Ethno-medicinal utilization of Bergenia ciliata L. in Kashmir, Himalaya, India

Abstract

The present study reports the ethno-medicinal uses of Bergenia ciliata L., from two districts (Srinagar and Ganderbal) of Kashmir valley. The study was conducted using questionnaire apart from having discussions with various herbal heelers locally known as hakeems and bhoris. A total of 104 ailments were found to be treated by Bergenia ciliata. The main ailment treated include gastrointestinal, skin diseases, Renal/urinary disorders, muscular/skeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, eye diseases, oral infections, worm infections, and gynecological disorders. Whole plant was utilized as ingredient for ethno-medicine. However rhizome was most frequently used part utilized by dependent users followed by roots and leaves. The utilization of the plant parts were taken in the form of decoction, juice, paste, powder, tea and extract. Most commonly used preparation were powder followed by decoction, juice, paste, tea and extract.