Angelica glauca Edgew.

Family - UMBELLIFERAE (APIACEAE) 

Local name(s)  - Chora, Choraka,  Gandrayan,

Distribution  - 

Western Himalaya from Kashmir to Shimla, 2700-3000 m (Chopra et al., 1956). In H.P. it is reported from Dhauladhar range, Hattu, Narkanda, Chhota Bhangal and Bara Bhangal, Chamba, Kalatop, Luwayin-Lohardi forest (2600 m), Mariarha forest (2700 m), Panju onway to Talra Thatch, Polri Thatch (2800 m), Jaldayan Thatch (3200 m), Munekh forest (2600 m). Dhola-Bagi (Rohru) in the shadeof broadleaved mixed spruce forest (2400 m). (Chauhan, N.S., 679,722, 1999, 2060, 2236, 2312, 2346, 2450 and 2621).

Description  - 

A, tall, robust, erect, aromatic, perennial herb 1 to 1.5 m tall with thick, stout, perennial rootstock. Roots are brownish, long, fleshy branching. Thick, annulate, fusiform. Resinous and pungently aromatic. Leaves are pinnately divided, the basal ones are ternate pinnate. Leaflets oval to irregularly mucronate, serrat; upper surface dark green, lower glaucous. Flowers white or purple in long stalked compound umbels. Fruit: glabrous, flattened, oblong, 12 x 7 mm. the roots and rootstock  become thick and increase with age.

Flowering/Fruiting  -  July-September. 

Parts used - Dried roots and rootstocks.

Current market rate      - Rs. 450/Kg.

Main ingredients       - Dry roots yield 1.3% essential oil, resin and valerianic acid. The oil contains lactones and sesquiterpenes besides small amount of pinene, (phellandrane etc.). Roots and fruits contain several furocoumarins, such as angelicin, bergapten, xanthotoxin, umbelliferene and some phenols. (Anonymous, 1948), Chopra et al. 1956: 19 and 1969: 6). Choudhry et al. (1960) also reported a lactone  in the ethereal extracts of the fruits of this plant.

Uses  - The root is pungent, aromatic, stomachic, tonic, stimulant, carminative, diphoretic and diuretic. It increases appetite and combined with tonics, it is given in typhoid conditions, bronchitis, flatulence, colic and pain in the stocach. Roots are used as spice and condiment. Also used in obstinate constipation and biliousness. The aromatic root is a flavouring agent for food etc. Roots are also used in the preparation of gin and the liqueurs known as bitters (Khory & Katrak, 1984, Mehra et al. 1969; Maheshwari & Singh, 1965; Chopra et al. 1974; Chauhan, 1984).

Preparations - Beside indigenous preparations, it is used in dry gin blending.

Cultivation notes    - Can easily be cultivated through seeds. It prefers deep soil, rich in organic matter and partial shade. It can also be raised by making splits/divisions of the collar with vegetative buds alongwith root.

(Reference: 

Chauhan N.S., 1999. Medicinal and Aromatic plants of Himachal Pradesh)

tSofofo/krk (Bio-Diversity)

tSofofo/krk thou dk vk/kkj gS] ifjHkkf’kr :i ls & fdlh Hkh LFkku] izns”k vFkok ns”k ds uSlfxZd ifjos”k esa ik;s tkus okys tho tUrqvksa ,ao isM+ ikS/kksa dh iztkfr;ksa dks lkewfgd :i ls mDr LFkku fo”ks’k dh tSofofo/krk dgk tkrk gSA i`Foh ij miyC/k iztkfr;ka ,ao ikfjfLFkfrdh ra= yk[kksa djksM+ksa o’kksZa ds fodk”k dk ifj.kke gS] fdUrq euq’; dh Hkksxfoyklhrk ,ao lH;rk dh va/kh nkSM+ ds dkj.k i`Foh xzg dh  tSofofo/krk u’V gks jgh gSA tula[;k o`f}] xjhch] xyr vo/kkj.kk,a] Hkz’Vkpkj] fu;eksa dk ikyu u gksuk vkfn] thou ds ewy **tSofofo/krk** dks izHkkfor djus okys dkjd gSA vxj tSofofo/krk dks dksb vk?kkr igqaprk gS rks vkus okyh larkusa mDr lkekftd o vkfFkZd ykHkksa ls oafpr jg tk;sxhA

