Herbal Teas and Drinks: Folk Medicine of the Manoor Valley, Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan.

Inayat Ur Rahman,Abeer Hashem,Zafar Iqbal,Farhana Ijaz,Aftab Afzal,Mashail Fahad Alsayed,Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah,Robbie Hart,Muzammil Shah,Eduardo Soares Calixto,Niaz Ali,Rainer W Bussmann

doi:10.3390/plants8120581

Abstract

In spite of the remarkable achievements in the healthcare sector over recent decades, inequities in accessibility and affordability of these facilities coexist throughout Pakistan. Thus, we aimed to explore and document the cultural knowledge of herbal teas used medicinally by the local community members of Manoor Valley, Pakistan. Field investigations were undertaken during the summer season of 2015–2017, and cultural practices of medicinal plant usage for treating various ailments were gathered through interviews of the local inhabitants. Ethnomedicinal insights of the medicinal plants used in herbal teas were gained with different indexes. Our results revealed 27 plant species, comprising of herbs (70%), shrubs (26%), and trees (4%), which were used for treating 21 diseases. Plants belonged to 18 families: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were the leading families used for treating diseases. Diarrhea and gas troubles were the most frequent diseases. Based on indexes values, Cannabis sativa was the dominant species used. The results revealed that 57% of medicinal uses are new to literature. This ethnomedicinal study is providing the first insights into the traditional medication system of Lesser Himalaya, Pakistan, through ethnomedicinal teas.

Highlights

Herbal teas are forms of infusions made from a herbal mixture of leaves, seeds, and/or roots of various plants and hot water [1], commonly ingested for their remedial and invigorating properties, including to induce relaxation [2]
We found 27 plant species belonging to 18 families: 70% were herbs, 26% shrubs, and 4% trees
We found a total of 27 plant species belonging to 18 families: 70% herbs, 26% shrubs, and 4% trees, which were administered by the locals for various health issues

Summary

Introduction

Herbal teas are forms of infusions made from a herbal mixture of leaves, seeds, and/or roots of various plants and hot water [1], commonly ingested for their remedial and invigorating properties, including to induce relaxation [2]. Having the capacity to help with stomach related issues, herbal teas often have purging properties and strengthen the immune system. Plants 2019, 8, 581 medicinal properties; for instance, herbal teas are generally known for their soothing properties and lower blood pressure [1]. The healthcare systems of many developing countries are based on traditional herbal remedies. About 80% of the human population depends on traditional ethno-remedies of plant origin, and three-fourths of the world population cannot afford modern medicines [3]. Pakistan has a rich history of folk use of plants, with people, especially those living in remote villages, using indigenous plants as medicines, and this knowledge has been passed orally from generation to generation [4,5,6]

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion