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Most Prominent Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used By The Tribals Of Chhitkul, Sangla Valley

Kirti Negi, Harminder Pal Singh*, Daizy R. Batish

Abstract


Chhitkul (Latitude310 18’ 50.4” to Longitude 310 18’ 58.9” N) in district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, is the last inhabited village by the (kannaura) tribal population. It is known for rich diversity of plants due to unique geographical position and edapho-climatic factors. However, winters are very severe and due to heavy snowfall, the area remains cut off from the surroundings due to which movement from one place to the other is difficult. Therefore, the inhabitants were forced to develop indigenous system of medicine using native medicinal and aromatic plants. The traditional healers (amchi) have an in-depth knowledge about the medicinal plants required for the treatment of various ailments. Unfortunately, this knowledge of the locals is fast vanishing due to the lack of some consolidated written document associated with medicinal plants coupled with lesser revenue to the healers/ practitioners. In order to preserve this vast treasure of traditional knowledge, a study was undertaken wherein various medicinal and aromatic plants of the Chhitkul area were inventoried and ethno-medicinal knowledge regarding their uses was gathered from local folks. The present paper attempts to discuss the information related to ethnobotanical aspects of the most prominent medicinal and aromatic plants used by the natives for daily healthcare purposes.

Keywords


Ethnobotany; Amchi; Folk; Chhitkul; Kannaura

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