IK Monitor Research (7-3)

Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor, November 1999

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Ethno-medico phytotherapy among the Gaddi tribe, Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

MEDICINAL PLANTS
This list has been compiled by Dr K.K. Singh and Kaushal Kumar, Taxonomy and Ethnobotany Division, National Botanical Research Institute (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Rana Pratap Marg, PB No. 436 Lucknow-226 001, India. They have been researching the ethno-medicinal uses of the Gaddi tribe in the Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. A communication of this research has been published in the November issue 1999 of the Indigenous Kowledge and Development Monitor. We would like to thank Ms Sheila Vijayakumar of the Asian Agri-History Foundation in Secundarabad, India, for providing many English names for the plants listed.

1 Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae)
Phutkanda; prickly chaff flower.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: The ash of the seeds together with 2-5 ml of honey is given 3 times a day for 4-5 days to treat whooping cough in children. (EBH - 9538).

2 Achyranthes bidentata BI. (Amaranthaceae)
Phutkanda.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: The ash of the plant is mixed with honey three times a day for one week to treat coughs.

3 Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle (Ranunculaceae)
Patis; atis root.
Uses: An aqueous extract of the root (5 ml, twice a day for one week) is taken for indigestion, abdominal pain and malarial fever.

4 Acorus calamus L. (Araceae)
Baren; sweet flag.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: The roasted rhizome (about 1 cm in length) is chewed 3 times a day for coughs and colds. The paste of the rhizome is also taken with milk 3 times a day for 3-4 days to combat coughs, colds and chest pain. (EBH - 9608).

5 Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. (Lamiaceae)
Nilkanthi.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made of the plant is applied to boils, wounds and blisters. A juice made from the leaves is used with butter to kill lice in human beings as well as cattle. (EBH - 9521).

6 Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. (Mimosaceae)
Oee.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made from the bark is applied to boils, blisters and swellings. (EBH - 9595).

7 Anaphalis adnata DC. (Asteraceae)
Bujlu.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: The ash of the plant is applied to cuts to promote healing. (EBH - 9645).

8 Anaphalis busua (D.Don) DC. (Asteraceae) Syn. Anaphalis araneosa DC.
Bujlu.
Locality: Palampur, Rerkumar
Uses: The ash of the plant is applied to cuts to promote healing. (EBH - 9501, 9646).

9 Angelica glauca Edgew. (Apiaceae)
Chura; angelica.
Uses: A decoction of the root (5-10 ml twice a day) is given for gastric and intestinal disorders such as constipation and dyspepsia. (EBH - 9501, 9646).

10 Arisaema tortuosum Schott (Araceae)
Bisrol, Kikri; cobra flower.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made of the corm and seeds is applied to boils to treat suppuration and promote healing (EBH - 9638).

11 Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp. (Asteraceae)
Chharmara; Indian wormwood.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made of the leaves is heated and mixed with black salt and Ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) and this is applied twice a day for sprains and for longer periods in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. The warm leaf is tied around the chest to alleviate coughs, colds and fever. (EBH - 9503, 9551, 9667).

12 Barleria cristata L. (Acanthaceae)
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the whole plant together with black pepper (5-10 ml) is given twice a day for a week to alleviate coughs. (EBH - 9550, 9589).

13 Berberis lycium Royle (Berberidaceae)
Kasmoli.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the root is filtered and applied in the form of drops twice a day for a week to treat ophthalmic diseases. (EBH - 9654).

14 Berginia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. forma ligulata Yeo. (Saxifragaceae)
Syn. Berginia ligulata Engl.
Saprotri.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the root (5-10ml) is given together with honey twice a day for one week to treat coughs and colds. A herbal tea prepared from the roots of the plants is also useful in treating coughs and colds. (EBH - 9662).

15 Bidens chinensis (L.) Willd. (Asteraceae)
Syn. B. biternata (Lour.) Merri & Seherff
Kathori; ambong-ambong; harcuga; kertool.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made of the plant is applied to the skin in the treatment of various chronic skin diseases. (EBH - 9514, 9574).

