Journal of Ethnopharmacology 92 (2004) 167–176

Observations on the traditional phytotherapy among the inhabitants ofParvati valley in western Himalaya, India

Parveen Kumar Sharmaa,b,∗, N.S. Chauhana, Brij Lal a,b

a Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan 173230, Himachal Pradesh, Indiab Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India

Received 2 June 2003; received in revised form 24 November 2003; accepted 17 December 2003

Available online 20 April 2004

Abstract

The present paper deals with the field observations recorded on the traditional indigenous therapeutic applications of the plants used by theinhabitants of the Parvati valley of Kullu district in western Himalaya of India. The Parvati valley is inhabited by different ethnic groups likeGujjars, Gaddis, Malanis, Kulluvis and others. These inhabitants have been dependent on the ambient plant resources for food, fuel, fiber,timber, household articles and medicines to a great extent for ages. Even today a number of plants of the local flora are used for curing variousailments and diseases. First-hand information about 50 plant species belonging to 45 genera and 28 families were recorded during extensivefield surveys carried in Parvati valley during 2000–2002. The information is given in a tabular form as scientific names of plants in alphabeticorder followed by family and field numbers of the voucher specimens collected. Information on local/vernacular names of plants, uses, partsused, names of ailments and modes of usage are given in detail. Information on traditional uses and commercial uses as well as biologicalactivities of the related species is included on the basis of the existing relevant literature so as to present a comprehensive account.© 2004 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Keywords:Traditional; Phytotherapy; Inhabitants; Parvati valley; Western Himalayas

1. Introduction

The western Himalaya is known worldwide for its scenicnatural beauty of snow-clad high mountains, lush greenforests, alpine meadows, gorges, glaciers, rivers, lakes andvalleys. The famous valleys like Kashmir and Laddakh inJammu and Kashmir, and Lahaul–Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangraand Kullu valleys of Himachal Pradesh are located in thewestern Himalayan region. Parvati valley is one such beauti-ful but lesser known valley and falls under the geographicaljurisdiction of Kullu district (31◦20′21′′N–32◦25′0′′N and76◦56′30′′E–77◦52′20′′E) in the state of Himachal Pradesh.The valley is part of the western Himalaya biotic provincewithin the Sino-Himalayan subzone of the Boreal biogeo-graphic zone (Khoshoo, 1993).

Parvati valley is a 130 km long narrow valley situatedsoutheast of Kullu district. The valley is rich in naturalresources like flora, fauna, minerals, perennial sources ofwater and many hot springs. It has always been a source

∗ Corresponding author.E-mail address:praveenkumarsharma11@rediff.com (P.K. Sharma).

of inspiration for botanists, trekkers and mountaineers asit leads to trekking path in different directions to Kinnaurdistrict and Spiti valley of Lahaul–Spiti cross through highpasses. The scenic panorama of Parvati river, the majorperennial source of water for the valley, is fascinating. Theriver Parvati originates from the glacier Mantalai (5200 m)in great Himalayan ranges. The Parvati river also rejoinswater from Malanakhad(2600 m) and Toshnalah(3000 m)and from other tributaries. It flows in the northwestern direc-tion and follows a southwestern course before merging withthe river Beas. The Parvati joins Beas at Bhunter (1100 m).The Parvati valley has many hot water springs located on theright bank of river at Kasol (1515 m), Manikaran (1700 m)and Khirganga (2960 m). The temperature of the water ofthese hot springs ranges between 45 and 97◦C (Janaratha,2000). The hot water springs are valued for therapeuticuses. In addition, village Malana, known worldwide for itsunique democratic setup, is another interesting spot in Par-vati valley. The valley is also rich in wildlife. A sanctuarynamed Kanawar has been established in the valley for theprotection and conservation of wildlife (Anonymous, 1992).The wild animals and birds found in the valley are thar,

0378-8741/$ – see front matter © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.doi:10.1016/j.jep.2003.12.018

