Harmony in nature: understanding the cultural and ecological aspects of plant use in Ladakh.

BACKGROUND: Traditional knowledge (TK) in Ladakh encapsulates a repository of experimental wisdom cultivated over millennia. Despite this cultural wealth, dwindling interest among the younger generations in the region's age-old practices underscores the urgency to document TK. The current study investigates the diverse usage of plants in Surru, Wakha and Lower Indus valleys of Western Ladakh exploring the influence of socioeconomic and ecological factors. METHODS: A stratified random sample approach was adopted to select 540 respondents for gathering information of useful plants through interviews and questionnaires. Participant observation, questionnaires, open-ended and semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Free listing was done to create an extensive list of plants and their uses. Ethnobotanical metrics such as relative frequency of citation (RFC), relative importance index (RI), cultural value (CV) index and cultural importance (CI) index were computed to assess species applicability. Additionally, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to discern significant differences in knowledge levels based on valleys, gender, education and religion using TK as a response variable. RESULTS: Altogether, we recorded 246 plant species under various ethnobotanical uses from Western Ladakh. These include medicinal (126), fodder (124), wild ornamentals (86), food (81), fuel wood (54), dye (20), religious (31) and others (34). Novel plant reports include Berberis brandisiana Ahrendt and Dactylorhiza kafiriana Renz. The dominant plant family is Asteraceae with 35 species. Suru valley exhibits the highest number of cited plants followed by Wakha-chu and Lower Indus valleys (192, 168 and 152 species, respectively). CONCLUSION: Disparities in plant use understanding are evident among different groups, prompting further investigation through intercultural comparisons. Plants such as Arnebia euchroma, Juniperus semiglobosa, and Artemisia species emerge with cultural importance. Gender, valley affiliation, religious background and the remoteness of a village all influence local plant knowledge. These variations are linked to socioeconomic disparities among communities.

Changing aspects of traditional healthcare system in western Ladakh, India.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Sowa-rigpa system of traditional healing has been practiced from time immemorial in western Ladakh but its existence is in jeopardy today. Documentation of information on various aspects of this system such as treatment methods, materials used for medicine and socio-cultural aspects is needed to ensure the long-term survival of this system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extensive field surveys were conducted from March 2009 to June 2011 in three different Valleys of the Kargil district. Interviews with traditional healers, village heads and local people were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires and participatory observations to assess the current status of traditional medicine system. Plant specimens were collected from the field for identification and herbarium preparation which were later deposited in herbaria for future reference. RESULTS: 160 plants were recorded to be used by traditional healers of Western Ladakh. Traditional healing system (THS) is taking care of 30% of public healthcare. Only 36 traditional healers are left in this region of which 67% was found along the Wakha-chu Valley, followed by the Lower Indus Valley (17%) and the SuruValley (16%). The transfer of knowledge to the next generation is very low (25%) in Kargil. Low income and continuously deteriorating social status of healers has contributed to the decline of this system. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of interest in young generation in adopting this system may pose a threat to the survival of Sowa-rigpa. Integration of this system with the modern healthcare system and more government support may prove effective to enhance its deteriorating conditions.