Medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir

Local Medicinal plants commonly found in Jammu & Kashmir

1. Berbevus arista: Roots and bark contain alkaloid which are employed as a bitter tonic, alternative, stomachic and curative for piles. It occurs in temperate Himalayas and Nilgiris.
2. Discoria deltoides: This is an extensive climber distributed in North-Western Himalayas from Kashmir and Punjab East ward to Nepal. 
3. Picrorhiza kurroa: A herb with a perennial root stock common in Alpine Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim. Root constitutes the drug, it is used as a stomachic tonic.
4. Podophyllum emodi: Small herb aqeous plant with a perennial rhizome, found in temperate Himalayas especially in H.P., U.P. and Kashmir.
5. Rauwolfia Serpentina: Plant grows in sub-Himalayan tract, Western Ghats and various others parts of the country. The plant has attracted attention due to the use of this plant in reducing blood pressure and also its sedative properties. 
6. Sanssurian lappa (Kuth): A perennial herb, roots are commonly known as Kuth. Kuth is described as an aromatic and stimulant and is said to be useful in cough, asthma and fever and for keeping insects out of clothes.
7. Vallerine Walliche: A herb found in temperate Himalayas from Kashmir to Bhutan. Root contains active principles. It acts as a stimulant and antipasmodic and its use is indicated in nervous and hysterical symptoms.
8. Ephedrex gerandiana: It is a small xenophytic plant found in dry places and on rocks in the Himalayas. The alkaloid ephedrine possesses important properties in the treatment of Bronchial diseases.
9. Taxus bacatta: Scientists have conducted various experiments after their experimentation they concluded that this tree is of grear importance as a medicinal plants and is used medicines in curing cancer patients.
10. Asafoetida: It is a resinous gum of a tall perennial herb, with robust carrot-shaped roots.  It forms a good substitute for asafoetida. The herb is beneficial in the treatment of impotency and is an effective remedy for hysteria.
11. Rough Chaff (Achyranthes aspera): Its Indian name is Chirchita. It is an erect and stiff annual herb which grows densely upto 50 cm in length.  It is used to treat asthma, spleen enlargement, cholera, skin problems.  The ash of the herb contains a high proportion of potash and is an antacid.
12. Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage is an evergreen woody-stemmed shrub which grows up to 60 cms high. The herb acts on the cortex of the brain thereby eliminating mental exhaustion and improving concentration. Tea prepared from sage leaves is beneficial in coping with stress. The herb is useful in preventing grey hair if blended in hair tonics.