168 P.K. Sharma et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 92 (2004) 167–176

brown bear, musk deer, snow leopard, monal and tragopan.The study area is situated in the eastern part of west-

ern Himalaya starting from about 1200 to 5200 m a.m.s.l.Due to wide ranges in altitudinal variations (1100–5500 m),slopes and aspects, the Parvati valley harbors a variety ofnatural flora comprising of subtropical to temperate alpinefloral elements. Among the common tropical or subtropi-cal plant elements found in the lower ranges, i.e. betweenBhunter (1100 m) and Manikaran (1700 m), areAcorus cala-mus, Adhatoda zeylanica, Ainsliaea aptera, Berberis lycium,Artemisia scoparia, Plectranthus nigotus, Rubus ellipticusandZanthoxylum armatum, and tree species such asPinusroxburghii, Populus ciliata, Alnus nitida, Pinus wallichi-ana and Cedrus deodara. In the middle ranges, i.e. afterthe Manikaran, there is change in the aspects and slopes.The sharp slopes with southwest aspect are almost devoidof any vegetation in the upper portion but the slopes atriver level are covered withPinus wallichiana, Cedrus de-odara, Picea smithiana, Juglans regia, Ulmus wallichiana,Corylus colurna, Aesculus indica, Alnus nitida, Populus cil-iata, Acerspecies andCeltisspecies. The ground flora com-prises ofAndropsace, Dicliptera, Fragaria, Galium, Gera-nium, PlantagoandViola species. In the upper ranges, i.e.Pulga (2500 m) onwards, the flora comprises of temperatealpine elements. There are patches ofAbies, Betula utlisand Picea smithianawith other rich ground flora likeIn-digofera, Salvia, Viola, Angelica, Anemone, Thymus, Gen-tiana, Swertia, Rosa, Trillium, Caltha and Podophyllum.From Tundabhoj (2700 m) to Pandupul (3300 m) the val-ley is rich in medicinal and aromatic plants likeAconitum,Jurinea, Rheum, Picrorhiza, Malaxis, Primula, Fritillaria ,Bergenia, Saussureaand Pleurospermum. The patches ofJuniperusspecies are also found.

Due to the remoteness of the area and lack of modernmedical facilities in the valley, the people are still dependenton indigenous traditional household remedies to a great ex-tent. The remedies consist of about 98% locally availableherbs or other plant resources. The local traditional heal-ers calledVaidswho prescribe medicines to the patients areconsidered experts in medicinal uses of plants in the area.Among the plants used for treating more than one ailmentare Achillea milliefolium, Acorus calamus, Arctium lappa,Origanum vulgare, Plantago depressa, Podophyllum hexan-drum, Rheum australe, Rhododendron anthopogon, Tarax-acum officinale, etc.

Parvati valley is inhabited by different communities, i.e.the native people like Malanis and Kulluvis, and migratorypeople like Gaddis, Gujjars and others. The migratory people(Gaddis, Gujjars) are locally called Fuals (shepherds). TheseFuals go to higher altitudes in summer along with their herdsand return to Shivalik range (warm area) in winter in searchof grazing pastures and meadows. The inhabitants generallypractice traditional farming and grow pulses, amaranthus,buckwheat, beans and other cash crops like peas, potatoesand hemp. They also collect the official parts of variousmedicinal and aromatic plants for their earnings.

The native people are simple and docile. They stillhave remarkable faith in worshiping theirdeities (Godsand Goddesses). Thesedeitiesare held in great esteem onbirth. These deities through their oracles settle marriages,ailments and disputes of the people in the valley. This iswhy the whole Kullu valley including Parvati valley is alsoknown asDev Bhumi, i.e. the land ofdeities. Men puton a loose coat and a woolenPyjama. The women weartypical attire known asPattu, which is worn like aSaree.The language spoken by the people of the valley isKul-luvi or Kulubi, which is one of the several languages listedunder westernPahari. On the eastern side of the valleythis language comes into contact withKirati-Mundoramdialect of Malana, which has close link withBhotidialect.

The history of plant exploration of Parvati valley and itsadjacent areas is quite old. But recently, i.e. in the sec-ond half of the 20th century, several workers have madea significant contribution to the botany of Parvati valleyand adjacent areas. Among the pioneer workers areJainand Bharadwaja (1951), Puri (1952), Uniyal and Chauhan(1972), Chowdhery and Wadhwa (1984), Badola (1998),Singh (1999), Chauhan (1999), Dhaliwal and Sharma (1999)and Singh and Rawat (2000). But, from the ethnobotani-cal study point of view, Parvati valley remained unexplored.This is why the present study was undertaken.

