Ethnomedicinal plants used by women for reproductive health in tehsil Ramshehar of district Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Traditional knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants for women reproductive health remains inadequately documented across many Himalayan regions of India. Therefore, this study documented ethnogynaecological plants used in tehsil Ramshehar, district Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

Methods: Ethnomedicinal information was collected by conducting interviews and group discussion with 89 informants, predominantly women by using semi-structured questionnaire between April 2024 and April 2025. Plant specimens were taxonomically identified and quantitative indices like Fidelity Level, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV)and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) were applied on ethnomedicinal data to determine the significance and validity of traditional knowledge.

 Results: Forty six plant species representing 43 genera and 30 families were documented for their traditional role in treating several reproductive issues like infertility, menorrhagia, menstrual cramps and postpartum care. Fabaceae was the dominant family followed by Amaranthaceae and Moraceae. Seeds (33%) were the most frequently utilized plant parts for therapeutic purposes followed by leaves (17%). The menstrual disorders are the most important ailment category classified based on informant consensus factor. Trigonella foenum-graecum recorded the highest use value (UV) and relative frequency of citation (RFC) highlighting its broad acceptance and use in the community. 27 species exhibited 100% FL indicating complete consensus among informants.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that many rural women continue to depend on traditional plant-based remedies for managing reproductive health concerns, emphasizing that this knowledge remains an important part of local healthcare and deserves long-term preservation. The research contributes to a better understanding of women’s reproductive healthcare practices in the region. Furthermore, integrate ethnobotanical knowledge with ecological information contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of medicinal plant resources while highlighting their potential for future pharmacological studies.

Keywords: Allopathy, Conservation, Ethnomedicinal, Fertility, Maternal health, Menstrual disorders.