����������������������� Ethnobotanical Leaflets 13: 810-33, 2009. Exploring
the Folk Medicinal Flora of Abbotabad City,
Pakistan Maria Sabeen� and Dr. Sheikh Saeed
Ahmad Dept of
Environmental science, ������������������������������������������ Issued
July 01, 2009 ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Abstract The research work was carried out around the selected areas of Abbotabad city. The study was aimed to document the
traditional folk knowledge of local people about use of medicinal plants as
ethno medicines. The methodology includes questionnaire survey and personal
communications. The ethnomedicnal data on 108 plant
species belonging to 52 families were recorded during field expeditions from
remote villages around Abbotabad city. The data was
arranged alphabetically by family name followed by botanical name, vernacular
name, part used, folk use and recipe. The plant species were collected
identified, preserved and the voucher specimens deposited in the Department of
Environmental Sciences, Keywords: Folk use, medicinal plants,
Abbotabad city, Pakistan. Introduction ���������� A medicinal plant is one used by people for medicinal purposes and to build or maintain health, stave off diseases or promote recovery from illness or misfortune. Traditions of healthcare must always been features of human societies and from the available evidences it is found that plants are playing a lead role in the therapy (Srivastava, 2000). Even today the traditional medicines (largely herbs) are supporting the primary healthcare of majority of people globally more than the conventional or allopathic medicines (Farnsworth et al., 1985). The plants have been used as medicines since the beginning of human civilizations (Hill, 1952) and have been a source of treatment of the common day ailments. People use their indigenous flora for negotiating their multidimensional requirements. Medicinal herbs make an effective source for the traditional and modern medicine (Abatan et al., 1986). ��������� Even today it is being in use by hundred and thousands of people in the developing world and are deriving a significant part of them for their survival and also for their income generation by gathering the animal and plant products (Iqbal 1993; Walter 2001) This gathering of the valuable products such as mushrooms and medicinal plants like ginseng, black cohosh and goldenseal also takes place in the developed countries for different cultural and economic reasons (Jones et al., 2002). ���������� The usage of plants as medicine still presents a very important phenomenon in the traditional medicine which is imbedded in the culture of people of developing countries (Kloucek et al., 2005; Duraipandiyan et al., 2006). The nature has provided abundant plant wealth for all living creatures, which possess medicinal virtues. The essential values of some plants have long been published but a large number of them remain unexplored as yet. The traditional systems of the medicine like Chinese, Ayurvedic, Unani and Biomedicine are very effective particularly in rural areas for the treatment of various aliments. In spite of the advent of the modern medicines, tribal populations are still practicing the art of herbal medicine. Near about 80% of the total human populations still depends upon traditional remedies together with folklore system based mainly on phytotherapy (Azaizeh et al., 2003). The green pharmaceuticals are getting fame and extraordinary importance. The drugs that have been used in the past as safe and effective must be reminded and retagged due to their unexpected adverse effects. The medicinal herbs on the other hand do not have any side effects as they have been formed in combination with many of the essential minerals and vitamins (Hussain et al., 2003 Herbal medicine even today plays an important role in rural areas and various locally produce drugs are still being used as household remedies for various diseases especially in these areas for different ailments (Qureshi & Ghufran, 2005). ���������� There are certain reasons for the popularity of herbal medicines. Herbal medicines are found to be cheaper (Uniyal et al., 2005), though not invariably so (McMillen, 2008) and are generally much more easily handy in the rural areas (Runyoro et al., 2006). Nowadays the use of complementary and alternative medicine is being increasing and plant derived drugs are also growing slowly and gradually (Nayak et al., 2003; Park, 2005; Nuzzi, 2008). Previous ethno botanical studies of medicinal plants confirm the balanced use of recipes by different people, group from different communities for various illnesses ranging from common fever to complex illnesses such as asthma, psychosis and even epilepsy (Oyedepo et al., 1997; Ayyanar and Ignacimuthu, 2005; Gilani et al., 2006; Ogundiya et al., 2006; Sonibare and Gbile, 2008). ��������� Pakistan is blessed
with diverse flora and climates. It has been estimated that more than 1000
plant species contain phyto-chemical properties
while 350-400 plant species are traded in different local markets by 28
leading manufacturing units of Greco-Arabic, Ayurvedic
and Homeopathic medicines. About 50,000 to 60,000 tabibs
(practitioners of Greco-Arabic medicine) and a large number of unregistered
practitioners scattered in rural and remote hilly areas of Pakistan utilize
more than 200 plants as household remedies for curing several diseases (Shinwari et., al 2003). It has also been estimated that