2. Materials and methods

In order to study the phytodiversity of medicinal and aro-matic plants in Parvati valley, Himachal Pradesh, extensivefield surveys were conducted during 2000–2002 in differ-ent localities from lower elevation, i.e. Bhunter, Jari, Ka-sol Manikaran, and moving up to the higher elevation, i.e.Chanderkhanijot, Tosh nalah, Malana, Pulga, Khirganga,Tundabhoj, Pandupul and Mantalai. First-hand informationon traditional knowledge related to plant resource utilizationby the inhabitants of the valley were gathered by way takinginterviews of elderly people, herbal healers, localVaids(tra-ditional doctors). Information about the local names of theplants, parts used, ailments treated, mode of administrationand curative properties was recorded. The voucher speci-mens of the plant were collected, processed, identified andfinally deposited in the herbarium of UH&F Solan as refer-ence material. Plants are enumerated in alphabetical orderfollowed by family name, collection number and vernacu-lar names. In order to assess range of utility of the speciesreported in the present article, uses reported earlier on folkmedicine from different parts of the country as mentionedin the Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Ethnobotany(DIFMAE; Jain, 1991) and information on commercial im-portance as mentioned in the Compendium of Indian Medic-inal Plants (CIMP;Rastogi and Mehrotra, 1984) were alsogiven in addition to the uses recorded in the Parvati valley(URPV) (Table 1).

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Table 1Extent of uses of plants collected from Parvati valley

Scientific name of the plant Local name URPV DIFMAE CIMP

Achillea millefoliumLinn. (Asteraceae);UHF, H-8342

Biranjasif, Chuabu, Saijum The leaves and the flowering tops of the plant areused to cure gastric problems and fever. Leavesare chewed in the severe toothache to relieve pain.Plant decoction is employed in bleeding piles

Diaphoretic, hysteria,ulcers and vaginalhaemor

Bitterish, pungent and aromatic aerial parts areused as flavouring. The herb is also substituted forhops in the preparation of beer. Decoction ofleaves carminative and stimulant. Herb consideredastringent, tonic, diaphoretic vulnerary and styptic

AchyranthesbidentataBl.(Amaranthaceae);UHF, H-8283

Umblakanta, Puthkanda A small quantity of root powder is mixed withequal quantity of smoked tobacco fromHooka (acountry device for smoking) and is applied as apaste in snakebite. Sufficientghee(refined butter)is given to the patient orally. The patients are notallowed to sleep at least for 12 h

Cholera, scorpion stingand whooping cough

From the seeds, two saponins; saponin A andsaponin B have been isolated, which have beencardio tonic activity. Decoction of entire plant,punchang is used in asthma and root of the plantis given in snakebites

AconitumheterophyllumWall.(Ranunculaceae);UHF, H-8201

Atish, Patish Root of the herb is used to cure diarrhea, feverand abdominal pains

Cough, gall bladder,gastric, piles,stomachache, vomiting,worms

The alkaloids isolated form the roots include,astisine, heteratisine, histisine, heterophyllistiine,heterophylline, heteophyllidine, atidine, hetidine,benzotheteratisine, F-dihydroatisine andhetisionone. The alkaloid content is 0.79%. Rootsused for hysteria, throat infections, dyspepsia andvomiting, abdominal pain and diabetes

Acorus calamusLinn. (Araceae);UHF, H-8341

Bach, Bare Locally, the root paste is applied on chest to treatpneumonia in children. A small piece of rhizomesis rubbed over stone together with the fruit ofJaiphal (Myrstica fragrance) and Rada(Calunarejan spinosa) and the paste is given withmother’s milk to children suffering from cold,cough and fever

Asthma, body ache,epilepsy, hysteria, headache (massage), malaria,pain in neck, snakebite,teething in children,tonic and insecticide

The dry rhizomes contain 2–3 percent of yellowbitter aromatic volatile oil. The roots also containa glucoside,Acorin, calamene, tannin, muclilage,starch, vitamin C, fatty acids, sugar and calciumoxalate. Essential oils finds used in insecticides,cosmetics and perfumery industry

