield percentage and quality of ingredients24. Different factors are recognized in degradation of Gymnosperms biodiversity in Neelam valley and some parts of Muzaffarabad and among these the most prevalent parameters are: i. Habitat degradation. ii. Timber requirements iii. Grass cutting for livestock fodder Fig. 2—Plant parts used in different ethnobotanical perspectives iv. Collections of Morchella esculenta in Neelam valley v. Soil erosion potential of ecotourism in the area that may generate vi. Fires income resources for the people of the area. There is a vii. Overgrazing and browsing dire need to protect this natural wealth with the viii. Over exploitation of GPs involvement of community. As one species Taxus ix. Poverty wallichiana is an important source of important anti- x. Unawareness cancerous drug ”Taxol” and it is ruthlessly and xi. Smuggling carelessly exploited and which has produced critical xii. Ineffective law enforcement endanger to this Gymnosperms. Other species of the area are frequently use in fodder, construction, Significance to the society and some constructive furniture and thatching of homes which cause recommendations pressure to these plants. Many times fire is set on by The research revealed the basic information about natural means or by people which causes a the potential and role of Gymnosperms in Neelam and tremendous loss to the biodiversity. There is dare Muzaffarabad areas of Kashmir. As these plants need to educate and abound the local communities to constitute the dominant layers in the communities of restrict or eradicate of deliberate fires. forest ecosystems and hence do cascade imperative, In these remote areas about 60% of the local positive and controlling measures on the all other population (children, women) other then nomads are species of lower canopies. These plants’ study is very engaged in collection and processing of different significant because they paly pivotal role in life of gymnosperms. These collectors are much ignorant local communities and the society will get benefit about the proper time of collection, processing, from this productive research. These findings will storing and marketing techniques. Their mishandling shed important prospective to the economy and life of with plants causes much loss to these natural resource indigenous people. Hence the knowledge of this and as well as to whole biodiversity. Due to lack of research will increase protection and preservation of ISHTIAQ et al.: ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF GYMNOSPERMS OF NEELUM VALLEY & MUZAFFARABAD 409

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