Ethnomedicinal importanceof Gandrayan(Angelica glauca Edgew.) in the North-Westernpart of Indian Himalayan Region

Gandrayan (Angelica glauca Edgew., Family Apiaceae), a high value medicinal cum aromatic herb, is native, endemic and critically endangered to the Indian Himalayan Region. Its aromatic roots have been traditionally used as spice and now, industrial demand of its essential oil is increasing for modern herbal medicines and aromatherapy. The present study was carried out to document its ethno-medicinal importance among local inhabitants of three Indian Himalayan States viz., Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Results indicate that dried rhizomatous roots of the species are traditionally used for various ailments like vomiting, dyspepsia, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, dysentery, influenza, loss of appetite, post delivery weakness, asthma, etc. Besides, it is used as veterinary medicine against diarrhea and constipation. It was also noted that the traditional knowledge of its utilization is more common in indigenous communities of Uttarakhand as compared than that of other states. Considering the culinary and medicinal uses, its mass scale production for livelihood support and conservation has been suggested in this communication.