Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part A (2025)

The Kashmir Valley is not only celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty but also as a globally significant repository of medicinal plants. Its unique geography a temperate valley surrounded by towering mountain ranges fosters exceptional biodiversity. Diverse habitats, ranging from lush valley floors to alpine meadows and coniferous forests across varying altitudes and microclimates, create ideal conditions for a rich array of plant species. This botanical wealth includes hundreds of plants traditionally valued for their therapeutic properties, deeply embedded in the region's cultural fabric through systems like Ayurveda and Unani. The Shopian Forest Range hosts 50 medicinally significant plant species across 30 families, with Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae being the most represented. Perennial herbs dominate the landscape, and roots/rhizomes are the primary parts used in therapies. Traditional knowledge, concentrated among elders (Hakeems), addresses ailments ranging from respiratory disorders to inflammatory conditions. However, this heritage faces erosion due to youth disengagement, habitat degradation, and commercialization without conservation.