almost 84% population of ������������ Keeping in view the importance of medicinal flora of the Abbotabad area the study was confined to collect and document the indigenous knowledge of local people about medicinal uses of native plants .The present study was aimed to document the traditional knowledge of Abbotabad and preserve it to be used by the future generations. Materials and Methods �������� The present research study was undertaken to explore the indigenous flora of Abbot Abad which has been used locally for treatment of various diseases. The research included the survey method involving collection of data through questionnaire interviews of men, women, herbalists, teachers and students were taken during transect and guided walks. The present study was confined to the identification and collection of medicinal flora of abbot Abad. The study was conducted in the months of March-May 2009 in different areas of Abbotabad. Collection of medicinal plants ������� The method adopted for the documentation of the indigenous knowledge was based upon the questionnaire consisting of the semi-structured interviews employing a checklist of questions and direct observations, regular field trips were arranged in order to collect information about the folk knowledge of medicinal plants used by the local people of Abbotabad for curing their ailments. ������� During field trips, the questionnaire was used to interview the local inhabitants, older people including men and women both, herbalists and pansaries, teachers and students who were familiar with the traditional use of local plants, on random basis. In total 150 respondents. Interviews were conducted in with local people in different villages individually following procedure as described by Ahmad et al., (2004). Repeated queries were also done for the confirmation of the data. Analysis of data was carried out and indigenous knowledge was documented. Collection and preservation of plants ��������� Plant specimens were brought to the
lab and plants were preserved and dried herbarium and voucher specimen were
made. Plants were identified with the help of available literature and comparing
it with already identified flora of Indo-Pak (Stewart 1972) Ethno botanical inventory ���������� Ethno botanical inventory was
developed consisting of botanical names followed by the vernacular names,
family, part used, folk medicinal uses and recipes. Results and Discussion ���������� Check list of medicinal data on 108 plant species belonging to 52 families during March, April and May 2009.Information regarding their� vernacular name, family name, part used, uses and recipes is given in the table 1.����� ��������� Medicinal importance of plants has long been known for centuries and various therapies are considerably higher in remote areas than in urban areas and semi-urban areas. The important part of the therapy involves the use of plant extracts or their active compounds (WHO, IUCN and WWF, 1993). The compounds which are important from medicinal property of medicines are the secondary metabolites, alkaloids, glycosides, resins, oleoresins and some of the common active compounds of the medicinal herbs (Singh and Sandhu, 2004). ������������ Medicinal plants used in this field can be easily found in gardens, forests, mountains, valleys and agricultural fields. This traditional healing system is inexpensive and near to nature. In Indo-Pak subcontinents these traditional healing practices are termed as �Unani� or �Ayurvedic system� (Haq, 1993). Many of the different categories of indigenous uses of plants across the sphere includes different types of gastrointestinal disorders, and an ample number of plant species are been found to cure such ailments around the globe by different cultural societies (Ankli et al., 1999; Bennett & Prance, 2000). The present study provides information about some therapeutic uses of 108 plant species belonging to 52 families. The plants are either used individually or in combination with some other plants or plant parts. Some plant species are claimed to be quite effectual remedies for cutaneous affection of head, snakebite, fever, jaundice, backache, stomach ache, cancer, diarrhea, malaria, cough and cold, and stomach troubles, asthma, joints pains and diabetes etc. Since the uses are based on observed knowledge, the scientific study of all these herbal drugs is highly desirable to establish their efficacy for safe use. These plants are also used by the local herbalists and hakims as traditional medicines. Different areas of Abbotabad region are supplemented with useful medicinal plants. However, these areas are facing severe problems of biotic interference and need to be protected and conserved through community participation. Community participation can be set off by giving motivation and creating awareness among the native people about the useful properties of medicinal plants and their commercial values. Different parts of the plant were used in curing different complaints. During this research project it was noted that the medicinal plant wealth of Abbot Abad, were not fully exploited. Some important medicinal plant species are rapidly decreasing, mainly due to anthropogenic activities. So, the area needs proper safeguard for the conservation and survival bio-resources. The medicinal plants can be protected by introducing conservation programs by the help of local people. Chemical screening of medicinal plant and their useful parts collected from the fields in different seasons should be done on regular basis. The oil bearing medicinal plants should be screened for chemical and biological investigation, as well as for averting overgrazing, cutting and to be used as a fuel wood. This study provided a large number of medicinal plants used in different medicines which could be a considerable interest to the developers of modern drugs. In the same way the conservation of these valuable medicinal plants has also become vital (Dhar et al., 2000) owing to the increasing interest in the herbal medicines for health care all across the globe (Franz, 1993). ���������� Advance research works
should be sanctified on base line of indigenous studies because there are
still some diseases like �Cancer� and �AIDS�, for which there are no
acknowledged cures. Ethno directed studies can help in these research works
(Ahmad & Ali, 1998). It was concluded from this study that on national
scale a survey of medicinal flora should be conducted to investigate and
modernize the catalog of existing natural plants� resources of the area
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Table 1. Checklist of different plants
found in the study area.
