Abstract

USES OF ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS TO ENHANCE THE MEMORY OF HUMANS IN UDHAMPUR DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

L. R. Dangwal* and Tarseem Lal

ABSTRACT

In Udhampur District, the local inhabitants traditionally used ethnomedicinal plants to cure memory-related mental health problems. The intensive and extensive field survey was carried out during the period 2020-2022. Information was gathered from local inhabitants through questionnaires, interviews, personal meetings, and discussions. 20 ethnomedicinal plant species from 19 distinct Genera and 16 different families that have traditionally been utilized to improve memory were identified in the current communication. Out of these 20 plant species, 12 were herbs, 6 were shrubs, and 2 belonged to trees. Rhizomes, bulbs, leaves, fruit, bark, and flower are among the plant parts utilized to make herbal remedies. The methods of herbal preparation used were juice, powder, paste, and decoction. The mode of taking of these remedies is preferred oral and externally applied on the forehead. The listed ethnomedicinal plant species are being used for curing anxiety, depression, insomnia, speech, and learning problem. However, several herbal remedies made from these plants were administrated to promote memory, quality sleep, intelligence, and mental tranquility.

Keywords: Ethnomedicinal uses, Medicinal plants, Memory, Udhampur district.