INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY

Abstract:    The Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh represents a significant repository of ethnobotanical diversity, where indigenous communities continue to depend on plant-based traditional healthcare systems. The present study documents and quantitatively evaluates ethnomedicinal plant species (81–110) recorded from selected localities of the Pir Panjal region, including Randoh, Gajnuhi, Mankot, Basudan, Chhajun, Ratiar, and Jot. Ethnobotanical data were collected through field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observations involving local informants. A total of 30 plant species belonging to diverse families such as Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Solanaceae were recorded. Species like Prunus cerasoides, Rhododendron arboreum, Tinospora cordifolia, Valeriana jatamansi, and Zanthoxylum aromaticum exhibited high ethnomedicinal relevance due to their frequent usage in treating fever, digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and inflammatory conditions. Leaves, fruits, roots, and bark were the most commonly utilized plant parts, while decoctions, pastes, and direct consumption represented the dominant preparation methods. Quantitative observations suggest strong informant consensus for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermatological treatments, highlighting the reliability of indigenous knowledge systems. The persistence of plant-based remedies reflects cultural continuity and ecological adaptation among local communities. However, increasing anthropogenic pressure and declining knowledge transmission pose serious threats to this traditional heritage. The study emphasizes the need for systematic documentation, conservation, and sustainable utilization of medicinal flora in the Western Himalaya, providing a foundation for future pharmacological and ecological research.