Traditional Use of Wild Medicinal Plants By The Folklore of Garhwal Himalaya: A Case Study From Jaiharikhal Block in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Uttarakhand Himalaya is a treasure of wild medicinal plants which are traditionally used by the folklore since ancient times when there were no medical facility by and large. This knowledge was initially restricted to some vaidyas in the region but with the passage of time it was inseminated to others specially the credit goes to researchers at various level who ventured in to this knowledge and any how brought it in the form of literature. This contribution is also an attempt by the authors to gather information from rural folk of Jaiharikhal block in District Pauri Garhwal and to present it before scientific community. The information was collected using combined approach of observation, discussion with common habitants and experts, and was further checked for an accuracy using the available literature. A total of 46 Wild-Edible medicinal plants were noted belonging to 34 families and 41genus. Different plant parts, such as wood oil, resin, latex, roots, root bark, tubers, Rhizomes, stems, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, hairs on pods, Bulb, fruiting body, fruits and whole plant etc were used by the native communities for the treatment of various ailments.