Medicinal Plants in Jammu and Kashmir :

Kashmir is a rich repository of medicinal plants, which are used in aromatherapy, cosmetics and medical treatments. There are 571 different kinds of medicinal plants available in the state, out of which some are high-end plants having high commercial value. The demand of these plants from European countries, China, Japan and other nations has turned Kashmir into a hotspot for smugglers.Jammu and Kashmir is located within the North-Western Himalaya and is endowed with incredible diversity of medicinal plants.Kashmir is often referred to as a ‘Terrestrial Paradise’ and is well-known across the globe.
One of the main features contributing to the worldwide reputation of Jammu & Kashmir state is the rich biodiversity that adorns its captivating landscape. The beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir harbors a diversity of medicinal plants that have been used in traditional health care systems for thousands of years. This knowledge of health care is transmitted from generation to generation.  Some of main Medicinal Plants in State are :

Trillium :

Trillium, which was earlier a lesser-known medicinal plant in trade, has gained popularity in commercial utilisation these days. It is one of the most sought after medicinal species in the western Himalayan region. The underground part of the plant, rhizome, is a key material used in the preparation of steroids.

Wormwood :

Artemisia (Wormwood), which is locally known as Tethwan, is another medicinal plant which has a huge international value. These are found in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Gananpeer and several parts of Budgam and Kupwara in Kashmir and is widely smuggled. Tethwan is an important part of Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine.

Kutki :

Kutki, the dried rhizome with the root of Picrorhizakurrooa. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine.The meaning of kutki originates from the word katu, which means pungent, its natural habitat in the Himalayan mountain ranges. Kutki is, in fact, a pungent and bitter herb, which is known as one of the best liver, blood, and lymphatic detoxifying herbs. Kutki is also known for its anti-oxidant properties. The unique combination of being a pungent and bitter herb makes kutki a liver and gall bladder stimulant. Hard stools are dislodged and eliminated from the colon without aggravating Pitta. Benefits include supporting liver health, purifying the blood, boosts metabolism, improves skin health, promotes cardiac health, maintain healthy cholesterol, supports the reproductive system, maintains normal blood sugar levels, and kidney health.

Solo Plant :

Known for its superior medicinal properties, the Solo or the Rhodiola Rosea plant is native to the cold-dry regions of Ladakh. It is said to help boost the immune system in areas with especially low oxygen.Typically, the leaves are used as a vegetable by locals and the stem, flower, and root are used for medicinal and antiseptic purposes.The plant enhances the immune system, has radio-protecting ability, has antidepressant properties, can increase appetite, can help in low oxygen and low-pressure environments and so much more.

Zakhm-e-Hayat (Bergenia Ciliata) :

'Zakhm-e-Hayat'' is found in the altitude of 2,500 to 3,800 metre in Himalayan region. Its root is believed to be used to treat kidney stones, crystalluria and renal failure, vertigo and headache. The plant also acts as astringent, tonic and has anti-inflammatory effect and is applied as poultice for stiff joints, boils, abscesses and skin infections.

Salam Panja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea) :

It’s a species of Himalayan orchid occurring at altitudes of 2,800-4,000 metres. Locally called ‘Salam Panja’ or ‘Hatta Haddi’, it’s called ‘Panchaule’ in the Himalayan vernacular. It’s an erect perennial herb with long flowering stems having medicinal value. The juice-extract from tuber is used as tonic and in treatment of pyorrhoea. Root paste is applied on cuts and wounds and its extract is administered to alleviate intestinal disorders.

Papra (Podophyllum hexandrum) :

It’s a succulent, erect herb, up to 1 foot tall with long, knotted creeper rhizomes. The plant is used in treatment of sexually transmitted and genital diseases. Its paste is used as ointment for wounds, lacerations, inflammations and ulcers. Its rhizomes are said to have traditional curative usage towards a variety of maladies including typhoid fever, jaundice, dysentery, hepatitis, rheumatism, skin diseases, urinal ailments, and even used to treat tumours and cancer. The latter therapeutic uses are largely scientifically unverified.

Snow-Lotus (Saussurea laniceps) :

Numerous high-alpine Himalayan species of Snow Lotus are grown as ornamental plants for their decorative-dense-woolly flower heads. They’re perennial herbaceous plants, of diminutive stature utilised in folk medicines to cure a wide range of maladies from altitude sickness to dysentery and gastric ulcers, and cold to fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis.Among the genus, Saussurea laniceps is proven to be exceptionally effective for its anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects.The species is threatened by over-exploitation for Tibetan traditional medicine.

Phen Kamal (Saussurea gossypiphora) :

Being a perennial herbaceous plant, Phen Kamal is reputed to have medicinal properties according to traditional Chinese medicine.The wool of this herb is applied to cuts, where it sticks compactly, seals the wound, and stops the bleeding.Phen Kamal blooms during the monsoons between July and September. It’s unearthly, ethereal, surreal appearance is a deterrent against frosting related damage, and perhaps a form of camouflage.

There are about 100 species of medicinal plants which are endangered or vulnerable, so that its important for people living near the forest areas need to be trained to cultivate and preserve medicinal plants available herbs in the area. In its endeavour to save critically endangered medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir from extinction, state government has initiated work on a scientific strategy to save the prized plants.  At least 30 species of animals and plants in Jammu and Kashmir are on verge of extinction, according to a latest notification issued by Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF). The species—10 animals and 20 plants—have been categorised on basis of recommendations of state government. The notification makes the Centre legally bound to fund projects for protection of these species.   

The critically endangered 20 plants species of J&K are Aconitum chasmanthum (Patees), Aconitum deinorrhizum (Metha patees),  Aconitum heterophyllum ( Mohra), Aconitum kasmiricum, Aconitum violaceum (Patees) , Eremostachyssuperba (Sumbal e biabani),  Gentianaornata (Gentian) , Gentianakurro (Neel Kanthi , Kuru),  Lagotiscashmeriana ( Kashmir lagotis, Hong len-Ladakh) Meconopsislatifolia (Gul e Neelam)  Meconopsis aculeate, (Blue poppy), Saussureacostus (Kuth), Saussurea medusa (Snow lotus), Saussureasimpsoniana ( Phen Kamal, Jogi Badshah),  Sophoramoorcroftiana (Baker, Praval Simi (Ladakh), Podophyllumhexandrum (Bankakkri, Banwangun), Dactylorhizahatagirea (Salam panja),  Picrorrhizakurroa (Kutki)  Betulautilis (Bhurj) and Taxuswallichiana ( Barmi) respectively.

Officials said the government has roped in experts from State Medicinal Plants Board, State Forest Research Institute (Bio-diversity Board), Department of Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing, Department of Horticulture, Department of Floriculture, SKUAST-K ( Regional centre National Medicinal Plants Board), Directorate of School Education Kashmir to devise strategy for saving the critically endangered medicinal plants.