Ethnobotany of Ladakh (india) Plants Used in Health Care

Ladakh (elev. 3000-59G(}m), the northernmost part of India is one of the most elevated regions of the world with habitation up to 55(}(}m. The general aspect is of barren topography. The climate is extremely dry with scanty rainfall and very little snowfall (Kachroo et al. 1976). The region is traditionally rich in ethnic folklore and has a distinct culture as yet undisturbed by external influences. The majority of the population is Buddhist and follow their own system of medicine, which has been in vogue for centuries and is extensively practiced. It offers interesting insight into an ancient medical profession. The system of medicine is the"Amchi system" (Tibetan system) and the practitioner, an"Amchi." The system has something in common with the "Unani" (Greek) and"Ayurvedic" (Indian) system of medicine. Unani is the traditional system which originated in the middle east and was followed and developed in the Muslim world; whereas the Ayurvedic system is that followed by Hindus since Rig vedic times. Both are still practiced in India. Though all the three systems make USe of herbs (fresh and dry), minerals, animal products, etc., the Amchi system, having evolved in its special environment, has its own characteristics. A prescription in the system usually consists of 2 to 5 herbs combined in various ways. supplemented by certain unique rituals. The individual expertise (or whim) of the Amchi is often the deciding factor for the dose and supplementary advice. In actual practke, the system is compllcated and has to be learned after long years of study and training under experienced Amchis. The profession of an Amchi is a family affair and the knowledge passes from father to SOn. There are no institutions and no formal Amchi education. When an apprentice wants to be declared a full-fledged Amchi and practice independently. his guide, who is often his own father, calls a few experienced Amchis who conduct a sort of viva-voce examination. If the performance i8 satisfactory the apprentice is declared fit ror practicing as an Amchi. In view of the importance of the Amchi system over a vast tract of )&K state (India). efforts were made to collect and collate all available information on it to assess its relevance to the changing socio-cultural scenario in these highlands. This paper records medicinal USes of 40 plant species growing in the region. Winter 1988