Research Article | Published: 10 April 2024

Weeds used as medicine by Gaddis and Gujjars of Nurpur Valley in Western Himalayan Region of Himachal Pradesh, India

Anupriya Sharma, Arti Jamwal Sharma, Priyanka Sharma, Nitesh Kumar and Shreekar Pant

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 31 | Issue: 1 | Page No. 28-37 | 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2024-21RO8M | Cite this article

Abstract

Weed species considered as pariahs of plant kingdom as they spread very rapidly and have a competitive edge on top of indigenous species in the areas they invade. Although the use of weeds is less desirable, tribal people still use them for several purposes. This paper intent to highlight the utilization pattern of weeds by Gaddis and Gujjars of Nurpur Valley in Western Himalayan Region of Himachal Pradesh, India. The ethnobotanical data was collected by descriptive survey along with the observations and interviews were conducted. It was then analysed quantitatively by using use value and fidelity level. A total of 29 weed plants inherent in the 19 families were distinguished that are being practiced in traditional medicines to treat many diseases. The high use value is calculated for Cannabis sativa (1). Maximum diseases (37%) are treated by using the whole plant and the most popular method of medication is decoction. The gathered statistics will act as a catalyst for re-evaluating the potential cultivation of certain weed species under controlled conditions as well as exploring their utility in plant-based medicine.

Keywords

Decoction, Himalayan, Medicines, Pariahs, Tribal

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How to cite

Sharma, A., Sharma, A.J., Sharma, P., Kumar, N. and Pant, S., 2024. Weeds used as medicine by Gaddis and Gujjars of Nurpur Valley in Western Himalayan Region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 31(1), pp.28-37. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-2024-21RO8M

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 29 December 2023

Manuscript Revised on 21 March 2024

Manuscript Accepted on 26 March 2024

Manuscript Published on 10 April 2024

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