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Table 2 Ethnomedicinal uses of herbal drinks in Azad Kashmir

From: Traditional knowledge on herbal drinks among indigenous communities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Scientific name

Voucher no in Pakistan NH

Local name

Life form

Plant part used

Administration

Disease treated††

Preparation mode

Active constituents [literature reference]

UV

RFC

Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile Fabaceae

ISL −49,177

Keekar

Tree

Bark

Decoction

Toothache

Bark is ground to powder and put into boiling water. Decoction prepared is used for gargling in case of toothache.

Alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones [102]

0.03

0.09

Achillea millefolium L.

Asteraceae

ISL-40550

Rattiboti

Herb

Leaves, flower

Decoction,

infusion, tea

Brain disorders, fever, piles, headache, stomach disorders

Boiling water is poured over dried leaves, and this hot infusion is taken to induce sweating that relieves fever. Tea is made by dissolving plant material in boiled water and sugar can also be added. Tea is consumed in case of stomach disorders.

Tannins, flavonoids, saponins [103]

0.16

0.27

Adiantum venustum D. Don Pteridaceae

ISL-100609

Kakwa

Herb

Leaves,roots

Infusion

Fever

Infusion of leaves is prepared by pouring hot water over leaves of plant. Sugar can also be added. This infusion is taken twice a day to relieve fever.

Flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids [104]

0.08

0.14

Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schult.

Amaranthaceae

ISL-50064

Boikalan

Herb

Leaves

Infusion

Stomach disorders

Leaves are infused in hot water which is then consumed to get ease from stomach disorders.

Terpenoids, alkaloids [105]

0.01

0.12

Ajuga integrifolia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don Lamiaceae

ISL-109327

Kauri booti

Herb

Leaves, stem

Decoction

Jaundice

1–2 g of dried leaves is boiled in water. The decoction prepared is taken in early morning before breakfast to treat jaundice.

Glycosides, terpenoids [106]

0.01

0.09

Amaranthus viridis L. Amaranthaceae

ISL-115671

Ganhar

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Anemia

Leaves of plant are boiled in water for 1 h to make decoction at slow heat. Half cup of decoction is then taken once a day in case of anemia.

Tannins, flavonoids, glycosides [107]

0.03

0.13

Arnebia benthamii (Wall. ex G.Don) I.M.Johnst.

Boraginaceae

ISL-94123

Ghaozban

Herb

Root

Tea

Pneumonia, flu

Tea is prepared from roots of plant and taken three times a day in case of pneumonia.

Phenolics, steroids [108]

0.05

0.09

Bauhinia variegate L. Fabaceae

ISL- 54078

Kachnar

Tree

Leaves, flowers

Infusion

Inflammation

Leaves and crushed flowers are soaked in water for 2 days then filtered. Hot water is poured over this filtrate which is used against inflammation.

Alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, tannins, saponins [109]

0.03

0.15

Berberis lycium Royle.

Berberidaceae

ISL-108676

Sumbal

Shrub

Fruit, root

Infusion, juice, decoction

Cough, jaundice, Sore throat

Grinded root bark mixed with water, and sugar is taken before sleeping in sore throat and pain Juice of fruit is used in gum troubles.

Phenolic, flavonoids [110]

0.05

0.11

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. Saxifragaceae

ISL 100171

Batwaya

Herb

Rhizome

Infusion

Earache, muscular pain

Rhizome is grinded and 1–2 teaspoon of powder is infused in boiling water which is taken before breakfast for muscular pains.

Alkaloids, flavovoids, phenolics, glyscosides saponins [111]

0.1

0.14

Cannabis sativa L.

Cannabaceae

ISL-101521

Bhang

Herb

Leaves

Beverage

Mental relief

Leaves and flowering tops are mixed with milk with addition of sugars and almonds to make drink sardai which helps in mental relaxation.

Terpenes, flavonoids [112]

0.02

0.08

Carissa spinarum L.

Apocynaceae

ISL-22557

Granda

Shrub

Leaves

Infusion

Jaundice

Infusion of leaves is taken orally in early morning to treat jaundice.