Ajuga bracteosaWall. ex Benth.(Lamiaceae); UHF,H-8247∗

Nilkanthi, Ratpacho The leaves are used to erase deposition on tonguesof children suffering from stomach complaints andfever. The pounded leaves are given in pneumoniaand typhoid fever. The plant is considered as abitter tonic. The infusion of leaves in smallquantity is given thrice a day in fever, bronchitisand in case where blood clots appear in phlegm

Blood purifier, burns,boils and syphilis

Contains glycosides and tanins. Herb is astringentfebrifuge, apparent, tonic and diuretic. Used isgoat, rheumatism palsy and amenorrhoea

Androsacerotundifolia Hardw.(Primulaceae);UHF, H-8376∗

Nirodhak buti The leaves of the herb along with a few needles ofdeodar are powdered and made into tablets. Onetablet three times a day with some amount ofGur(Jaggery) is given to women on the first and secondday of the onset of menses to avoid conception

– –

Arctium lappaLinn.(Asteraceae); UHF,H-8266

Jangli-kuth Root extract is used as diuretic, diaphoretic andare used in gout and skin affections. Tincture ofthe seeds is used for psoriasis and toothache

Gastric, repeal rodents It has diuretic and arexigenic properties and it hasbeen used for cutaneous eruptions, rheumatism,cytitis, gout and specifically for eczema andpsoriasis. The plant extract has been found to causesharp, long lasting reduction of blood sugar withinincrease in carbohydrate tolerance and less toxicity

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Table 1 (Continued)

Scientific name of the plant Local name URPV DIFMAE CIMP

Artemisia nilagirica(CL.)Pamp. (Aster-aceae); UHF,H-7040

Chhambar The leaf paste is applied on cuts and wounds tocheck bleeding

Asthma, epilepsy,nervous disorders, pepticulcers, skin diseases,sores, insect repellentand stomachache

Leaves contain essential oil upto 0.35%. Infusionof leaves given to asthma, nervous and spasmodicaffections. Roots used as tonic and antiseptic

Asparagus filicinusBuch.- Ham. ex D.Don (Liliaceae);UHF, H-8268

Sansbai The tuberous roots are given to milking cattle forlactation

– Root contains asparagine, saponin. Fruits containdiosgenin. Root is used as diuretic, aphrodisiac,laxative, astringent and is useful in dysentery,diarrhoea; throat complaints and leprosy. It is aningredient of GERIFORTE used against fatigueand senile pruritus. Also used as demulcent inveterinary medicines

Bistorta affinis(D.Don) Grenee Syn.Polygonum affineD. Don(Polygonaceae);UHF, H-8239

Chunru Plant is used as a medicine for cough and diarrhea.Roots are chewed to relieve irritation of throat

Cold and diarrhoea Plant is used as an astringent and in curing diarrhea

Bistortaamplexicaulis(D.Don) Greene Syn.PolygonumamplexicauleD.Don(Polygonaceae);UHF, H-8211∗

Sarbguni The root paste is applied on sores and wounds.The root is also given with the milk to women tocheck excess bleeding during menstruation period

Cough, dysentery andtonic

Rootstock constitutes a drug Anjubar, usedmedicinally both in Unani and Ayurvedic systemof medicine. Also contain tannin

Bupleurum candolleiWall. ex DC.(Apiaceae); UHF,H-8315

Kaligewar Herb is used to induce perspiration and forstomach and liver complaints

– Plant is a source of rutin, which is used as ananticoagulant

Caltha palustrisLinn.(Ranunculaceae);UHF, H-8035

Horgul The herb is used for the treating leprosy andrheumatism

Roots are used inGonorrhea

Root contains important Helleborin and Veratrincontents. The flowering buds are also kept invinegar and used as cappers

Cannabis sativaLinn.(Cannabinaceae);UHF, H-7925

Bhang, Charas The paste of fresh leaves is used to resolve tumors.Leaf powder is used for dressing wounds andsores. The resinous exudates commonly known asCharas is taken with tobacco as a sedative

Cold, cough, cramps,epilepsy and piles

Source of hemp fibre and also of narcotics bhang,charas and ganja. Dried flowering, tops of femaleplants used as sedative and gesic and narcotic.Seeds are source of hemp seed oil, used in paints,varnishes and soaps

