Promotion of traditional knowledge systems of herbal medicines among school students through development of herbal gardens in school premises

Abstract

Identification and utilisation of medicinal plants is one of the most important aspects of traditional health management systems. India is bestowed with a rich diversity of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge systems. Due to the modernization and our changing systems, the uses of traditional medicines have been disappearing. To revive the rich traditional health care practises with the recognition of valuable herbs, awareness and education at the school level are focused throughout the country. Based on the high recognition of species in the Indian systems of medicine, easy propagation, and adaptabilities of species in tropical and subtropical climates, 20 (twenty) plant species have been selected which may be found suitable for the development of herbal gardens in school premises. The botanical identity, traditional uses, propagation techniques and plantation pattern is discussed.