Research Article | Published: 31 March 2025

Exploration, documentation of medicinal and aromatic plants in SRT Campus and adjacent areas of Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Lakhi Ram Dangwal, Aniket Panwar, Minakshi Rawat, Biswaranjan Bhujabal, Umang Kumar Shukla and Manisha Pundir

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 32 | Issue: 1 | Page No. 83-92 | 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2025-95YLN9 | Cite this article

Abstract

This study documents the diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the SRT Campus and surrounding villages of the Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Conducted during 2023–2024, the ethnobotanical survey covered eight villages using questionnaires, interviews, and field observations in the local Garhwali dialect. The study documented 37 MAP species of 24 families, belonging to 34 genera. Traditional remedies—including decoctions, infusions, powders, and pastes—are commonly used to treat ailments such as diarrhoea, diabetes, and cancer, particularly in areas with limited access to modern healthcare. The study also noted a decline in traditional knowledge due to urban migration and growing dependence on allopathic medicine. It emphasizes the economic potential of MAPs for livelihood support and their importance in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, highlighting the need for scientific validation and sustainable conservation.

Keywords

Ethnobotany, Himalayan region, Medicinal uses, Remedies, Traditional knowledge

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Fig. 1

Map of the Study Area

Fig. 2

(a) Zanthoxylum armatum, (b) Ageratina adenophora, (c) Berberis aristata, (d) Bidens pilosa, (e) Gerbera gossypina, (f) Ficus auriculata

Fig. 3

(a) Colocasia esculenta, (b) Urtica dioica, (c) Quercus leucotrichophora, (d) Marrubium vulgare, (e) Solanum xanthocarpum, (f) Taraxacum officinale

Fig. 4

Graph chart shows representative plants families

Fig. 5

Diagram shows percentage contribution of using plant parts

Fig. 6

Various life forms

Fig. 7

Field survey and collection of the information from study site (a) from youngsters, (b- d) from aged local inhabitants

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About this article

How to cite

Dangwal, L.R., Panwar, A., Rawat, M., Bhujabal, B., Shukla, U.K. and Pundir, M., 2025. Exploration, documentation of medicinal and aromatic plants in SRT Campus and adjacent areas of Chamba block, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 32(1), pp.83-92. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2025-95YLN9

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 18 September 2024

Manuscript Revised on 10 March 2025

Manuscript Accepted on 17 March 2025

Manuscript Published on 31 March 2025

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