International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 2 (March-April 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of April to publish your research paper in the issue of March-April.

Primary Traditional Healthcare Practices, Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Diversity in the Garhwal Himalayan Regions, India

Author(s) Ms. Namrata Kumar Sharma, Dr. Gulshan Kumar
Country India
Abstract Medicinal plants continue to play a critical role in primary healthcare systems, particularly in mountainous and rural regions where access to modern medical facilities is limited. The present study documents and analyzes the ethnomedicinal knowledge associated with plant diversity in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, with an emphasis on traditional healthcare practices, indigenous preparation methods, and socio-economic relevance. Field investigations were conducted using semi-structured interviews, participatory observations, and group discussions involving local informants, including traditional healers and elderly community members. A total of over 55 medicinal plant species belonging to diverse families were recorded, along with their vernacular names, botanical identities, therapeutic uses, and preparation techniques. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL), and Cultural Importance Index (CI), were employed to evaluate the significance and reliability of reported uses. The findings revealed a high degree of consensus among informants for the treatment of common ailments such as respiratory disorders, digestive problems, skin diseases, and fever. Leaves, roots, and bark were the most frequently utilized plant parts, commonly prepared as decoctions, pastes, and infusions. The study highlights the strong linkage between traditional knowledge systems and local biodiversity, as well as the dependence of rural communities on forest-based resources for healthcare and livelihood support. However, the study also identifies key challenges, including the erosion of indigenous knowledge, overharvesting of medicinal species, habitat degradation, and the declining interest of younger generations in traditional practices. These factors pose significant threats to both cultural heritage and plant biodiversity. The results underscore the urgent need for systematic documentation, conservation strategies, and sustainable utilization of medicinal plant resources. Furthermore, integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific validation can enhance drug discovery and promote the development of cost-effective and culturally acceptable healthcare solutions. This study contributes to the growing body of ethnobotanical research by providing comprehensive insights into plant-based healthcare systems in the Himalayan region and offers a scientific basis for future pharmacological exploration and policy interventions.
Keywords Diversity, Himalaya, Traditional, Practices, Resources
Field Biology > Medical / Physiology
Published In Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On 2026-03-31
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.73128

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