Distribution and usage of some of the Predominant Ethnomedicinal plants along an altitudinal gradient in Tehsil Dharamshala, District Kangra (Himachal Pradesh)
1*Sheetal, 1Dhiraj S. Rawat and 2Anjna D. Kharwal
1Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla - 171005 (India) 2Department of Botany, Post Graduate College, Dharamshala - 176215 (India) 1*Email: sheetalkapoor212121@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Dharamshala region of district Kangra is a beautiful hill town situated in the lap of snowcapped Dhauladhar ranges of Himachal Pradesh. This region has a rich diversity of medicinal plants, which are widely used. The present study aimed to look into the diverseness of plant resources that are used by native people for relieving various diseases. Field visits and questionnaire surveys were programmed to collect information on the uses of different plants. A total of 65 predominant medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families and 57 genera are recorded to cure different ailments by the local people. The number of medicinal plant species decreased with increasing altitude. Herbs (49.23%) dominate the present study and leaves (28%) are mostly used as a medicinal plant part. A comprehensive account of plant part used, mode of preparation and usage of dose have been enumerated in this paper.