Family |
Botanical name |
N.V. |
Parts used |
Folk Uses |
Recipes |
Acanthacea |
Justicia adathatoda L. |
Bhekar |
Whole Plant |
BronBronchitis,fever, cough, abortificant,
tumors, diseases of mouth, leucorrhea. |
The
Roots are useful in bronchitis and other chronic coughs especially when used
along ginger. Leaves are very effective in the treatment of asthma and
rheumatism. The decoction of roots is taken twice a day as a powerful abortificant
for seven days. |
Adiantaceae |
Adiantum capillus-veneris
L. |
Kak-pai |
Whole Plant |
Piles and jaundice |
Decoction
of plant is taken in and dry powder is also taken as a remedy to piles and
jaundice. |
Alliaceae |
Allium sativum L. |
Lehsan (Urdu), Thoom |
Bulb |
Enhance conception, weight
reduction, dysentery, heat diseases and earache |
Usually
the paste of bulb is used in the uterus to enhance the conception and
fertility. One crushed clove, taken along a glass of water reduces weight and
cholesterol level. A clove is fried in Brassica compestris oil and dropped in the ear
for the relief of pain. |
|
Allium cepa L. |
Piaz/ Onion (English) |
Underground leaves and bulb. |
Stoat��
Stomach, swelling, laxative, wounds diarrhea, wasp sting and snake
bite |
It
is warmed in oil and used as a pultus on acne. It
is used with a small amount of vinegar for the cure of diarrhea. Raw onion is
very useful to be eaten as well as applied over the wasp or insect sting.��������������������������������� � |
Amaranthaceae/ Chenopodiaceae |
Achyranthes aspera L. |
Poth Kanda |
Whole Plant |
Tooth ache, dysentery,
rheumatism, skin diseases, cough, asthma, and insect bite and bowel
complaints.���������� |
Decoction
of both leaves and roots are used���
for the tooth ache and abdominal pains. The juice of the plant is used
for dysentery, rheumatism and skin diseases. The paste of fresh leaves is
used over the insect bites���������� �������������� |
|
����� ssSpinacia oleraca L. �� |
Palak |
Whole Plant |
Stomach swellings, kidney
pain, diuretic, abdominal pains, tuber closis. |
Boiled
leaves are used for the relief of stomach swelling, thirst relief and
abdominal pains. Crushed seeds are effective for abdominal pains, tuber closis and heart pains. |
|
Chenopodium album L. |
Bathu |
Whole Plant |
Abdominal problems,
laxative, jaundice, urinary diseases, rheumatism, snake bite and antihelmitic |
The
fruit and roots are used as an antidote for snake poison. Roots are used for
jaundice, urinary problems and rheumatism |
Apiaceae |
Foeniculum vulgara Mill. |
Sonph |
Leaves and seeds. |
Diuretic, Digestive,
aromatic, laxative, aphrodisiac and stimulant |
Usually
the seeds are eaten up orally and sometimes boiled in water and the syrup is
taken in. The syrup is also taken for weight loss and digestion. It is
especially recommended for the babies and kids.����������� |
|
Coriandrum sativum L. |
Dhania |
Whole Plant |
Mouth swelling, toothache,
and tranquilizer, smell reduction, gum bleeding, tooth strength and control
birth rate.������������ |
Its
syrup act as a tranquilizer. Coriander leaf extract can reduce the paleness
of eyes and also prevent the boils
of small pox. Mouth and toothache can be��
reduced by its gurgles. Its paste can reduce gum bleeding. Its seeds
are soaked in water for over night and given to
males to produce sterility as an effective and cheaper method of population
control.������ |
|
Dacus carota L. |
Gajar |
Whole Plant |
Liver problems, diuretic, abortificant, anti depressant |
Its
seed-ash is applied over wounds. Decoction of seeds is also helpful in to
regularize menstruation and its high dose is effective in abortificant.
The juice is very helpful for liver and urinary tract infections� (UTI)������������������������� |
|
Trachy spermumammi (L) Sprague ex. Turrill |
Jawain/ Ajwain |
Seeds |
Scanty menstruations, cough
gas trouble and stomach tonic |
Powdered
seed are taken along brown sugar and desi ghee or
butter orally once a day for three days to treat the scanty menstruations and
it also clears the uterus and regularize menstruations especially after
delivery. The seed are fried over the cooking dish for a few seconds are then
ground to powder which is quite effective to be used in cough and cold. The
seeds are boiled in water and the syrup is taken in for dysmenorrheal pains. |
|
Pimpinella diversifolia
DC |
Chora |
Roots |
Pain killer, stomach pains |
100
mg powdered dry roots are used along water everyday
for the relief of pain. |
Araliaeae |
Hedera nepalensis K.Koch |
Albhommar |
Leaves |
Antidiabetic, increase milk yield in animals |
Fresh
leaves are eaten up for ten days by using one leaf a day and increasing the
number of leaves per day. |
Asclepiadaceae |
Calotropis procera (Willd) R.Br (AC) |
Akk |
Leaves, roots and latex |
Scabies, laxative, ulcers,
and purgative, leucoderma, diseases of liver,
spleen and abdomen, malaria, asthma and cholera. |
The
extract is strengthening. The powdered leaves are taken for scabies. Ash acts
as n expectorant. The hot leaves are applied on the abdomen to reduce the
abdominal pains. Latex is used for the treatment of skin diseases. |
Asteraceae |
Silybium marianum Gaertn. |
Kandiari |
Ripe���
Seeds �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������ |
Liver problems, cirrhosis
(hardening of liver), Jaundice, Hepatitis-C and gall-bladder disorders. |
The
seeds are ground to powder and taken with water. |
|
Vernonia anthelmentica
Willd. |
Kali zeri |
Seeds |
Antibiotic, ear ache, cough,
toothache, chest infection, pneumonia, anti-diabetic, allergy, acne,
dysmenorrheal, and anticancer |
Sometimes
the seed powder is taken and often the seeds are boiled in water which is
taken twice a day. |
|
Sonchus asper (Linn.) Hill |
Hand (saag) |
Leaves and roots |
Fever, constipation, heart
burning, anti diabetic, scabies and heart diseases. |
Plant
powder is applied over burns. Roots and leaves are boiled in water and this