izkd`frd vuqjkx vkSj izd`fr laj{k.k dh fpjaru /kkjk gS Hkkjrh; laLd`frA izkd`frd vuqjkx  gekjh iqjkru laLd`fr esa bl dnj clk gS fd ge blls vyx vius vfLrRo dh dYiuk Hkh ugha dj ldrsaA Hkkjrh; euhf’k;ksa us lHkh izkd`frd “kfDr;ksa dks nsork Lo:i ekuk gS tSls & lw;Z] ok;q] ty ,ao o`{kA fdUrq vkt ge izd`fr ls fujarj dVrs tk jgs gS vkSj vk/kqfudrk dh vksj Hkkx jgs gSA

fu;e dkuwu cuk nsus ls gh tSfod fofo/krk laj{k.k drbZ lEHko ugh gSA D;ksafd LFkkuh; tuekul dh lgHkkfxrk ds chuk bl fn”kk esa Bksl ifj.kke ugh fey ldrs gSA LFkkuh; tulk/kj.k bl izfØ;k esa rc rd viuh Hkqfedk lqfuf”pr ugh djsxk tc rd dh mls blesa viuk izR;{k ;k izjks{k ykHk n`f’Vxkspj u gksrk gksA gdhdr ;gh gS fd tSfod fofo/krk laj{k.k vkSj tulk/kkj.k dk lkekftd vkfFkZd fodkl nksuks ,d lkFk n`f’Vikr fd;k tk;] D;ksafd ;s nksuks ,d gh flDds ds nks igyw gSA vkSj ;fn buesa ls fdlh ,d dks iw.kZ egRo u ns rks lrr fodkl ds vk;keksa dh izkfIr lEHko ugh gks ldsxhA

izd`fr ls fujarj dVrs pys tkus vkSj tUe ys jgh furkar rduhdh laLd`fr okyh vxyh lnh esa vkneh&vkneh ds chp ,d foHkktu js[kk t:j f[akp tk,xhA vkus okyh lnh dh ;g ,d nq[kn rLohj gS ftlls badkj ugha fd;k tk ldrkA

Medicinal Herbs Cultivation - A Success Story

Today, the hilly regions of Uttarakhand are facing serious problems related to agriculture. The farmers deserted their fields and the population is weakened by a rural migration. The future of hilly regions seemed uncertain. However, the mountain people did not give up. They looked for new solutions to look after their life in hilly regions. It was necessary to innovate, to find new solutions. Among these, the cultivation of medicinal herbs, new to the hills, captured the attention of some pioneers. Young farmers organize the cultivation production of medicinal and aromatic herbs and trade, and enhance their income. The following goals mentioned here are still pertinent today:

Ø  Maintain a type of agriculture respectful of the hill environment;

Ø  Encourage diversity in agricultural production;

Ø  Foster additional income for hilly people;

Ø  Fight against the exodus from villages;

Ø  Enhance the beauty of landscapes.

This story is centered around the successful collaboration between ALPINE HERBAL HUB, Prop. Ashutosh Pokhriyal and the community of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park (GWSNP) to exploit the potential of medicinal plants to improve the financial situation of the people.    

