Traditional Uses of Herbs as medicines in Hunza Gilgit-Baltistan (A Case study of Gilgit -Bailtistan Hunza )

Abstract

This study has been undertaken to enumerate the medicinal plants in district Hunza find out the conservation status, and record the folk knowledge from the inhabitants of Hunza valley. The valley is located in the north Gilgit-Baltistan. For the many years, ethno-botanical and therapeutic method is consider as safe treatment method in different countries. This study conducted in Hunza valley which northern of the Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan where researcher focus the usage of herbs and the ethno botanical knowledge. The 40 respondents were selected for interviews and different traditional healers and shopkeepers are interviewed. The data was collected from respondents through semi-structured questionnaire. The total 15 medical herbs are recoded with the help of local people that how these are practicing herbs in recent time ranging from cough to highly complex diseases. Villagers perceiving different about different diseases and the treat of that disease. The data about the local flora regarding medicinal uses was collected from the local herbal healers as well as from the knowledgeable people the district. Locally used herbs of the area prevent and cure the people from various diseases such as joint pains, bronchitis, flu and fever, lowering blood pressure, constipation, liver disorders, stomach and abdominal problems, etc. The study explored that the traditional medical knowledge is gradually disappearing to abrupt mobility of people towards different areas of country. This study aimed to explore the ethno-botanical variations occurs in hunza district and the factors involved in those changes .however the study figure out that in new generation there is gradual decline in indigenous knowledge regarding local herbs. It is immense need to promote awareness in communities and there sustainable usage of herbs.