Traditional medicinal plants of cold desert Ladakh--used in treatment of cold, cough and fever

Abstract

This research paper presents the findings of an investigation on traditional remedies of cold, cough and fever among Boto (the Buddhists) tribal community of Leh-Ladakh region of India. Ladakh is one of the least populated regions of our country where major population lives in far-flung villages and higher elevations. Health care of tribal population is mainly dependent on traditional system of medicine which is popularly known as Amchi system of medicine. The Amchi system is principally based on Tibetan system of medicine. Fifty-six valuable species belonging to 21 families were identified with relevant information and documented in this paper with regard to their botanical name, family, collection number, local name, parts used and utilization by 'Amchis' (herbal practitioners) in treatment of cold, cough and fever.