Ethnobotanical Propile of Medicinal Trees from the Lesser Himalayas : Ethnobotany

Medicinal plants a gift of nature are being used against various infections and diseases throughout the World. Plants biodiversity provide food, wood, fruits, shade and oxygen for humane and fodder for their livestock. Similarly, numbers of trees have also been traditionally regarded as natural remedies for common ailments of human population. Present study was conducted to analyze the medicinal trees of lesser Himalayan region. Seventy-nine species of medicinal trees were studied at different localities in the area. Among them, 12 tree species are used each as astringent and anti-dysenteric each while, 9 each are used as tonic and anti-diarrheal. Moreover various number of these tree species are used as laxative, anthelmintic, in gonorrhea, ulcer, asthma and cough. Other species are used for kidney stone, rheumatism, Wound healing, urticaria, as anodyne, febrifuge and in skin and various other diseases. It is expected that raw material obtained from plants will establish base for the manufacture of synthetic drugs. Furthermore it was observed during study that 59 of these species have multiple uses. Few of the species are under risk and need quick conservation measures.