There was a great potential for Alpine Medicinal Herbs viz., Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum), Vatsnabh (Aconitum atrox or ferox), Kuth (Saussurea costus or lappa), Kutaki (Picrorhiza scrophulariflora), Amlich (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Puskarmool (Inula racemosa) in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, but nothing had been done about it. Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park administratively comes under the Mori block of district Uttarkashi of Uttarakhand. It is situated in within 31° 18"- 33°51" north latitude and 77° 4-9"-78° 55" east longitude and is having 42 villages spread in an area of 957.969 sq.k.m. and the altitude varies from 1300 mts. to 6323 mts. It starts right from confluence of Rupin and Supin rivers at Naitwar and includes the entire drainage basin of these said rivers. Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum), Vatsnabh (Aconitum atrox or ferox), Kutaki (Picrorhiza scrophulariflora) and Amlich (Hippophae rhamnoides) grow there naturally.

Then in 1999 Ashutosh Pokhriyal went into this area with an NGO – Society for Himalayan Environmental Research to implement its Integrated Conservation and Development Project. But NGO were dependant on projects activities. Later than stopping the projects of NGO, he started cultivation of medicinal herbs due to realizing the unexploited potential of medicinal herbs there; he decided to get local populace involved to cultivate these herbs. Therefore he first mobilized the villagers of Gangar Village, a village in the Har-Ki-Doon valley, into this line of thinking and then started a cultivation of Alpine Medicinal Herbs – Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum), Vatsnabh (Aconitum atrox or ferox), Kuth (Saussurea costus or lappa), Kutaki (Picrorhiza scrophulariflora) and Amlich (Hippophae rhamnoides) in their own agricultural fields with his friend Mr. Pradeep Singh Rawat (a local resident of that area).

Nursery

Nursery production is an attractive farm enterprise provides much scope for self employment of rural youth and women. The enterprise requires little area and least initial investment. But technical knowledge and access to the produce (Planting material) are important to start the enterprise. Considering the demand for production of quality planting material and the need for creation of employment in the field of medicinal herb cultivation, vocational training on nursery techniques and cultivation were conducted in the duration of 07 days in 2009 to National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), New Delhi, sponsored farmers of Mori Block of Uttarkashi district by the Herbal Research and Development Institute (HRDI), Mandal, Gopeshwer, Chamoli, Uttarakhand.

Being equipped with the nursery skills by the training programmes, Ashutosh Pokhriyal started a nursery unit for Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum) in an area of 4.0 Ha. with the buyback arrangement of their produce. They are concentrating mainly on the production of medicinal herbs as well as Kutki (Picrorhiza scrophulariflora), Kuth (Saussurea costus), Amlich (Hippophae rhamnoides) Puskarmool (Inula racemosa) and Archa (Rheum austral). They are producing the nursery plants approximately 08 lac on order basis and getting approximately a monthly income of Rs.18000/-. Medicinal herbs like Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum), Kutki (Picrorhiza scrophulariflora) and Kuth (Saussurea costus) are produced in large scale. Apart from producing nursery plants they are maintaining more than 30 high value medicinal and aromatic herbs. Except this, Ashutosh Pokhriyal is also started during 2010-11 horticultural (Apple) nurseries in an area of 0.4 Ha. and earning Rs. 80,000 per year. 

LOCALLY USED MEDICINAL PLANTS IN UTTARAKHAND AND HIMACHAL PRADESH:

Scientific Name (Specimen Number, Family) Local Name Part Used Uses Aconitum heterophyllum Wallich ex Royle (3241, Ranunculaceae) Patish, Atish Roots Dried roots are powdered and taken orally to cure stomach ache and fever. Aesculus indica (Colebr. ex Cambess) Hook. (7029, Hippocastanaceae) Khnor, Panger Fruits Fruits are used for preparing a nutritious recipe called "Sik". It is a pre- and post- pregnancy food for ladies. It is also used for curing excessive bleeding and pain during menses. Ajuga bracteosa Wallich ex Benth. (4550, Lamiaceae) Neel-kanthi Leaves Leaf powder is given to cure ulcer of mouth. Decoction of leaves (3–4 drops) is given thrice a day to small children (4–5 months old) who have breathing problems and also to cure internal sores. Ainsliaea aptera DC. (5267, Asteraceae) Kandyari Roots Crushed roots are used for gastric problems. Oily and sour food items are avoided. Angelica glauca Edgew. (5266, Apiaceae) Chora Roots Root powder is (1–2 g) is consumed daily for a week with "Gud" (jaggery) to cure fever and cold. It is also used as spice in local dishes. Anemone rupicola Cambess (5297, Ranunculaceae) Kakrya Leaves The sap obtained after crushing the leaves is used in treating ears with pus. Artemisia sieversiana Willd. (5262, Asteraceae) Charmara Leaves Decoction of leaves is given to the pregnant ladies as an abortifacient. Paste prepared from the leaves is also applied on wounds to cure pain and swelling. Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex. DC. (5251, Berberidaceae) Chunchri, kasmul Roots The roots are used for curing diabetes and jaundice. Fresh roots are cut into small pieces and decoction is prepared. This is later filtered through a cloth, concentrated and dried in shade. Small pills (each of ca. 1–1.5 g) are made from this. For adults, 3 pills a day are recommended with the sap of bitter guard (locally called "karella") to cure diabetes. These pills are also consumed with "Kujja Mishri" (local sweet made out of sugar) and water to cure jaundice. Berberis lycium Royle (5252, Berberidaceae) Kashmal Roots & new shoot apices The roots are dried in shade and boiled in water. This decoction is concentrated at low temperature and finally dried. The dried product is called "Rasaunt" and is used to cure eye infection. New vegetative apical shoots are also used for the same purpose. These are crushed and the sap is applied directly on the eyes. Bergenia ciliata (Haworth) Sternb. (5254, Saxifragaceae) Sadpottar, Daruhaldi Roots Root decoction is taken empty stomach in the morning for 3 months to cure kidney stones. Cannabis sativa L. (4857, Cannabinaceae) Bhang Seeds Oil extracted from dry seeds is applied to cure paralysis and joint pain. It is also applied to cure fever caused by severe cold. Concentrated and dried sap extracted from the leaves is mixed with mustard oil and applied internally, as well as externally to cure piles. Cirsium wallichii DC. (5260, Asteraceae) Bursa Root Root powder taken with water in early morning helps to cure gastric problems. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Persoon (226, Poaceae) Drub Aerial parts Entire aboveground parts are crushed with water. Two to three drops of this extract are poured in the nostril to cure nasal bleeding. Fragaria nubicola Lindley ex Lacaita (5259, Rosaceae) Kida-bhumla Aerial parts Decoction of plant is consumed twice a day for 5–6 days in the morning and evening to cure fever. Grewia optiva Drummond ex Burret (358, Teliaceae) Dhaman, Bhemal Leaves Fresh leaves are boiled in water to prepare decoction which is further concentrated at low temperatures. The concentrated paste is applied to cure joint pains. Malva parviflora L. (5280, Malvaceae) Nasochal Aerial parts Entire plant is boiled in water to prepare decoction. It is used for abortion. Parthenocissus semicordata (Wall.) Planchon (5256, Vitaceae) Amru bail Aerial parts & Root Sap collected by giving a cut in the above ground portion of the plant is drunk to cure leucorrhoea. It is also used to cure piles but is not recommended for male as it may cause impotency. Further, the paste prepared from the roots is also applied externally over the wounds and boils to inhibit puss formation. Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth. (4524, Scrophulariaceae) Kurro, Kutki Roots/Rhizome Fresh as well as dry roots/rhizomes are ground with water to prepare a paste. The paste is applied to cure joint pains. It is also used for curing fever. Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (3520, Pinaceae) Chir Needle The green needles are ground and sap is extracted. It is taken to increase the flow of urine. Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All (5249, Liliaceae) Salam mishri, Meda Roots Fresh roots are cleaned, broken into small pieces and kept in water overnight. Next day these are ground in the same water. About 10 ml of this solution is taken regularly empty stomach in the morning to cure spermatorrhaea (locally called Dhat) and piles. Polygonum amplexicaule D.Don (4559, Polygonaceae) Mindle Roots Root sap is extracted and applied to cure fresh wound in the eyes. Prinsepia utilis Royle (5257, Rosaceae) Bakhel Roots Root extract is taken orally as an antidote to neutralize the effect of poison intake. Root paste after heating at low temperature in an earthen pot is applied on wounds. Prunus cerasoides D.Don (3853, Rosaceae) Pajja Stem bark Decoction of stem bark is concentrated at low temperature and applied to cure joint pains. Ranunculus hirtellus Royle (5289, Ranunculaceae) Goodi Roots Roots of plant are crushed with cow's urine to make a paste. The paste is applied at the base of thumb. If the swelling is on the right testes then the paste is applied at the base of left hand thumb and vice versa. The paste should not be kept for more than 20 minutes and is applied only once. Rheum australe D.Don (3244, Polygonaceae) Chukri, Archa Aerial parts Whole plant is crushed and poultice is made in a cotton cloth. This is then heated and applied to cure swelling, which has developed as a result of fractured bone. Rhododendron arboreum Smith (4512, Ericaceae) Brah, Burans Flower Flowers are crushed and snuffed to stop nasal bleeding. Rubus niveus Thunb. (5258, Rosaceae) Khiradi Fresh root tips Fresh root tips are used for curing excessive bleeding during menstrual cycle. The root tips are made into a paste with water and small pills are made. One pill per day, preferably with butter made from buffalo milk, is taken empty stomach in the morning for 7 days. The original rootstock of the plants is avoided. Rumex hastatus D.Don (4522, Polygonaceae) Almoru Leaves Leaves are believed to have cooling properties and help in stopping nasal bleeding. Rumex nepalensis Sprengel (4522, Polygonaceae) Albar Leaves Leaves are crushed and applied on wounds as an anti- allergic. Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (2100, Asteraceae) Kuth Roots Root paste is applied externally to cure joint pains. Selinum tenuifolium Wallich ex C.B. Clarke (4523, Apiaceae) Matoshal Roots Root is powdered and mixed with mustard oil and applied on the body of women to cure swelling which develops after delivery. Stellaria media (L.) Villars (5269, Caryophyllaceae) Khukawa Seeds and leaves About 20 dry seeds/day of the plant are given to the children to cure skin infections. The leaf paste of the plant is also applied on wounds caused by burning. Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming) Karsten (4558, Gentianaceae) Chirayta Aerial parts Entire plant is ground, boiled in water and filtered. 1–2 drops of filtered decoction is given to children against skin infections. Thalictrum foliolosum DC. (5277, Ranunculaceae) Barmot Roots Dried root powder mixed with Thymus linearis in equal proportion is taken regularly to cure stomach pain and gastric trouble. Viola pilosa Blume (4526, Violaceae) Vanaksa Flower Fresh flowers are boiled in water and decoction is prepared. The decoction is used as tea to cure fever, cough and cold.

