Distribution and Ecological Status of Ashtavarga Group of Plants in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2022/v148i1/158483Keywords:
Ashtavarga, Temperate Forest, Niches, Threatened, Conservation, Himalaya,Abstract
India's ethno medicinal heritage is like old gold, which has been augmented by the early Ayurvedic wonder healers. Numerous plants and plant groups like Dashamool and Ashtavarga, have mention in the ancient scriptures and the compendiums of the once famous Indian traditional medicine, like the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita. All the plants belonging to the Ashtavarga group have their natural habitats in the temperate forests of Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, the district of Shimla has exacting niches for each one of them. Their importance has resulted in over-exploitation in the past and as a consequence all of them are threatened and are fighting a losing battle for survival. This study aims at identification, distribution and status of the Ashtavarga group of medicinal plants. The declining and threatened population of this group of plants is resulting in substitution and adulteration with other plants. The valuable information obtained during this study will be helpful for immediate action and effective conservation efforts required in future.References
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