Ethno-veterinary uses of medicinal plants in district Bandipora of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory

Abstract

Plants due to their medicinal properties are essential component of health industry and are utilized in averting various ailments. A study was carried to understand the quickly vanishing traditional information of medicinal plants in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Information was collected using purposive sampling to reach the target population. A total of 103 people comprising tribal people, medical practitioners, traditional healers and locals were interviewed throughout the study. A total of 29 species were found in the study area which were having ethanoveterinary uses. During the survey it was observed that the most dominant families with respect to number of species were Lamiaceae followed by Asteraceae, Liliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Apiaceae, Pinaceae, Salicaceae, Malvaceae (2 each) and remaining families having one species. It was also observed that elderly population have better folklore information and males are more respondent than the females. Furthermore, the valuable folk knowledge about flora and fauna is playing an essential role in supporting healthcare system of both livestock and human in these remote areas which lack modern medical care.