Jammu and Kashmir, known for its diverse and rich plant life, has a treasure of medicinal plants that are extensively utilized in the treatment of various ailments. Some of these grow in the Himalayan region, while some medicinal trees are from the Kashmir valley. Here are some important medicinal plants found in Jammu and Kashmir, along with their benefits and uses in medicine.
Saffron
Scientific Name: Crocus sativus
Benefits: Apart from being the world’s most expensive spice, saffron has certain health benefits. It can help elevate one’s mood, reduce PMS symptoms, and lower the risk of heart disease. It is said to help weight loss, aid in lowering blood sugar, and since it is rich in antioxidants, and its consumption is good for overall health.
Kashmir Iris
Scientific Name: Iris kashmiriana
Benefits: It is used in the preparation of medicines that help treat rheumatism, wound healing as well as in the treatment of asthma and uterine diseases. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic
Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Benefits: The rare single-clove variety of garlic is found in Jammu and Kashmir. Garlic helps maintain cardiovascular health, is useful in treating common cold, and aids in fighting infections. It helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol and boosts the immune system.
Shatavari
Scientific Name: Asparagus racemosus
Benefits: It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Shatavari helps treat hormonal problems in women and reproductive health conditions. It is also useful in treating indigestion and gastric ulcers.
Indian Snakeroot
Scientific Name: Rauwolfia Serpentina
Benefits: It is said to be effective and safe in treating hypertension.
Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavandula officinalis
Benefits: Lavender oil is used in medicines that are helpful in the treatment of anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and skin infections.
Kutki
Scientific Name: Picrorhiza kurroa
Benefits: It is good for the liver and spleen and has been prescribed in Ayurveda to treat digestive issues. It is believed to help in the treatment of asthma, vitiligo, and wounds.
Revand
Scientific Name: Rheum Emodi
Benefits: It is an astringent, a tonic, and can be used as a mild purgative. It helps ulcers heal faster.
Wood Violet
Scientific Name: Viola odorata
Benefits: It is used to treat respiratory problems, sleep disorders, and skin conditions.
Ban Kakri
Scientific Name: Podophyllum hexandrum
Benefits: The rhizomes are used in the treatment of typhoid, jaundice, rheumatism, skin ailments as well as bladder and kidney disorders.
Dandelion
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Benefits: It is believed that the use of dandelions in medicine dates back to the 10th century. This herb has been used in Kashmiri cuisine since a long time. It has diuretic properties and has been used in traditional medicine in Europe, China, and North America.
Ativisha
Scientific Name: Aconitum heterophyllum
Benefits: It is a plant grown in the Himalayan regions in India and is helpful in treating coughs, diarrhoea, and fever. It helps reduce inflammation and is useful antidote to poisoning due to scorpion or snake bites.
This list of medicinal plants commonly found in Jammu and Kashmir will leave you amazed. Indeed, this beautiful Indian state is blessed with abundance in nature.