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Cissampelos pareiraLinn.(Menispermaceae);UHF, H-7981

Patindu The leaves are crushed and given to children incase of heat with milk or honey

Bite of dog, body ache,burns, dysentery,epilepsy, gastriccomplaints, headacheand heart burns

An alkaloid isoquinoline, pelosine and berberine ispresent in roots. Also contains reserpine andcissampeline. The root is regarded as anthelminticand antidote to poison. Useful in asthma, cold andcough and inflammation of kidney and bladder

Codonopsis ovataBenth.(Campanulaceae);UHF, H-8267∗

Sardanda, Sardandi The roots are used as tonic to increase vigourvitality

Swollen joints, bruises Roots and leaves are used for ulcers, bruises andwounds

Corydalis govanianaWall.(Fumariaceae);UHF, H-8325

Inder-jata The plant decoction is given in chronic fevers andliver complaints

Eye diseases, gastricpains, muscular painsand skin diseases

The root is considered tonic diuretic, alterativeand antiperiodic. It is prescribed in syphilitic,scrofulose and cutaneous affections

CynoglossumdenticulatumDC.(Boraginaceae);UHF, H-8331∗

Kumbru, Kuri Herb is used for check in vomiting in infants – –

Dactylorhizahatagirea(D. Don)Soo (Orchidaceae);UHF, H-8080

Panja, Hathpanja Locally, the tubers are used in general weaknessor loss of sexual power and nerve debility

Bone fractured, woundsand tonic

The roots are used as a farinaceous food, nervinetonic and aphrodisiac, Mucilage jelly is nutritiousand useful in diarhoea, dysentery and chronicfevers. In Unani system of medicines, it is used inseminal debility, chronic diarrhoea and generalweakness in debilitated women after delivery

DiclipterabupleuroidesNees(Acanthaceae);UHF, H-8316∗

Ludra-buti Paste of leaves and new shoots is applied asantitode on snakebite and yellow secretion isreported to ooze out the poison

Tonic Used as a tonic

Echinops niveusWall. (Asteraceae);UHF, H-7901∗

Oontkatara Root bark is powdered and mixed with honey andthe paste is given orally to cure cough and asthma

– Plant is diuretic, nerve tonic, and used in cough,indigestion and ophthalmia. Powdered roots areapplied to wounds in cattle to destroy maggots

Geum elatumWall.(Rosaceae); UHF,H-7980∗

Masreen The root is used in cut and wound healing. Thewound is cleaned first, carefully lubricated withdesi-gheeand then a fine paste of the roots isapplied on the wound properly in the form of athick coat. A light bandage is applied

– Used as an astringent, in diarrhoea and dysentery

Habenaria pectinataD. Don(Orchidaceae);UHF, H-8335∗

Meda The tubers are mixed withKhoya(condensed milk)and greater cardamom (Amomum aromaticum) andeaten, to get relief from joint pains

– Tubers are a source of salep. Source of Astawargaand Dashmool groups

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Table 1 (Continued)

Scientific name of the plant Local name URPV DIFMAE CIMP

Juniperus communisLinn.(Cupressaceae);UHF, H-8058

Bethar Twigs are used in the treatment of joint pains – Sweet, aromatic fruits are used for flavouring gin,liqueurs and cordials; contain an essential oilfermentable sugar and fatty oil. Bark containstannin. Needles are rich in vitamin-C. Fruits androots yield dyes

Jurinea dolomiaeaBoiss.(Asteraceae); UHF,H-8318

Dhoop Insect repellent, cardiac tonic and fever – The aromatic roots are used as incense and form achief ingredient of dhoop industry. The roots areconsidered stimulant and given in fever afterchildbirth. A decoction of the root is given incolic. Aromatic oil from the roots is useful ingout and rheumatism

Morina longifoliaWall. ex DC.(Moringaceae);UHF, H-8343∗

Bishkandara, Chow The root powder is applied as poultice in boils forsucking the puss out of it and facilitate healing ofthe wounds

Boils Used as incense in the preparation of dhoop andagarbatties etc. Yields an essential oil

Nardostachysgrandiflora DC.(Valerianaceae);UHF, H-8286

Nihani A small piece of the root is powdered and mixedwith tobacco and smoked in cases of palpitationof heart and mental tension