syrup is taken in fever and heart burning. It is cooked as food and eaten up
for the cure of scabies, diabetes, constipation and heart diseases |
|
Lactuca serriola L. |
Kaho |
Whole
plant |
Refrigerant, sedative,
diaphoretic, diuretic, antiseptic, expectorant,� whooping cough and asthma |
It
is used in combination with different herbs and also used orally. |
|
Arisaema flavum Forssk. |
Adbis |
Rhizome, fruit |
Snake bite, cough and cold |
Leaf
extract is applied over snake bite to act as an antidote. It also saves milk
from being stale when mixed with each other and dried roots of the plant is
put in the container to have the milk from being staled.� |
|
Artemisia fragrans Willd. |
Chaho |
Leaves |
Asthma, earache, toothache,
antiseptic, antihelmitic |
Leaves
extract is given to children once a day to remove the worms. It is applied
over wounds. Extract is also used for asthma, earache and tooth ache. |
|
Chrysanthemum indicum L |
Gul-e-daudi |
Flower and stem |
Anti-Bacterial and anti
diabetic |
Flower
extract is taken as a remedy for diabetes. The extract of flower and stem is
antibacterial in action. |
|
Senecio salignus DC. |
Chitta hula |
Roots, leaves and seeds |
Astringent, antihelmitic, back ache, diseases of cattle, antidote |
Leaf
extract is used as an antiseptic over wounds. Crushed roots are used in
constipation and are antihelmintic. Crushed roots
are boiled and used in cattle�s backache and swelling of joints. The plant
extract is used as an antidote for snake bite. |
Berberidaceae |
Berberis
lycium Royle |
Sumblo |
Whole plant |
Anti-diabetic, antibiotic,
anti cancer, acne, dysentery, sore throat, diuretic, dyspepsia, jaundice,
liver disorders, mouth swelling, cough and pain killer. |
Decoction
of leaves is given in jaundice. Roots are febrifuge. Sprinkling of powdered
roots with oil acts as an ointment over fractures. Root powder is also used
in ulcers and applied on wounds. The bark of root is soaked in water for over night and the water is drunk for the pains. The
fruit is laxative. |
Brassicaceae |
Brassica juncea (L.) Czern |
Rae |
Seeds |
Weight loss |
Used
in combination with herbs to reduce weight. |
Boraginaceae |
Cynoglossum lancoelatum Forssk |
Choro |
Leaves and branches |
Cough |
Fresh
leaves along branches are chewed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cannabinnaceae |
Cannabis sativa L. |
Bhang |
Leaves, seeds and stem |
Sedative, anodyne, ear-ache,
malaria, anthrax, sore throat, piles and scabies |
Small
drops of its essence are used to reduce ear-ache.� The seed of Cassia fistula and one gram
leaves of Cannabis sativa are taken
along a cup of milk purifies blood and prevent scabies. Decoction of leaves
is mixed with the excreta of pigeon and then smoked over coal is very
effective for piles. |
Convolvulaceae |
Convulvulus arvensis L. |
Lehli |
Whole plant |
Piles skin disorders,
purgative |
The
herb is boiled in water end used for piles. Roots are purgative. |
Cruciferae |
Raphanus sativum Linn |
Mooli |
Whole plant���������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Jaundice� |
Fruit
is cut longitudinally, salted, hung over night and taken to treat jaundice. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
|
Eruca sativa Lamk |
Tara mera |
Whole Plant |
Anti-hypertension,
anti-diabetic, piles, ulcers, epilepsy, toothache and vomiting. |
In
infectious situations the oil is massaged on the skin. Leaves are stomachic,
ground fresh leaves are applied to abscesses and seeds are given��� in colic. It is quite effective in piles,
ulcers, epilepsy, toothache and stops vomiting. |
Cuscutaceae |
Cascuta reflexa Roxb. |
Akaas bail /aft-e-mone (Tibb) |
Whole Plant |
Hair treatment, memory
booster, pain killer, antihelmintic, carminative,
purgative, diuretic and jaundice. |
It
is boiled in oil and water and then used for the treatment of damaged hair.
Mostly used in combination with other herbs for the treatment of complicated
diseases. ������������������ |
Dryoptericaceae |
Dryopteris ramose (Hope) C. Chr. |
Pakha |
Leaves |
Ulcers, constipation,
immunizer, strengthening�������� |
Used
as a vegetable for stomach ulcers, constipation, provides strength to
body� |
Ebenaceae |
Diospyrous lotus Linn |
Maloak / Amloak |
Fruit |
Sedative and purgative |
The
fruit is sedative and purgative |
Euphorbiaceae |
Riccinus communis L. |
Arand |
Whole Plant |
Cough, paralysis, lockjaw,
and asthma, increase milk yield in mothers,bronchitis,
and carminative, useful in pains, leprosy, tumors, piles, ringworm, asthma
and amenorrhea |
The
leaves are cooked as food and given to mothers to increase���������������������������������� the
quantity of milk. Roots are carminative and useful in pains, fever,
bronchitis, leprosy, tumors and diseases of rectum and head. Flowers are
useful in glandular tumors, troubles and vaginal pains. Root bark is
purgative. ��������� |
|
Euphorbia royleana Boiss� |
Dozkhi meva/ zakoom/
cactus |
Whole Plant |
Earache, paralysis, loose
motions, bladder stones. |
A
piece of main stem is cut and put on fire for a few minutes and the extract
is then used for earache. The plant extract added with salt is given to
babies drop wise for the cure of lose motions. By removing the bark of plant
and eating the jelly like material is useful removal of urinary bladder
stones. |
|
Euphorbia caducifolia Hains |
Danda thor |
Roots� |
Abortificant |
Root
decoction is used as an effective abortificant at
initial stages. |
|
Euphorbia helioscopa L. |
Gandi booti / chattri dodak |
Seeds, roots and latex |
abdominal cramps, cholera
and eruptions |
Powdered
plant is taken with water to treat abdominal cramps. Latex is applied over
eruptions and the seeds are taken along pepper during cholera. Root is antihelmintic.������������������������� |
|
Euphorbia wallichii Hook.f. |
Harvi |
Latex |
Skin diseases, wounds |
The
stem latex is applied over skin to treat the wounds and the pains are
relieved in a single day.����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Fabaceae |
