Medicinal plants used during Pregnancy and Childbirth in Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

Background: Although medicinal plants have long been beneficial to women's health, understanding regarding their usage during pregnancy and childbirth is scarce. This is the first research of its kind in the study area, with the aim of documenting and preserving traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used during pregnancy and childbirth. Materials and Methods: Field surveys were carried out from August 2018 to December 2020 in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Information was gathered through group discussions, field tours and personal interviews using standard questionnaire with the tribal people, traditional healers, midwives and pregnant women. The data collected was analyzed through Use value (UV) and Informant Consensus factor (ICF). Results: A total of 60 medicinal plant species belonging to 56 genera and 30 families were reported to be commonly utilized by women for treating various health issues during pregnancy and childbirth. The Lamiaceae was found to be the most prevalent plant family, with leaves being the most regularly used plant part. Of all other methods of remedy preparation decoction was reported to be the most preferred. Childbirth had the highest ICF value and the most widely accepted medicinal plants were Cydonia oblonga, Malva neglecta, Thymus linearis, Geranium wallichianum, Achyranthes aspera, Taraxacum officinale and Ajuga bracteosa as per the Use Value. Conclusion: The current findings highlight the need for more in-depth research into the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects of commonly used medicinal plants for pregnancy and childbirth related health issues in order to provide reliable information to primary users and to develop novel drugs. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Baramulla, J&K