Observations on Traditional Phytotherapy among the Inhabitants of Lahaul Valley through Amchi System of Medicine—A Cold Desert Area of Himachal Pradesh in North Western Himalayas, India

Parveen Kumar Sharma, Surender Kumar Thakur, S. Manuja, R. K. Rana, Pardeep Kumar, Sanjay Sharma, Jagdish Chand, Ashok Singh, Krishan Kumar Katoch

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DOI: 10.4236/cm.2011.23016                

Abstract

The paper highlights the Phyto-diversity and indigenous uses an ecosystem existing in Lahaul Valley of tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti in Himacjhal Pradesh, India. This is one of the most preferred tourist spot especially for foreigners. The cold desert area of India is known for its specific topography, sense climate and unique vegetation. The valley is rich in high value medicinal wealth and local inhabitants (Buddhist) practice the Tebetan Amchi System of Medicine. Keeping in view the continuous pressure on nature, this paper reflects the Phyto-diversity of Valley, with reference to medicinal and aromatic plants and conserva-tion mechanisms to protect the valuable wealth of the valley and also suggests effective ecotourisim planning of the study area.

Keywords

Diversity, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Ecotourisim, Lahaul Valley, Indigenous Uses, Tebetan Amchi System of Medicine

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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