Flavonoids [113]

0.04

0.05

Chrysojasminum humile (L.) Banfi

Oleaceae

ISL-116143

Chambeli

Shrub

Root

Decoction

Ringworm

Roots are boiled in water. Decoction obtained is cooled for 10–15 min and then consumed orally in case of ringworm.

Glucoside, phenolics [114]

0.07

0.2

Cichorium intybusl.

Asteraceae

ISL-116352

Handh

Herb

Flowers, leaves, root

Decoction

Bronchial disorders

2–3 g of flowers and leave’s material is boiled in water and given orally at least once in a day to get ease in respiratory disorders.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins [115]

0.02

0.08

Corydalis incisa (Thunb.) Pers. Papaveraceae

ISL-116140

Papra

Herb

Whole plant

Decoction, juice

Fever, blood purifier

Ground plant material is taken, and water is added in it. The juice is then extracted which is used to relieve fever.

Tannins, alkaloids [116]

0.06

0.07

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Poaceae

ISL 48939

Serai

Shrub

Leaves

Tea

Stomach disorders, headache

Leaves are infused in hot water for 20 min to make tea which is given to treat stomach pain.

Alkaloids, saponins, tannins [117]

0.13

0.09

Cynoglossum lanceolatum Forssk.

Boraginaceae

ISL-196130

Lainda

Herb

Root

Decoction

Joint pain

Decoction of root is taken for rheumatic disorders.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes [118]

0.04

0.16

Diospyros lotus L.

Ebenaceae

ISL-68699

Kala Amlook

Tree

Fruit

Juice

Stomach disorders

Juice of fruit is extracted and consumed in case of stomach problems.

Tannins, alkaloids [119]

0.05

0.35

Ephedra gerardiana Wall. ex Stapf

Ephedraceae

ISL-67687

Asmanipoda

Herb

Root

Decoction

Joint pain

Roots decoction is taken twice a day to treat rheumatism.

Alkaloids, tannins, glycosides [120]

0.03

0.23

Euphorbia illirica Lam. Euphorbiaceae

ISL-68688

Kankoli

Shrub

Leaves

Infusion

Urinary disorders

Leaves are infused in hot water and taken orally to help treat urinary problems.

Alkaloids, flavonoids [121]

0.01

0.07

Euphorbia prostrata Aiton

Euphorbiaceae

ISL-65674

Hazardaani

Herb

Stem

Decoction

Dysentery, diarrhea

Stem is chopped into pieces and boiled in water then cooled for 1 h. Decoction is given orally after intervals to treat dehydration problems.

Tannins, glycosides [122]

0.08

0.13

Fagonia cretica L.

Zygophyllaceae

ISL 47236

Temaan

Shrub

Leaves

Infusion

Cough

Infusion of leaves is taken to get relief from cough with regular intervals of hours.

Terpenoids, saponins [123]

0.02

0.07

Fagopyrum esculentum Moench

Polygonaceae

ISL-116233

Hulla

Herb

Root

Juice

Fever

Juice of root is taken in case of fever.

Glucosides, tannins [124]

0.04

0.13

Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Apiaceae

ISL 103476

Sonf

Herb

Seeds

Decoction, infusion

Stomach disorders, diarrhea

10 g seeds boiled in 100 ml water and decoction prepared which is used to cure stomachache and diarrhea.

Glucoside, saponins, alkaloids [125]

0.09

0.17

Fragariavesca L.

Rosaceae

ISL-106789

Budhamewa

Herb

Leaves, fruit

Juice

Menorrhagia

Juice of leaves is extracted and taken at least once in a day in case of menstrual pain.

Phenolics, Flavonoids [126]

0.05

0.17

Gentiana kurroo Royle. Gentianaceae

ISL-67293

Pashanbhed

Herb

Leaves, flower

Decoction

Blood tonic

Decoction of leaves and flowers are used as a blood purifier.

Phenolics, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins [127]

0.04

0.2

Geranium wallichianum D.Don ex Sweet

Geraniaceae

ISL-101166

Ratanjote

Herb

Flower

Tea

Rheumatism

Flowers are boiled with water and mixture is stained. This tea is taken in the morning for treating joint pain.