Blood purifier, cough,dysentery, epilepsy,hysteria, jaundice andunconscious afterchildbirth

The hairy roots contain essential oil havingjatamansone, jatamansinol and jatamansin. Theroots are considered as tonic, stimulant,anti-spasmodic and laxative. The roots remarkableproperties to tone up the brain

Origanum vulgareLinn. (Lamiaceae);UHF, H-8042

Sathra, Banajwain, Baslughas The paste of leaves and terminal shoots alongwith 2–3 fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum) isapplied to boils, ulcers, wounds, cuts and weepingeczema. The paste of leaves is reported to behighly useful in healing the wounds caused byfire-burns. The root pieces of plant is bound in acloth piece and tied to the necks of infants as aprotective measures against conjunctivitis

Cold, fever, hysteria,menstrual complaints andtonic

Leaves and tops cut prior to blooming used as aflavouring agent, origanum oil is carminative,stomachache, diuretic, diaphoretic andemmenagogue, used as a stimulant and tonic indiarrhoea and carache. Given in whooping coughand bronchitis because of its spasmolytic action.Also employed in cosmetics and soaps

Picrorhiza kurrooaRoyle ex Benth.(Scrophulariaceae);UHF, H-8029,8273

Karu, Kutki Roots are used in abdominal pains and as apurgative too. One to two leaves are crushed anddrops of the juice are poured in the nose to stopbleeding

Anaemia, asthma,diarrhoea, jaundice,promotes secretion ofbile and used in stomachdiseases

Constitute the drug picrorhiza, used as a substituteof Indian Gentian (Gentiana kurroo). Containspicrorhizin, kutkin and other compounds

Plantago depressaHook. f. Thoms.(Plantaginaceae);UHF, H-8065

Musalniani Leaves and roots are astringent and vulnerary. Usedin cough, asthma and other pulmonary diseases

Dysentery –

Plantago majorLinn.(Plantaginaceae);UHF, H-8358

Luhuriya, Isabgol Cuts and wounds, fever and weakness In homoeopathy, it isused in disorders ofepidermis, headache,earache and toothache

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Pleurospermumbrononis(DC.)C.B. Clarke(Apiaceae); UHF,H-8355

Nesar, Losar The powder of the flowering shoots is mixed withcow’s fresh butter and massaged over the entirebody to allay fevers. The dried herb is kept in theboxes containing clothes as a preservative againstthe attack of moths and silver fish

– The dried herb is used as a preserving agentagainst the attack of moth, silver fish etc. toprotect woolen garments. Essential oil is of greatvalue in perfumery industry

PodophyllumhexandrumRoyle(Podophyllaceae);UHF, H-8203

Shathjalari, Bankakri, Rodhari The root powder is administered internally forgastric ulcers. It is applied as a paste on cuts andwounds for regeneration of the tissues. Decoctionof roots is used to cure liver problems

Hepatic diseases Constitute a compound called, podophyllin, whichis commonly used as a purgative; podophyllotoxinis the active principle. Podophyllin is an effectivevermifuge. Recently it has acquired importancebecause of its possible use in controlling someforms of cancer. Fruits are edible

Polygonatumcirrhifolium Wall.Ex Royle(Liliaceae); UHF,H-8365

Salam-misri The local people eat rhizomes to cure bloodpressure problem. It is believed that thisapplication keeps the blood pressure in equilibrium

– Valued as a salep, a strength giving food. Plantdiuretic, contains a glucoside of digitalis group

Polygonatumverticillatum Linn.(Liliaceae); UHF,H-8298

Salam-misri Rhizomes are used to cure kidney problems Appetizer and nervinetonic

Contains diosgenin upto 1.5%. Used as asubstitute ofPolygonatum cirrhifolium

PotentillaatrosanguineaLodd. (Rosaceae);UHF, H-7993∗

Larsu The decoction of root is used as gargle to curetoothache

Wound healing Rootstock is depurative. Ash of plant mixed withoil is applied to burns

Primula denticulataSm. (Primulaceae);UHF, H-8311∗

Keecha The flowering tops are used to cure cough andparalysis

– Powdered roots are used for killing leeches. Alsoused as substitute for Senega (Polygala snegaLinn.)

