Healing skin disorders with wild edible Plants : Phytotherapeutic practices in Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh
Ruchika Devi1 and Nitesh Kumar*
1,*Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla - 171005 India *Correspondence author email: niteshchauhan7@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India, has a wide range of plants with therapeutic uses by the local inhabitants. This paper focuses on the traditional methods of treating leucoderma, leprosy, and different skin diseases frequently used by the indigenous communities inhabiting this region. The research was conducted through ethnobotanical surveys and interviews with elders and conventional healers in the community who have sufficient knowledge about various plant species with valuable medicinal qualities. These herbal parts are prepared as an infusion, decoction, or paste to be applied externally or taken orally. These therapeutic measures result from a profound understanding of the regional biodiversity. During the research, it has become apparent that many substances derived from plants contain synergistic properties that help achieve specific treatment goals. This paper serves as a crucial record for pharmaceutical research in the future, supporting the integration of traditional knowledge with modern medical research and fostering a holistic approach to healthcare.