Steroids, coumarins [128]

0.03

0.09

Gerbera gossypina Royle Asteraceae

ISL- 96899

Ladrun

Herb

Root

Juice

Blood pressure, gastric diseases

Root juice consumed to lower the blood pressure.

Alkaloids, flavonoids [129]

0.08

0.11

Geum adnatum Wall.

Rosaceae

ISL-97938

Shoonkar

Herb

Root

Decoction

Dysentery, diarrhea

Decoction of root is consumed orally in case of chronic dysentery or diarrheal bleeding.

Sterols, terpenoids [130]

0.04

0.09

Isodon rugosus (Wall. ex Benth.) Codd

Lamiaceae

ISL-16965

Peemar

Shrub

Leaves

Juice

Diarrhea

Leaves juice is extracted with water and is given to treat diarrhea two times a day.

Alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones [131]

0.04

0.05

Justicia adhatoda L. Acanthaceae

ISL 13237

Baikar

Shrub

Leaves

Decoction

Bronchial diseases

Decoction of leaves is taken to give ease in cough and bronchial disorders.

Alkaloids, tannins [132]

0.03

0.07

Laphangium affine (D. Don) Tzvelev

Asteraceae

ISL-40456

Janglidodal

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Influenza

5 g of leaves are boiled in water. Decoction prepared is cooled and put into bottle. This is used from time to time in case of flu and cold.

Flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes [133]

0.03

0.17

Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng.

Lamiaceae

ISL 16961

Chara

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Malaria

Decoction is prepared and consumed in case of malaria.

Sterols, flavonoids [134]

0.04

0.09

Malva neglecta Wall. Malvaceae

ISL 66146

Sonchal

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Constipation

Leaves boiled in water are frequently consumed in case of constipation.

Alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin [135]

0.02

0.12

Mentha arvensis L.

Lamiaceae

ISL 116029

Podina

Herb

Leaves

Infusion

Diarrhea, vomiting

Dried leaves are infused in boiling water and taken in case of diarrhea and vomiting.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, cardiac glycosides [136]

0.06

0.07

Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds.

Lamiaceae

ISL 116056

Babri

Herb

Leaves, Flower

Tea

Abdominal diseases, vomiting, nausea

Leaves are dried and then boiled with water to make tea which is used in vomiting.

Terpenoids, flavonoids [137]

0.07

0.21

Morus alba L.

Moraceae

ISL-10625

Chitta toot

Tree

Bark

Decoction

Asthma

Bark is chopped into pieces, boiled in water and decoction is given to get relief in severe cough.

Phenolics, flavonoids [138]

0.03

0.09

Morus nigra L.

Moraceae

ISL-10697

Kala toot

Tree

Fruit

Decoction

Throat pain

Fruit decoction is prepared and gargled in sore throat.

Phenolics, flavonoids [138]

0.05

0.17

Muehlenbeckia hastulata (Sm.) I.M. Johnst.

Polygonaceae

ISL-97865

KhattaHulla

Herb

Leaves

Juice

Bleeding

10–15 g leaves are put in water for 2 h. Juice obtained is taken in case of internal bleeding.

Anthraquinones [139]

0.03

0.11

Nerium oleander L.

Apocynaceae

ISL-47361

Gandeera

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Stomach ailments, constipation

Half kg branches boiled in 2 L of water for 2 h in order to make decoction. Two teaspoon of this decoction used daily for constipation and stomach pain.

Tannins, saponins, terpenoids [140]

0.1

0.15

Ocimum basilicum L.

Lamiaceae

ISL 16251

Neazbu

Herb

Whole plant

Juice

Stomach diseases

Juice of plant is consumed in case of stomach disorders.

Phenolics [141]

0.04

0.07

Oenothera rosea L Her. ex Aiton

Onagraceae

ISL 10057

Jungligulab.

Herb

Leaves, stem

Infusion

Constipation

Plant material is infused in boiling water and taken in case of constipation.

Carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, and steroids [142]

0.04

0.15

Olea europaea (Wall. and G.Don) Cif. Oleaceae

ISL-116120

Kaahu

Tree

Leaves

Decoction

Toothache, infections

Decoction of leaves is prepared and used in gargling in toothache.

Flavonoids, tannins [143]

0.06

0.11

Onopordum acanthium L.

Asteraceae

ISL-98635

Kandyara

Herb

Leaves, stem

Decoction,juice

Ulcers

Stem decoction is preferably consumed to treat stomach ulcers.

Terpenoids [144]

0.02

0.12

Onosma bracteata Wall. Boraginaceae

ISL-95864

Gaozaban

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Stomach disorders

Leaves infusion is consumed after regular intervals until get relief from stomachache.

Tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids [145]

0.04

0.09

Oxalis corniculata L.

Oxalidaceae

ISL-38367

Khattibooti

Herb

Whole plant

Infusion

Stomach disorders

Whole plant powder is mixed in hot water with addition of sugar, stained, and given for stomach ailments.

Carbohydrates, glycosides, phenols [146]

0.02

0.12

Paeonia emodi Royle

Paeoniaceae

ISL-91236

Mamaikh

Herb

Root

Decoction

Blood purification

Roots are boiled in water and taken as a remedy to purify blood.

Flavonoids, sterols, saponins [147]

0.02

0.35

Periploca aphylla Decne

Apocynaceae

ISL-22591

Batta

Shrub

Bark

Decoction

Stomach disorders

Bark decoction is taken to give relief in stomach disorders.

Alkaloids, flovonoids, terpenoids [148]

0.02

0.13

Persicaria alpine (All.) H.Gross

Polygonaceae

ISL-106743

Masloon

Herb

Seeds

Infusion

Diarrhea, fever

Seeds are infused in water. The mixture is stained and kept in a bottle. This mixture is consumed daily in case of fever.

Terpenoids, flavonoids [148]

0.1

0.15

Pimpinella diversifoliaDC.

Apiaceae

ISL 103476

Tarpakhi

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Cough, cold

Leaves decoction is consumed in cough and cold.

Phenols, glucosides [149]

0.04

0.09

Punica granatum L.

Punicaceae

ISL 87324

Daroona

Shrub

Fruit

Juice

Stomach ailments

Seeds are soaked in water for a day then filtered the mixture. Add sugar and taken twice to treat stomach aches.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins [150]

0.02

0.18

Quercus oblongata D.Don

Fagaceae

ISL-10672

Reen

Tree

Bark

Decoction

Rectal disorders

Decoction is made by using ground bark powder and given for intestinal disorders.

Tannins, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids [151]

0.05

0.17

Rheum australe D.Don

Polygonaceae

ISL-98765

Chutial

Herb

Root

Decoction

Acidity

Roots are boiled in water and given orally to treat acidity.

Anthraquinones [152]

0.02

0.09

Rubus fruticosus L. Rosaceae

ISL-106878

Aakhray

Herb

Leaves, roots

Infusion,

decoction

Dysentery, diarrhea, bleedings, whooping cough

Leaves are boiled in water and consumed in case of cough. Decoction of flowers is also consumed in dysentery.

Phenolics, tannins [153]

0.1

0.1

Smilax aspera L.

Smilacaceae

ISL-11624

Shogr

Herb

Whole plant

Decoction

Infection

Decoction of whole plant is prepared and cooled. It is used to treat infection.

Phenolics, flavonoids [154]

0.02

0.07

Solanum nigrum L.

Solanaceae

ISL 112661

Kachmach

Herb

Leaves, flower,

fruit

Juice

Rheumatism, cough, fever, bronchitis, diarrhea

The juice of the leaves can be used alone or with addition of honey to cure diarrhea and cough.

Alkaloids, saponins, tannins [155]

0.1

0.16

Solanum surrattense Burm. f.

Solanaceae

ISL-67895

Mokri

Herb

Leaves, fruit

Infusion

Body pain

Fruit peels are infused in water and consumed for a week to get relief from body pain.

Terpenes, phenolics, quinones [156]

0.01

0.21

Solanum virginianum L.

