ETHNOBOTANICAL WEALTH OF BHARAT: A SOURCE OF TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY HEALING

Abstract (English)

Bharat (India) is a land of immense diversity in terms of culture, people, and geography. These geographical variations have endowed the Indian subcontinent with a rich and unique biodiversity, covering 21.71% of the country’s land reservoirs including tropical evergreen deciduous and mangrove forests that play an important role in regulating & maintaining water systems, biodiversity and providing ecosystem service, particularly in the form of herbs and medicinal plants.
This diverse flora has been traditionally utilized for the treatment and management of various illnesses and diseases. The indigenous knowledge of using ethnobotanical resources is not limited to tribal or rural communities; even in modern times, such knowledge continues to play a vital role in healthcare, both within India (AYUSH) and globally.
The wealth of medicinal plants is not confined to forests and jungles alone; even traditional Indian kitchens are repositories of therapeutic herbs and spices. The general awareness and acceptance of these natural remedies underscore their effectiveness and cultural significance.
This paper aims to highlight the diverse varieties of herbs and medicinal plants found in different regions of India. It discusses their origins, scientific classifications, and specific applications in treating ailments—emphasizing their continued relevance among both indigenous populations and the wider contemporary world.