Bauhinia verigata |
Kulyar/ kachnar |
Flowers |
Loose motions, expectorant,
sedative, diuretic. |
The
flowers are boiled in water and taken for the cure of loose motions |
Fumariaceae |
Fumaria indica (Hausskn) Pungsley. |
Shahtra / Papra |
Whole Plant |
Stomach strength, scabies,
acnes, fever, blood purifier, antihelmenthic,
laxative, diuretic, alternative, diaphoretic and febrifuge, poultice and
blood purifier.�������������������������
|
Mostly
taken as boiled syrup (joshanda).The plant extract
is very effective for diabetes, fever and bladder infections when taken
before breakfast. Ground powder is also taken as a medicine and some times the plant is soaked in water and then used up. |
Gentianaceae |
Swertia chirata (Roxb ex. Fleming)
H.Karst. |
Choriata / karaita |
Whole Plant |
Diabetes, typhoid,
anticancer, pneumonia and malaria.��������������� |
The
fresh plant extract is taken along water twice or thrice a day for diabetes
etc. Mostly powder is used for treatments. It is used for rheumatic fever and
other fever, when boiled in water. It is also good for vomiting during
pregnancy. |
|
Swertia petiolata Royle |
Momiri |
Roots |
Eye pain |
Locally
pulverized root is mixed with milk and poured into eyes for the relief of
pain in eyes.���������������������������������� |
|
Gentia kurro Royle |
Neil kanth |
Roots |
Stomach and urinary bladder
complaints |
Dried
roots are boiled in water and the syrup is taken in. Plant decoction is used
as a tonic. |
Geraniaceae |
Geranium wallichium D.Don ex Sweet |
Rattan jote |
�Leaves and roots |
Relieves post-delivery
pains, weakness, joints and muscles pain especially back ache.����������������������������������������������
|
Dried
roots powder is taken along milk and sugar for the relief of pain. Dried
leaves are taken which is efficacious for backache. Decoction of leaves is
taken for toothache, jaundice, kidney and spleen problems and irritating
eyes. |
Hippocastanaceae |
Aesculus indica (Wall ex.Canb.)Hook fil. |
Ban khore |
Fruit and leaves |
Diseases of animals (cough
and fever), stomach pains, applied over wounds. |
Powdered
fruit is mixed in the cattle meal and given once a day for the cure of cough,
fever and stomach pains. Fruit is also given orally to buffaloes and horses
during cold and fever. Seed oil is pain killer and applied over wounds. |
Juglandaceae |
Juglans regia �L. |
khore/ akhroat |
Leaves, bark and fruit |
Cooling, tonic, appetizer,
heart diseases, bronchitis, piles, watery eyes, hydrophobia, and antihelmenthic |
Leaves
are astringent and tonic. Decoction of leaves is supposed to be antihelmenthic. Fruit is supposed to be alternative
effect in rheumatism. Bark and leaves are used as an alternative, laxative
and also used in herpes, eczema, and scrofula and syphilis. Externally
infusion is applied to skin eruptions. |
Labiateae
/ Lamiaceae |
Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Bth |
Ratti booti |
Whole Plant |
Headache, jaundice, malaria,
hypertension, sore throat and earache�����������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Whole
plant is crushed and the extract is taken in for the relief of pains. |
|
Isodon rugosus (Wall ex Benth) Codd |
Boee |
Leaves |
Ear ache and scabies |
Fresh
leaves are crushed and the extract is obtained. This extract is applied over
effected skin for immediate effect and for earache 1-2 drops are used. |
|
Mentha Longifolia (L.) Hunds |
Jungli pudina / safaid pudina |
Whole Plant |
Vomiting, stomach pain,
weight reduction, digestion, rheumatism, diarrhea and dysentery, stimulant,
coolant and insect bite��������������������������������������������������������������������
����� |
It
is mostly taken in as dry powder for stomachic or leaves are boiled in water,
cooled and drunk frequently for weight reduction and digestion problems. It
is used along the boiled eggs in tonsillitis |
|
Mentha piperate L. |
Sabaz pudina |
Whole Plant |
Indigestion, headache,
antispasmodic, vomiting, abdominal pains, carminative and purgative.���������������� |
Dried
leaves are taken in abdominal pain, fresh leaves are chewed to reduce
headache. It is also used in food stuffs to enhance the digestion; usually
dried leaves are mixed in yogurt and taken in for stomach problems.����������������������������������������������
|
|
Ocimum balsilicum Linn |
Niazbo/ khush boi |
Leaves, flowers |
Mouth sores |
Fresh
leaves are chewed to treat mouth sore����������� |
Leguminoseae |
Indigofera heterantha Wall |
Kainthi |
Leaves |
Internal body disorders,
warts��������������������������������������
|
Leaves
are crushed and the extract is used in the internal body disorders and used
against the warts in the mouth. |
Lilliaceae |
Aloe barbadensis Mill. |
Kavar gandal |
Whole Plant |
Antidiabetic, hair treatment, skin, constipation, fever,
menstrual irregularities. |
The
fleshy leaves are used in diabetes also for skin and hair treatment. Leaves
are also used for the treatment of gas troubles and abdominal pains.�������������������� |
|
Chlorophytum borovillianum
Baker. |
Moosli safaid |
Roots |
Pains, weakness, energizer,
male potency and natal and post-natal problems. |
1
tbs of dry powder is added in 50 ml milk and cooked
until the milk evaporates. This solid mixture is then eaten daily before
breakfast. ������������ |
|
Colchicum luteum Baker |
Soranjan-e-talkh |
Whole Plant |
Joints pain, sciatica, blood
infections and skin problems and liver and spleen related problems.����������������� |
Powdered
herb is used orally for joint pains and arthritis. The plant extract is
useful in digestive and gastric problems and also efficacious in liver and
spleen disorders.���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
|
Merendera persica Bioss |
Soranjan-e-shirin |
Roots |
Pains, rheumatism, sciatic
and gout |
It
is mostly used in combination with other herbs and its powder can be used
singly in very small amount. |