16 Boehmeria macrophylla Horn. (Urticaceae)
Syn. B. platyphylla D.Don
Handa.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste of the leaves mixed with black pepper is effective in treating eczema (twice a day for up to 15 days). (EBH - 9587, 9593).

17 Buxus wallichiana Baill (Buxaceae)
Syn. B. semepervirens L. (in part)
Samsad, Chikri; boxwood.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: An extract of the bark is useful in the treatment of fever. (EBH-9636).

18 Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabiaceae)
Bhang, Bhangolu; marijuana, hemp.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: Warm leaf juice is used to treat headaches. A juice made from the leaves is also used to treat cuts and wounds. (EBH - 9545).

19 Cassia floribunda Caven. (Caesalpiniaceae)
Bisumuti; hill cassia; wild senna.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A paste made from the leaves, together with the leaves of Vitex negundo, is applied twice a day for 7 days in the treatment of sprains. (EBH - 9585).

20 Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Apiaceae)
Syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica L.
Menki, Brahmi; Indian pennywort.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: An aqueous extract made from the leaves is used in the treatment of stomachache (5-10 ml 3 times a day). The leaf paste is applied to boils to treat suppuration and promote healing. (EBH - 9577).

21 Cheilanthes farinosa (Forst.) Kaulf. (Cheilanthaceae)
Tuman tuli; silver fern.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: The juice of the plant is used as ear drops in the treatment of earache (as ear drops). (EBH - 9578, 9656).

22 Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (Chenopodiaceae)
Kiramari; Indian wormseed.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: An extract of the plant is a powerful anthelmintic, used for #spelling# intestinal parasites. (EBH - 9592).

23 Cissampelos pareira L. (Menispermaceae)
Tumanbel, bhatinda.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: An aqueous extract of the root is given as an antidote in the case of dog bites. A juice made from the leaves is given for diarrhoea and dysentery (5-10 ml. twice a day for 3 days, on an empty stomach. (EBH - 9659).

24 Cryptolepsis buchananii Roem & Schult (Asclepiadaceae)
Janakumb, sarsiva.
Locality: Paprola
Uses: A paste made from the root is used to treat abdominal pain. (EBH - 9627).

25 Cucumis sativas L. (Cucurbitaceae)
Khira; cucumber.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: The juice of the fruit juice is used in the treatment of kidney stones (100ml twice a day for 15 days).

26 Cynoglossum zeylanicum Thunb. ex Lehm. (Boraginaceae)
Kathir, nilakari; hounds tongue.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A juice made from the leaves is used to stop vomiting. (EBH - 9592).

27 Datura innoxia Mill (Solanaceae)
Dhantura.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made from the seeds is mixed with mustard oil and then heated; used for the long-term treatment of rheumatism and gout. (EBH - 9674).

28 Desmodium heterocarpon (L.) DC. (Fabaceae)
Syn. D. polycarpum DC.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of coughs. (EBH - 9631).

29 Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae)
Tardi, banalu; potato yam.
Locality: Paprola
Uses: A paste made of the tubers is used to treat bleeding piles (given orally, 2 spoonfuls twice a day for 15 days). (EBH - 9618).

30 Euphorbia geniculata (Euphorbiaceae)
Dudhli.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: Half a leaf is chewed as a remedy for constipation. (EBH - 9548).

31 Ficus palmata Forssk. (Moraceae)
Dhuda.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: The latex is used in the treatment of anal fistules. (EBH - 9622).

32 Galium asperifolium Wall. (Rubiaceae)
Syn. G. mollugo acut. (non Linn.)
Kathir, nilakari.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the plant is used as a diuretic in the treatment of urinary diseases. (EBH - 9556).

33 Geranium wallichianum D. Don (Geraniaceae)
Lal jahri; wallich crane’s bill.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the whole plant is useful in the treatment of toothache, and is also used as a mouthwash. (EBH - 9591).

34 Girardinia heterophylla Decne (Urticaceae)
Ghurain, ainth; Himalayan nettle.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made from the roots is combined with butter is applied to suppurating boils. (EBH - 9592).