Punica granatumLinn. (Punicaceae);UHF, H-8400

Daru The fruit rinds are dried, powdered and taken withcold water to relieve cough.∗When children startcutting out teeth, the peels are powdered, mixedwith Kashmal(Berberissp.) roots and made into apaste and the paste is applied on the palate to easethe process of emergence of teeth

Checks bleeding on thetime of child birth ansmiscarriage, dysentery,eye complaints andpimples

The rind contains about 28% of gallotannic acidtogether with a yellow colouring matter. Useful inbrain affection, coughs, colds, diarrhoea anddysentery, heart tonic, stops bleeding from the nose.The fruit is a good source of sugar and vitamin C

Rheum australeD.Don(Polygonaceae);UHF, H-8047,8345

Chukri, Leechu The paste of the root mixed in water is appliedexternally in muscular injury, cuts, wounds andmumps and to forehead in headache. The wateryextract is given orally in stomach pains,constipation dysentery, swelling of the throat andtonsillitis. Lotion is dropped in ears in earache

Asthma, cough, fever,piles, skin diseases,ulcers and wounds

Used as astringent, laxative and also as tonic. Theextract made out from the roots known asUSHARE-REVAND is used in Unani medicines

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Table 1 (Continued)

Scientific name of the plant Local name URPV DIFMAE CIMP

RhododendronanthopogonD.Don (Ericaceae);UHF, H-7693∗

Tali, Tama The decoction of the leaves is used in cold, coughand chronic bronchitis. People prepare tea fromthe leaves. Excess dose is regarded poisonous. Thepowder of the dried flowers is used for massageover the entire body in post delivery complicationslike, fevers, cough and cold

Stomach diseases Leaves possess stimulant properties; these arearomatic and administered as an errhine toproduce sneezing

RhododendronarboreumSm.(Ericaceae); UHF,H-8366

Buras The powder of the dried flowers is used as anefficacious drug to check bloody dysentery

Fever, headache andwounds

A sub-acidic jelly or preserve is made from thepetals, used in diarrhoea and dysentery

Rosa macrophyllaLindley(Rosaceae); UHF,H-8381

Jungli-gulab Flowers are used by localVaids to curestomachache

Stomachache Fruit is rich in Vitamin C. Flowers yield essentialoil, used in the manufacture of perfumes

SaussureagossypiphoraD.Don (Asteraceae);UHF, H-8370

Gugghi-badshah The wooly hairs mixed withgheeare given to theasthma patients. The wool of the herb is appliedto fresh cuts, where it sticks easily, seals thewound, checks bleeding and enhances the healing

–

Saussurea obvallata(DC.) Edgew.(Asteraceae); UHF,H-8204

Dodaphool The root paste is applied in cuts and bruises –

Selinum tenuifoliumWall. Syn. S.candolii DC.(Apiaceae); UHF,H-8256∗

Mathosal The smoke produced from the roots is used forkilling and repelling the insects

– Roots are employed as incense. Oil from rootsshowed anti-bacterial properties

Taraxaxum officinaleWeber(Asteraceae); UHF,H-8270

Aachak The whole plant is crushed into a mesh and giveninternally in snakebite. The paste is also appliedexternally on the wound. Leaves are effectivelyused for fomentation in swollen parts, boils andsprains

Blood purifier,dislocation of joints,dysentery, gastric, ulcers,kidney diseases and livercomplaints

Fresh and dried rhizomes constitute the drug,Taraxacum, which is used as a mild laxative. Alsoused as a diuretic, stomachic, hepatic, stimulantand tonic. The rhizomes roots and leaves are eatenas salad, used in soups and cooked as vegetable.Leaves and open flowers are used in themanufacture of beer, wines and other diet drinks

Verbascum thapsusLinn.(Scrophulariaceae);UHF, H-8253

Kolomasta The crushed leaves are given in constipation andallied stomach pains

Asthma, cough and fishpoison

Leaves and fruits are used in diarrhoea andpulmonary disease of cattle. Leaves are also usedas demulcent, in pectoral complaints and as localapplication in piles, sunburns and inflammation ofmucus membrane. Dried leaves are smoked,relieve irritation. Decoction of the leaves is used asa heart stimulant. Roots show febrifuge properties

