ETHNO-MEDICINAL PLANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN CURING THE INHABITANTS IN KUMAUN HIMALAYA (INDIA)

*Dhani Arya, Sangeeta Chanyal, Ashaq Hussain Khan, Zoya Jinnah, Ravindra Kumar

ABSTRACT

The present investigation was carried out in five villages of Berinag block of Pithoragarh district, on the use of mild and native ethno-medicinal plants by locals, in their traditional health care system. The people residing in this area have inherited rich traditional, indigenous knowledge from their ancestors on ethno-medicinal plants and their use as household remedies, in treating various ailments. A total of 52 species belonging to 48 genera and 32 families are being used for curing 33 different diseases. These constitute of 42.62% of seeds/fruits/seed or inter-node oils, followed by 36.6% of leaves; 8.19% of twigs/bark/ stems and tubers/ roots while 4.91% of flowers, of these plants in crude form to treat various ailments like coughs and colds, fevers, stomach problems, cuts and wounds, eye problems, skin diseases, weakness, joint pains, diabetes, blood pressure, sun stroke, asthma, intestinal worms, gastric problems, dandruff, jaundice and anaemia, boils and pimples, piles, etc. The main purpose of this study was to document the indigenous knowledge of the Vaidyas and other knowledgeable persons of the area, about the use of local flora, as household remedies, for treating different ailments.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge, Ethno-medicinal plants, Ailments, Kumaun Himalaya.