Malvaceae |
Althea rosea L. |
Gul-e-khaira |
Roots |
Jaundice, abdominal pain,
liver and urinary bladder complaints |
Small
pieces of root are soaked in water for 24 hours until it thickens. This thick
syrup is taken everyday before breakfast.�� |
|
Malva sylvestris L. |
Sonchal |
Leaves |
Laxative, aphrodisiacs and
demulcent |
The
leaves are cooked as food and eaten up. |
Meliaceae |
Azadirachta indica (L.) A. Juss |
Dharaikh/ Bakain |
Leaves |
Acne cure |
Decoction
of leaves is used to prevent acne.� The
juice of leaves is laxative. It is also used in earache.���������� |
|
Melia azodirachta L. |
Neem |
Leaves, root, seeds flowers |
Tonic, laxative, earache and
liver disorders |
Root
is useful in bowels, vomiting, blood impurities, heart diseases, ulcers,
headache, and uterine pains, laxative. Seed oil is useful for earache and
liver disorders. Flowers and leaves are diuretic; relieves headache. |
Moraceae |
Broussonetia papyrifer (L.) Vent. |
Jangli tooth |
Fruit |
���� Cough����� |
Fruit
is eaten as a cure for cough. |
|
Ficus carica L. |
Anjir |
Stem, milky latex, fruit
pulp.�����������������������������������
|
Birthrate control, insect
bite and treating warts. |
Decoction
of stem is used to check the spermatogenesis and oogenesis
of few weeks to control the population growth. Milky latex of leaves and stem
is used for treating warts and insect stings and bites. Fruit pulp is applied
in face for glow and nourishment.�����������������������������������������������������
|
|
Ficus palmata Forssk. |
Phagware |
Fruit and latex�����������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Expectorant, kidney stones,
laxative and demulcent. |
The
white milky latex of the plant is applied to cancer wounds for healing which
is quite effective. |
|
Ficus religiosa L. |
Pepal |
Leaves and stem bark |
Vomiting, astringent,
swelling, motions, asthma |
The
leaves which are being shed from the trees by themselves are boiled in water
and drunk for vomiting and sickness. Leaves powder is taken along water for
the treatment of asthma. |
|
Morus alba L. |
Toot sufaid |
Fruit |
Sore throat |
Fruit
is taken orally or syrup is made to cure sore throat. |
|
Morus nigra L. |
shah toot |
Fruit |
Blood pressure and
anti-diabetic |
�Infusion is used to reduce blood
glucose� level and arterial
pressure�������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Myrtaceae |
Psidium guajava L. |
Amrud |
Leaves and bark |
Cancer, bacterial infections,
coughs. inflammations and pains |
Leaf
and bark extract is used against cancer, bacterial infections, inflammations
and pains. Leaves and bark are astringent, antimicrobial properties and also
used as an antidiabetic. Essential oil from guava
leaves have an anticancer property. Leaves are boiled in water and water is
taken as a remedy for cough. |
|
Syzygium cuminii (L.)Skeels |
Jaaman |
Fruit, leaves and seeds����������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Anti-diabetic, stomachic,
liver, strengthening teeth, make hair sprout. |
Fruit
is used frequently by the diabetic patients. The crushed seed powder is also
taken for Diabetes. Leaves of the plant are given to the cattle for treating
loose motions on animals. The fruit is good for making the vocal cords
strong. Dry powder can avoid the swelling of burns. |
Oleaceae |
Jasmine officinals L. |
Chambeli |
Flower and roots�����������������������������������������������������
|
Headache, toothache,
lockjaw, sciatica, diuretic, antihelmenthic,�� scorpion sting, eruption in mouth. |
Its
syrup reduces the facial acne. Gargles of its syrup reduce toothache. Its oil
is very effective in headache.�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Oxalidaceae |
Oxalis corniculata Linn. |
Khatmithra/ khati booti |
Whole Plant |
Fever, laxative, alternative
tonic, rheumatism, skin diseases, piles, bleeding of lungs.���������������������������������������� |
Juice
of plant is mixed with onion to remove warts and also remove opacities of
cornea. Juice of plant is also used in stomach troubles. Decoction of roots
is given for worms, and to clean the rusted vessels and extract of plant is
applied over scorpion sting. Crushed plant and sugar are kept over night and taken before breakfast as a cure for
fever. |
Paeonidceae |
Paeonia emodi Wall |
Mamekh |
Roots |
Weakness and pains. |
Root
powder is used or the relief of pain Roots are crushed and mixed with milk,
sugar and roots of Geranium wallichium and this traditional halva (sweet dish) is
taken for internal body aches, especially backache. Sometimes cut parts of
the dry roots are boiled in milk along roots of Geranium wallichium and this milk is
taken twice a day till recovery.������������������������ |
Papaveraceae |
�
Papaver ssomniforum��� �
�Linn |
Posht |
Flowers |
Diarrhea, diabetes, pains
and chest infection in kids. |
The
petals of the flower are removed and the rest of it is boiled in water. This
syrup is give to the kids for the cure of bronchitis. |
Pinaceae |
Pinus roxburghii Sargent |
Chirr |
Seeds and gums |
Stimulant,antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic and anti pathogen. |
The
gums are mixed with dry fruits and desi ghee
(butter) and used by women as a tonic after child birth to relieve the
weakness. |
Plantaginaceae |
Plantago major L. |
Ispaghoal |
Whole Plant |
Constipation and weight loss |
Its
flower is soaked in water and taken along milk and sugar for intestinal
problems and constipation. It also acts as a coolant. To take one table spoon
with water before break fast reduces the tummy. |
|
Veronica melissaefolia Desf. Ex Poir |
Mushkna |
Leaves |
Abdominal pain |
Fresh
or dry leaves are boiled in water and syrup is used in the abdominal
pains.������������� |
|
Cyanodon dactylon (L.)Pers |
Khabbal ghass |
Whole Plant |
Piles, vomiting, dysentery,
irritation of urinary tract. |
Infusion
of grass with milk is used for piles. Juice of plant is used in dysentery.
