Documentation of traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants used against skin disorders from Bandipora district, northern part of Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

Health is the basic prerequisite for happiness. Any health issue deprives one of happiness even after having all means of enjoyment. Like many other health issues, skin disorders are also becoming more common these days because of various reasons especially unhygienic living conditions, environmental pollution and climate change. In the present study, an attempt has been made to explore the availability of medicinal plants used indigenously for the treatment of various skin disorders in the Kashmir himalayan region of the remote Bandipora district located in the northern part of Jammu and Kashmir. The region is bestowed with medicinal plant resources due to its unique topography and varied habitat conditions. During the study, information about medicinal plants used against various skin diseases were gathered by consulting traditional knowledge holders and local healers having knowledge of the herbs used in the treatment of various human ailments through extensive field surveys. A total of 36 species of medicinal plants belonging to the equal number of genera and 29 different families were collected. Based on the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) value, Rheum emodi Wall., Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Cambess.) Hook., Cotula anthemoides L., Juglans regia L. and Calendula officinalis L. were the most frequently used medicinal plant species in the area. Plants documented in the study can be scientifically validated through phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Besides, this study will also be helpful in the conservation of indigenous medicinal plant wealth and the traditional knowledge for future generations, as the documented plants, once validated scientifically, may result in blanket ban on their indiscriminate exploitation and prevent their population from decreasing below critical levels.