Sustainable Utilization of Medicinal Plants of Ladakh and Lahaul-Spiti of Trans-Himalaya

Abstract

Cold arid and high altitude region of the trans-Himalayas (Ladakh & Lahaul-Spiti) is a unique region of the world where all non-native living beings experience noticeably hostile environments that make their survival much challenging compared to their respective natural dwelling niches. The region is characterized by extreme temperature variation, low precipitation mostly in the form of snow, thin atmosphere with high UV-radiation, less oxygen availability, high wind velocity, sparse plant density and fragile ecosystem. Interestingly, these adverse environmental conditions are ideal for the growth of valuable medicinal plants. Like other parts of the Himalaya, Ladakh  and Lahaul-Spiti are also the treasure house of several unique medicinal plants which form an indispensable ingredient of local traditional system of medicines especially Sowa Rigpa System (Amchi system of medicine) since ages.