Same infusion is used vomiting and urinary tract irritation. |
|
Cymbopogon citrates (DC.) Stapf |
Lemongrass |
Leaves |
Astringent, antiseptic,
insecticide, fungicide, relaxing, carminative. |
Leaves
are boiled in water and tea is made which is very effective in releasing
fatigue, lessens mental stress, fever, and assists the process of digestion.
Its oil is applied over the skin effected from ringworm or any kind if
infection on the skin.�� |
Podophyllaceae |
Podophyllm omodi Wall ex. Royle |
Ban kakri |
Fruit and seeds |
Liver disorders, tonic,
stomach disorders, joints pains and heart problems |
Fruit
is used as a tonic. Syrup of fruit provides strength to body. Crushed seeds
are taken once a day for the treatment of liver and stomach disorders. |
Polygonaceae |
Polygonum amplexicaule
L. |
Masloon |
Leaves and roots |
Fever |
Fresh
leaves and roots are boiled in water and the tea is used for fever and flu.
It provides heat to the body.�� |
|
Rumex dentatus L. |
Khatimbbal |
Leaves and roots |
Jaundice, astringent,
stomachic and abortificant |
The
syrup is used as an astringent, diuretic and abortificant.��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
|
Rumex nepalensis Spreng |
Haula |
Leaves |
Antiseptic, anti allergic |
Crushed
leaves syrup is applied on wounds to stop bleeding. Leaves are rubbed over
the areas affected from allergy of Acacia
nilotica (kikar).����������������������������������������� |
Portulaceae |
Portulaca oleraceae L. |
Qulfa (saag) |
Leaves |
Low fever, kidney and spleen
diseases, stomatitis, piles, scabies and burns,
vomiting.��������������������������������������������������
|
The
leaves are refrigerant, seeds are vermifuge, and
leaves are applied on swellings. Leaves are also recommended in bilious
conditions and allay thirst and headache. It acts as a tonic stops vomiting.
It is good for kidney diseases in boiled or cooked form.�������������� |
Primulaceae |
Androsace
rotundifolia Hardw |
Marcholla |
Leaves |
Stomach and skin diseases |
The
leaves are boiled in water and the extract is then used orally |
Punicaeae |
Punica granatum Linn. |
Daruna |
Stem,seed Fruit bark, flowers |
stomach, astringent, cough,
tonic, jaundice, fever, diarrhea and dysentery |
Dry
powder of fruit bark is mixed with yogurt and taken in for diarrhea and
dysentery. Seeds are taken along brown sugar and taken up for jaundice.����������������������� |
Rhamanaceae |
Zizyphus jujuba Mill. |
Unab |
Leaves and fruit |
Diabetes, acne, anti marks, antiallergic, digestive system disorders |
The
fruit (10 pcs) is soaked in water and taken orally
before breakfast act as antimarks. Decoction of
leaves is used for the cure of diabetes. |
Rosaceae |
Cydonia oblonga Mill |
Bhae |
Fruit |
Cough, piles, rectal
bleeding and gums bleeding, kidney disorders and abdominal pains |
The
fruit is used for chronic coughs, piles, gums bleeding and rectal bleeding |
|
�Fragaria nubicola. Lind.ex Lacaita |
Budhi meva / Panjakha |
leaves and fruit |
Abdominal problems,
carminative and antiseptic |
Fruit
is taken in for abdominal problems and leaves are used as an antiseptic on
the wounds. The leaves and fruits are mixed with the leaves of Berberis lycium and
used in the cure of stomach ulcers.������������������ |
|
Fragaria vesca L. |
Jangali meva |
Whole Plant |
Digestive, backache
,vomiting, astringent, diuretic |
Tea
of roots and stem is used in winter. are astringent and diuretic, used in
children diarrhea and infection of urinary organs��������������� |
|
Pyrus communis L. |
Naakh / Nashpati |
Fruit |
Laxative |
The
edible fruit is laxative. |
|
Pyrus pashia Ham.ex D.Don |
Batangi |
Fruits and leaves |
Laxative, febrifuge,
sedative and astringent.� |
Fruit
is taken in for the cure of different diseases. |
|
Rosa brunonii Lindl.������������������������������ |
Chahal |
Flowers. |
Abdominal pain and
constipation |
Flowers
are boiled and syrup is taken till recovery. |
|
Rosa indica
(Wild) Koehne. |
Gulaab |
Leaves, flowers |
Astringent, tonic, antihelmintic, applied to wounds and injuries, vomiting,
diarrhea and nausea. |
Flowers
are applied to wounds and injuries. Roots are astringent and are used as a
tonic and antihelmintic.�������������������� |
Rubiaceae |
�Galium aparine L.�������������������� |
Kachna / Kochin |
Whole Plant |
Jaundice and over wounds |
Whole
plant is wrapped over the wound till recovery. The plant extract is used once
a day for the cure of jaundice. |
Rutaceae |
Citrus paradise Macfad |
Chakotra / Grape fruit |
Fruit and leaves |
Diuretic, jaundice |
The
juice of fruit is effective in high blood-pressure. Dry bark of fruit is
ground to powder which is quite effective in jaundice. |
|
Skimmia laureola (DC.) Sieb & Zucc.