35 Hydrocotyle javanica Thunb. (Apiaceae)
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made of the leaves is used in the treatment of skin diseases. An aqueous extract of the leaves is useful for the treatment of nervousness. (EBH - 9686).

36 Hypericum uralum Buch.-Ham ex D.Don (Hypericaceae)
Syn . H. patulum Thunb.
Piuli.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made from the whole plant is applied to boils and blisters. (EBH - 9613, 9680).

37 Leucas lanata Benth. (Lamiaceae)
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the whole plant is used in the treatment of coughs, colds and fever. (EBH - 9568).

38 Leucas stelligera Wall. (Lamiaceae)
Locality: Palampur
Uses: An aqueous extract of the plant is given for the treatment of gastric disorders. (EBH - 9558).

39 Lyonia ovalifolia (Wall.) Drude (Ericaceae)
Syn. Pieris ovalifolia D.Don
Anyar.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the leaf is used to wash wounds, and is also useful as an insecticide. (EBH - 9542).

40 Marsdenia roylei Wight (Asclepiadaceae)
Rambel, chitroli.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: An aqueous extract of the roots mixed with buttermilk and black pepper is given as an antidote to snake bite. An aqueous extract of the plant is used in the treatment of spermatorrhoea (10ml twice a day for 15 days). A paste made of the roots is mixed with black pepper and cow's milk and applied to boils and blisters. An aqueous extract of the leaves is used as an antidote to rabies. (100 ml twice a day)( (EBH - 9663).

41 Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds (Lamiaceae)
Syn. M. sylvestris L. var. incana Willd.
Pudina; horsemint.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the plant is used to treat vomiting and diarrhoea. A paste of the plant is also applied externally in the treatment of headache and rheumatism. (EBH - 9549).

42 Micromeria biflora Benth. (Lamiaceae)
Ban-ajwain; Indian wild thyme.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: An aqueous extract of the leaves is given to relieve stomach pain (5-10 ml twice a day). (EBH - 9541).

43 Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae)
Tamakoo; tobacco.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A decoction of the leaf is given as an antidote to rabies. (EBH - 9651).

44 Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae)
Banmura, sathra; oregano.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: An aqueous extract of the whole plant is used as a remedy for menstrual disorders, diarrhoea, and hysteria. (EBH - 9518).

45 Osbecia stellata Kaer-Gawl (Melastomataceae)
Syn. O. crenata Benth.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the root is used to relieve stomach disorders. (EBH - 9525).

46 Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)
Alomori, gurbin; wood sorrel, Indian sorrel.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made of the plant is used to treat dysentery (one teaspoonful twice a day for three days). The leaves are chewed to relieve toothache. (EBH - 9657).

47 Persicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham) H. Gross (Polygonaceae)
Syn. Polygonum capitatum Andrs.
Nola, Amla (Rerkumar).
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made from the stem is applied to cuts. (EBH - 9649).

48 Persicaria nepalensis (Meisn) H. Gross (Polygonaceae)
Syn. Polygonum nepalense Meissn.
Alwar.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste of the root is applied to sprains (one week). (EBH - 9572).

49 Pinus roxburghii Sarj. (Pinaceae)
Syn. P. longifolia Roxb.
Chil; chir pine.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: The seeds of an unripe female cone are boiled in milk and used to prepare Khir, a remedy for insomnia. (EBH - 9632).

50 Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae)
Chapotra; rib grass.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A juice made from the leaves is applied to boils and blisters. (EBH - 9560).

51 Plectranthes rugosus Wall. (Lamiaceae)
Kuthal.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A juice made from the leaves is given twice a day for 2-3 days as a remedy for abdominal pain. (EBH - 9640).

52 Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae)
Chitrak.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: A decoction of the root is combined with black pepper, ginger and salt, and used to treat fever (5-10 ml twice a day for four days). (EBH - 9609).