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Vitex negundoLinn.(Verbenaceae);UHF, H-6775

Bana The leaves are boiled in cow’s urine and when thehalf the quantity is left, the leaves are made into apaste and applied on wounds and painful parts ofthe body to get relief. It is also applied with thehelp of cloth on swellings to get relief

Cold, bone fracture,body ache, headache,leprosy, toothache, skindiseases, ulcers, wounds,swellings, sores, scabies,fever, eye diseases,insect repellent

Leaves are used as tonic and vermifuge, smokedfor relief in catarrh and headache. Leaves alsoyield an essential oil (0.05%)

Withania somnifera(Linn.) Dunal(Solanaceae); UHF,H-8289

Ashgandh Root powder is given with milk/water to curesexual weakness, loss of appetite, cough, dropsyand general debility

Asthma, bronchitis, chestcomplaints, wounds andswelling on hands andfeet

The roots are alternative aphrodisiac, tonic,deobstruent, diuretic, narcotic hynotic, sedative,restorative and abortifacient. These are used inrheumatism, cough, and debility from old age,dropsy, and emaciation of children, consumptionand general weakness

Zehneria umbellateThwaites(Cucurbitaceae);UHF, H-8321

Jangli-kakri, gawal kakru Dried powder of fruit (about 2 g) is taken withmilk twice a day as a cure for seminal debilityand spermatorrhoea

– The ripe fruits are edible. The root extract isuseful to cure seminal debility, spermatorrhoeaand also improves vitality

176 P.K. Sharma et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 92 (2004) 167–176

3. Results and discussion

The present study reveals that there is an intimate rela-tionship between the inhabitants of Parvati valley, particu-larly native people and plants of their surroundings. Fromancient times, these people were largely dependent upon lo-cal plant resources to fulfill their day-to-day requirements.As dwelling very near to nature and having daily encoun-ters with their ambient plant resources, they have been ableto gain a vast experience of local plant resources utilization.During field studies, it was noticed that a vast treasure ofhidden knowledge is lying with them especially with the oldpeople living in the valley. A wide range of ailments/diseasesranging from cough and cold to asthma and bronchitis, andcuts and wounds to snakebites are treated by the traditionalhealers of Parvati valley with the help of local plant reme-dies.

Of the total 50 plant species reported under the presentstudy, 18 species are generally used to treat one or rarely twoailments, whereas about 32 species are used to cure morethan two diseases. Among the parts used, underground parts,i.e. root/rhizome/tubers, are used extensively (25 species)followed by leaves/foliage (11 species), flowers (7 species)and whole plant (6 species), fruit (3 species), stems/twigs(2 species) and seeds (2 species). It indicates that under-ground parts contain more active principles. The medicinesare prescribed in different forms like powder, paste, decoc-tion, tablets or pills. In some cases precautionary measureslike minimum use of chillies, spices, sugar, etc. are suggestedby the local healers. Medicines are prescribed in both ways,as a single drug and in ingredient form. About 34 speciesare prescribed as single drug, whereas more than 16 plantspecies are given along with other one or more ingredients.The traditional healers in Parvati valley have great faith intheir deities. The reason is that in some cases, especially inscorpion sting, snakebites and dogbites the administration ofdrugs is accompanied withJantras(amulets) andMantras.It was observed that uses of 13 plant species marked with as-terisks are either new or lesser known when compared withthe readily available relevant information (Jain, 1991).

It was observed that the developmental activities like con-struction of roads, dams and hydropower units, and increas-ing tourism had brought rapid change in local environment,old culture, mindset of native people and also threatened tothe existing flora and fauna of the valley. Due to changein life style of the people and conservative nature of theold knowledgeable people, who do not share their knowl-edge easily with others, a great deal of such knowledge gets

buried with the resource person without being passed to thenew generation. Therefore, it becomes imperative to con-serve the plant resources and to preserve and document therelated valuable indigenous knowledge for the welfare ofhumanity before it is lost forever.

Acknowledgements

Help of forest officials of Parvati division, Kullu district,is duly acknowledged. Thanks are due to the inhabitants ofParvati valley for comfortable stay and sharing importantinformation regarding the use of plants. The authors are alsograteful to Director, IHBT, Palampur, for the facilities.

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