Solanaceae

ISL-10237

Ghanar

Herb

Leaves

Infusion

Skin diseases

Infusion of leaves is taken once in a day for skin diseases.

Alkaloids, flavonoids [156]

0.05

0.09

Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Asteraceae

ISL-10987

Dodhal

Herb

Leaves

Infusion

Abdominal diseases

Leaves infusion is taken in case of abdominal pain.

Steroids, glycosides, flavonoids [157]

0.02

0.13

Swertia petiolata D. Don

Gentianaceae

ISL-33193

Chirayetta

Herb

Leaves, stem, root

Decoction

Ulcers, asthma, urinary disorders

Decoction of plant is given twice a day in case of urinary disorders.

Terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids [158]

0.16

0.12

Tagetes minuta L.

Asteraceae

ISL-16983

Satbarga, Gainda

Herb

Leaves, flower

Juice

Earache and ophthalmic

Leaves and flowers juice is extracted with water and taken orally in case of earache.

Saponin, tannin, alkaloid [159]

0.13

0.13

Tamarindusindica L.

Fabaceae

ISL-10045

Imli

Tree

Fruit

Infusion

Fibril diseases

Peels of fruit are infused in water and taken to treat fibril disorders.

Alkaloids, anthraquinone, glycoside [160]

0.04

0.17

Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg.

Asteraceae

ISL-116231

Peelibooti

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Constipation, jaundice

Leaves are boiled in water and consumed to treat constipation.

Glucosides, terpenoids, tannins [161]

0.04

0.13

Trichodesma indicum (L.) Sm.

Boraginaceae

ISL-116018

ChotaKulfa

Herb

Leaves

Juice

Eye infections, dysentery

Juice of leaves is taken with addition of sugar and salt as per taste to treat dysentery.

Steroids, terpenoids, lipids [162]

0.04

0.08

Trifolium repens L.

Fabaceae

ISL 123169

Shatal

Herb

Flowers, leaves, root

Infusion

Fevers and leucorrhoea

In case of leucchorea the infusion of flowers and leaves is taken.

Flavonoids, steroids [163]

0.08

0.05

Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb.

Caprifoliaceae

ISL 18643

Murma

Herb

Root

Decoction

Headache

Decoction of 3-4 g of roots is consumed in case of headache.

Flavones, Glycosides [164]

0.03

0.14

Verbascum thapsus L. Scropulariaceae

ISL 11315

Janglitambaku

Herb

Leaves

Infusion

Skin problems

Boiled water is poured over the leaves and kept for 2 h then taken orally for skin diseases and skin allergy.

Glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids [165]

0.02

0.1

Verbena officinalis L.

Verbenceae

ISL 114005

Neelgu

Herb

Whole plant

Decoction

Joint pain

Decoction is prepared and taken once a day for rheumatic disorders.

Flavonoids, Glucosides, Phenolics [166]

0.06

0.14

Viola canescensWall.

Violaceae

ISL 40466

Banafsha

Herb

Leaves

Decoction

Respiratory disorders

Leaves are boiled in water and taken orally for respiratory disorders.

Alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids [167]

0.04

0.15

Vitis vinifera L.

Vitaceae

ISL 59527

Daakh

Climber

Fruit

Juice

Cough, asthma

Fresh fruit juice is used directly in case of cough.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins [168]

0.04

0.14

Zanthoxylum armatum DC.

Rutaceae

ISL 11640

Timber

Shrub

Seeds, bark

Infusion

Indigestion, hemorrhoids, ulcers

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1–2 teaspoonful of the bark+ fruit and let infuse for 10–15 min and used for stomach pain.

Anthraquinone, glycoside flavonoids [169]

0.04

0.15

Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wight and Arn.

Rhamnaceae

ISL 11625

Beri, Jand

Shrub

Root

Infusion

Diabetes

Boil 5–8 g of grinded root with 1 glass of water till volume of water reduced to half. It is used to cure diabetes.

Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics [170]

0.1

0.1

  1. In column scientific name, species name starting with † indicates newly reported species. NH National Herbarium, UV use value, RFC relative frequency of citation.
  2. ††Uses in bold indicate preferred uses for a given plant