2025, Vol. 13, Issue 6, Part C

author(s)
Kush Pandey, Suresh Chaubey, Ramesh Tiwari and Bhasker Joshi

abstract
Traditional medicinal plants have long played a vital role in primary healthcare, particularly in Himalayan regions where access to modern medical facilities remains limited. The Indian Western Himalaya is recognized as a rich reservoir of medicinal plant diversity, with local communities possessing extensive traditional knowledge for treating respiratory ailments. The present study documents ethnomedicinal plants used for respiratory disorders in the Dhanaulti region of Uttarakhand, India. A field-based ethnobotanical survey was conducted between 2023 and 2024 during spring, summer, and late winter to capture seasonal variations in plant availability. A total of 20 plant species belonging to 16 families were recorded for treating conditions such as cough, cold, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory infections. Information on botanical identity, local names, plant parts used, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications was systematically documented. Notably, the medicinal uses of 11 recorded species are supported by classical Ayurvedic literature, reinforcing their traditional relevance. This study highlights the significance of indigenous knowledge and provides a foundation for future pharmacological validation and development of plant-based therapeutics for respiratory diseases