Story of Arisaema in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand Himalaya

Uttarkashi, one of the district of Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand State, has an area of about 8,016 sq. km. And is situated between 30-32 N latitude and 78 – 79 E longitude. The forests in the district are quite rich and diverse which can be divided into evergreen, semi evergreen, deciduous, sub tropical pine forests and temperate types. The temperature of the hills varies from 2.7 to 23.5 C and in lower ranges from 4.3 to 35 C. Heavy snow fall occurs above 2500 m and comes down to about 1500 M.

Arisaema

Family – Araceae

The tuberous roots of many species can be ground into a flour  and eaten.

The tubers contain minute sharp particles which can damage  the digestive tract.

Male and female flowers borne on separate plants.

Fruit a cylindrical cluster of red berries.

Leaves either with 03 leaflets, trifoliate; or with 05 or more equal leaflets spreading finger like form the tip of the leaf stalk,

 All  mid – veins connecting with each other at a same  point, digitate;

05 or more leaflets with the two outer smaller leaflets, with their mid – veins not connecting at a same point, pedate;

 07 – 11 equal leaflets spreading or radiating round the apex  of leaf stalk, radiate.

Arisaema costatum ( Wallich) Martius ex Schott 

 2000 – 2600 m.  Shrubberies. May – Jun.

 Spathe dark purple with longitudinal white strip, 8 – 12 cm. Long, the blade down – curved and with a tail like tip 1 – 4 cm. Long.

Spadix appendage very long, 15-45 cm.

Its leaflets have very numerous parallel lateral veins which are conspicuously raised beneath;

Leaflets 03, elliptic to ovate 10-20 cm.,

The outer leaflets unequal with an angled based on the outer side and a narrow wedge shaped base on the inner side ;

Flowering stem greenish shorter than the leaves, to 40 c.m.

Arisaema propinquum Schott. (A.wallichianum Hook. F.)  

 2400 – 3600 m. Forests, shrubberies, open slopes. May – Jun.

 Spathe dark purple or green with longitudinal ribbed inside, white or purple strips, 10 – 15 cm. long, the blade oblong - ovate and with a tail like tip 1 – 4 cm. long.

Spadix appendage long, thread like 8-20 cm. Somewhat thick at its base.

Leaflets 03, rhombic to ovate 8-20 cm. By 4-15 cm. Wide; leaf stalk often brown spotted 15-70 cm.

Ariesma intermedia Blume. 

2100-3000 m. Forests. May – jun.

Spathe pale yellowish – green, rarely striped dark purple, with  an ovate – lanciolate  blade narrowed to a short tail like tip 2-3 cm. Long.

 Spadix appendage very long, slender, 15-45 cm., curved upwards from its broader purple base then hanging down wards and white.

 Leaves 1-2; leaflets 03,  ovate long pointed, the 02 lateral  leaflets very unequal sided, minutely net veined beneath, 9-20 cm.; leaf stalk slender 15-50 cm.;  flowering stem much shorter than leaf stalk.

flowering stem much shorter than leaf stalk.

Leaves with 5-20 leaflets; spadix usually without long whip-like appendage.

A leaves digitate or pedate, with 5 or more leaflets. Spathe small 2-4 cm.; yellowish.

Arisaema flavum (Forsskal) Schott 

 1800 – 4600 m.  Open forests, stony slopes. May – Jun.

Distinguished from all other species by its very small spathe which has a yellowish green ovoid tube, and a small yellowish   or greenish triangular blade 1.5-4.0 cm. Which is usually  dark purple inside at least in the lower part. Spadix appendage very short, ellipsoid, greenish or yellowish. Leaves pedate, with 5-11 oblong lanceolate pointed  leaflets 2.5-12 cm. long;  Flowering stem 10-40 cm. Spathe more than 6 cm., not yellowish Spadix appendage long slender, curved upwards.

Arisaema tortuosum  ( Wallich) Schott 

1500-3000 m. Forests, shrubberies, open slopes.  May – Jun.

Spathe green, somewhat glaucous, rarely purple, blade ovate acute 4-12 cm., curved forward. Spadix distinctive with a rather thick up-curved appendage gradually tapering to a long green or some times dark purple erect tail like tip 8-12 cm. A tall plant, often to 150 cm., with usually 02 pedate leaves with 5-7 variable, broadly ovate to oblanceolate abruptly pointed leaflets, and a leaf stalk 5-20 cm. Spadix appendage short.

Arisaema jacquemontii  Blume

2400-4000 m. Shrubberies, rocky slopes; common in upper forest and lower alpine zones. Jun. – Aug.

Distinguished from  A. tortuosum by its green sometimes white striped spathe which has a long up – curved green or dark purple tail tip, while in contrast the appendage is short-cylindrical, dark purple and projects forwards only a short distance from the mouth of the spathe  tube.

A smaller plant 10-70 cm., usually with 1 leaf which is digitate  with 5-9 narrow elliptic to ovate long pointed leaflets.