Herbal Formulations from Cold Desert Plants Used For Gynecological Disorders

Abstract

The traditional medical system of cold desert Ladakh is principally based on a Tibetan system of medicine and is popularly known as the Amchi system of medicine, which provides treatment and relief to local indigenous communities. This study was undertaken to document new information on utilization of cold desert medicinal plants for the treatment of gynecological disorders and to conserve the valuable but rapidly disappearing traditional knowledge systems of Boto tribes of Ladakh (India).

An ethno-medico-botanical survey was carried out by the authors during 2003-2006 in 102 Buddhist (Boto scheduled tribes) dominated villages of Ladakh. The information was gathered through on site interviews and verified by repeated queries raised among 63 Amchi and 30 village heads including 76 men and 17 women, averaging 45 years of age. A total of 51 plant species belonging to 25 families and 43 genera were found to be useful against different gynecological disorders of women. These species are used for preparation of remedies in combination with seven exotic plants and some medicinal ores/ stones and mineral salts. Twelve common categories of gynecological disorders were found to be treated by traditional herbalists (Amchi), by a total of eight formulations.