Medicinal plant diversity utilised in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders by the Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe of district Rajouri of Jammu and Kashmir state

Extensive ethnobotanical survey was carried out in District Rajour, a biodiversity rich region dominated by the Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe. District Rajouri is the part of Pir Panjal Himalayan region of Jammu And Kashmir State and the Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe is the most vibrant cultural tribe of north India still practicing in nomadic life style. Gujjar-Bakerwal tribe constitute 22% of the state population and 40% population of district Rajouri. Gastrointestinal disorders are one of the most common ailments encountered by these tribal people and over the years they have developed their own indigenous system for dealing with these ailments.Atotal of 28 plant species belonging to 24 families were recorded from the study area being used by the Gujjar-Bakerwal tribal people and other local inhabitants. Diarrhoea, dysentery, indigestion, dyspepsia, stomach pains and vomiting were recorded as the most commonly encountered gastrointestinal disorders. Botanical identity, local name, part used and a brief preparation of the reported plant species is presented in the presnt work with a background and discussion.