ex Walp. |
Neir |
Leaves |
Chicken pox, measles,
stomach and liver problems, fever, headache |
Crushed
leaves with addition of water are best for stomach and liver problems, fevers
and headache. Crushed leaves can also be spread over the effected skin as a
cure. Smoke of its leaves is also used in the treatment of skin diseases������������������� |
|
Zanthoxylem armatum D.C. |
Timmber |
Seeds, leaves and fruit |
Stomach pain, piles,
appetizer, vomiting and weight loss, abortificant
and infertility.��������� ��������������� |
The
seeds are used in food stuffs for carmination and
stomachic. Seeds are also used as aromatic tonic for fever end dyspepsia.
Fruit extract is used to repel roundworm. |
Solanaceae |
Atropa acumniata Royle(solanaceae) |
Chella lubbar |
Roots and leaves |
Sedative, stimulant,
antispasmodic, cough, diuretic, |
Decoction
of roots is very effectively used in cough and abdominal problems. Leaf
extract is diuretic. |
|
Datura innoxia Mill |
Datura |
Leaves, seeds����������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Snakebite and wounds |
Leaves
are applied to sores, fruits are sedative and intoxicating. Seeds are
narcotic and antiseptic. |
|
Datura stramonium L. |
Datura |
Leaves, seeds����������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Pains, rheumatism, lockjaw
and Parkinson�s disease |
Leaves
are useful as a local application of rheumatism. |
|
Solanum nigrum L. |
Kach mach/ mako |
Leaves |
Constipation, Sedative,
diaphoretic diuretic, laxative, tonic |
The
leaves are cooked as a food and used for different purposes�������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Sapindaceae |
Dodonaea viscosa (L.)Jacq |
Sanatha |
Leaves, seeds and Bark |
Cure for wounds, blood
purifier, stomach disorders, relieves pain, fever and migraine |
The
leaves are applied internally for the treatment of fever and externally used
to treat toothache, sore throat, wounds, skin rash and stings. Leaves are
chewed and the juice is swallowed in for as a treatment of toothache. Bark is
employed in astringent baths and poultice. |
|
Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. |
Reetha |
Seeds and stem |
Piles |
Seeds
and pulp is used in dry form with a combination of other herbs for the
treatment of piles and the seeds are also soaked I water and the water is
taken up for piles. |
Saxifragaceae |
Bergenia ligulata (Haw) Sternb |
But pewa |
Roots |
Stomach, diuretic, skin
diseases, cardio active.����������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
|
Roots
are ground to powder and applied over wounds. For intestinal complaints roots
are cut into small pieces and mixed with sugar and milk. This mixture is
dried and preserved and used everyday before
breakfast. |
|
Berginia stracheyi Hook .f. & Thorns |
Zakam-e-hayat |
Leaves and roots |
Anti cancer, ulcers, stomach
and intestine complaints. |
Crushed
leaves are applied over wounds. Root and leaves powder is taken in with water
to reduce abdominal complaints. The leaves are boiled in water and the syrup
is taken for stomach ulcers. |
Tiliaceae |
Grewia asiatica L. |
Dhaman /Phalsa |
Stem
bark and fruit |
Heart and blood disorders,
inflammation, fever, constipation, throat troubles, help in removal of dead
fetus. |
The
ripe fruit is used to cure the inflammation, relieves thirst and burning
sensation, heart and blood disorders, fever, constipation, throat troubles,
help in removal of dead fetus. The bark is used as a cure for biliousness and
it removes the troubles and burning of vagina. |
Urticaceae |
Urtica dioca L. |
Bicchu booti /Kharishi
booti |
Whole
plant |
Kidney diseases, rashes,
skin diseases, diuretic, rheumatism, jaundice, antihelmintic,
astringent.����������������������������������������������
|
Plant
extract is used for the temporary relief of pain in rheumatism, nettle rash
and skin diseases. The decoction of plant is diuretic, astringent and antihelmintic. Most common household remedy for kidney
diseases and jaundice. Nettle tea is given in fever. Seeds are diuretic,
astringent and tonic. |
Valarianceae |
Valeriana jutamansi
Jones����������������������� ���������� |
Mushkbala |
Roots
and rhizome |
Body pains, stomach pain,
carminative, cholera, epilepsy, used in dysentery and nourishing���� |
Dried
roots are ground to powder and taken for seven days to avoid malnutrition in
kids. Roots are used in habitual constipation and scorpion sting. The
volatile oil of roots and rhizomes is used in all cases of merous debility and hysteria. |
Violaceae |
Viola serpens Wall.Roxb |
Banafsha |
Leaves,
seeds and flowers |
Cough chest infection,
asthma, headache, and constipation and urinary bladder swellings. |
The
herb is used in combination for stomach problems and constipation. Flowers
are diuretic, laxative and� are used as
a common household remedy for cough, hoarseness, sore throat, kidney
diseases, liver and infantile disorders. Seeds and roots are purgative and
diuretic. |