Traditional Phytotherapies with Medicinal Plants in Outer Seraj Area of the North Western Himalayas

In the current study, survey was carried out on ethnic uses of therapeutic plants in the Outer Seraj area of Kullu distract of Himachal Pradesh. The purpose of the study was to gather information related to therapeutic plant species commonly used in that area to cure common diseases. The data was gathered through interviews with traditional healers, Vaidyas, and other well-informed individuals. The study lists 39 plants from 32 different families. The highly represented families were Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Polygonaceae, Apiaceae, Saxifragaceae, and Fabaceae. Most of the plants from the region are used to cure multiple ailments and used in the form of paste, powder and decoctions. However, the overexploitation of these therapeutic plants has posed a threat to their extinction. Seven plant species from the region were reported to be endangered. Therefore, the need of the hour is to document the precious knowledge of indigenous practices and take steps for the in-situ and ex-situ conservation of these plants. Strict biodiversity conservation laws needs to be enforced along with community participation for the sustainable utilization ofthe natural resources including plant wealth.