Important Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh, situated in the lap of the Western Himalayas, is considered a veritable emporium of medicinal and aromatic plants having diverse agro-climatic conditions ranging from semi-tropical to temperate, alpine and culminating in to the cold desert region. Out of around 3,500 species more than 1,000 species have been documented as medicinal and aromatic for the State occurring in Shiwalik ranges temperate forests, valley areas, sub-alpine and alpine pastures (both moist and dry). Himachal Pradesh is the largest supplier of Atish, Salampanja, Dhoop, Kutki, Bankakri, ehora, Daruhaldi, Talispatra, Revandchini, Vach and Somlata in the country. The entire pressure is on the wild popUlations and only a few crops like Kuth, Kalazeera, Kesar, Hops, are cultivated in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. The present paper highlights 179 species of commercial importance for drugs and phyto-pharmaceuticaJs;. 32 species yielding essential oils; 16 species utilized for manufacturing of dhoop and incense; 30 species as source of phyto-chemicals; 40 species useful for tans and dyes and 42 species which can be used as potent substitute for exotic species, thereby discouraging their import and saving foreign exchange reserve. It is' suggested that the herbal resources of the State should be scientifically documented, commercial cultivation initiated compiled with value addition for ushering in economic prosperity to the people of this hill state.