53 Polygonum recumbens Royle (Polygonaceae)
Vishalaya.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made of the whole plant is applied in the treatment of various skin diseases. A decoction of the plant is given orally as a blood purifier. (EBH - 9633).

54 Pouzolzia hirta Hassk. (Urticaceae)
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made of the roots is used to treat fractures. (EBH - 9639, 9660).

55 P. zeylanica (L.) Benn. (Urticaceae)
Syn. P. indica Gaud.
Kurunj, tigar (Rerkumar).
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: A paste made of the roots is used to treat suppurating boils to promote healing (twice a day for seven days).(EBH - 9606).

56 Prinsepia utilis Royle (Rosaceae)
Bekhala.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: An ointment made from the roots is mixed with black pepper and cow's urine is applied externally to suppurating boils to promote healing. The seed oil is applied externally for extended periods to relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and gout. (EBH - 9526).

57 Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. (Rosaceae)
Kainth.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: An extract of the tender young leaves of the plant is given orally to treat boils and blisters in the mouth. (EBH - 9648).

58 Ranunculus laetus Wall. (Ranunculaceae)
Jaldhar; Himalayan musk rose.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made from the plant is applied on the right thumb to treat an infected tooth on the left side, and vice-versa. (EBH - 9648).

59 Rosa brunonii Lindl. (Rosaceae)
Syn. R. moschata Hook.f., non Mill.
Kujain, kuj; Himalayan musk rose.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A paste made of the flowers is applied to the head to relieve headache. (EBH - 9660).

60 Rumex nepalensis Spreng. (Polygonaceae)
Jangli palak.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: The leaves are rubbed on the skin to reduce the irritation caused by stinging Urtica dioca. (EBH - 9671).

61 Selinum candollei DC. (Apiaceae)
Syn. S. tenuifolium Wall. ex DC.
Bhootkashi, mathasol.
Locality: Chammunda
Uses: Roots are mixed with the flour of Hordeum vulgare; jaggery and water are fermented, resulting in the local beverage (Dhali), used for intoxication.

62 Solanum viarum Dunal (Solanaceae)
Syn. S. Khasianum Clarke.
Dhantura.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: The ash of the fruit is applied as germicides in the treatment of toothache. (EBH - 9559).

63 Spermadictyon suaveolens Roxb. (Rubiaceae)
Syn. Hamitonia suavedens Roxb..
Saee, gidasawa, gulihan padari.
Locality: Palampur, Rerkumar
Uses: The root paste is mixed with mustard oil and applied externally to treat fever. (EBH - 9508, 9643).

64 Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae)
Syn. T. glandulifera Schrank.
Phul, pustajari; stinking-roger.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur, Rerkumar
Uses: A paste of the leaves is applied to burns.(EBH - 9564).

65 Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae)
Ainn, bichhubuti; stinging nettle.
Locality: Palampur
Uses: An extract of the leaves is used as a blood purifier, and is also use to treat nephritis and jaundice. (EBH - 9516, 9584).

66 Verbascum thapsus L. (Scrophulariaceae)
Ban tamakhoo; mullein.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: The root paste is applied to boils and blisters. (EBH - 9684).

67 Viola pilosa Blume. (Violaceae)
Syn. V. serpens Wall. ex Ging., non Ridley
Banafsa.
Locality: Rerkumar
Uses: A decoction of the plant is combined with black pepper and used for coughs, colds and fever (5-10ml twice a day for 3 days). (EBH - 9658).

68 Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae)
Bana.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: The paste of the leaves is applied externally twice a day for arthritis and rheumatism, after washing the affected portion with warm water. The aqueous extract of the leaves is use to treat coughs and fever (5-10 ml twice a day for a week). (EBH - 9517).

69 Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (Rutaceae)
Syn. Z. alatum Roxb.
Tirmira.
Locality: Bandla, Palampur
Uses: The aqueous extract of tender leaves and seeds is used for treating toothache and as a mouth wash in oral hygiene. A decoction of the seeds is used as a blood purifier. The stem is used as a tooth brush. (EBH - 9537).