Amrita Sharma

Title : Traditional knowledge of ethno-medicinal plants, their ayurvedic concepts and religious believes for sustainability and healthy living in Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract:

Kangra valley is located in the sub Himalayan terrain of state of Himachal Pradesh in India and considered as land of Gods. It is well known for its rich biodiversity of medicinal plants. The people of the valley have great faith in efficacy of these traditional medicinal plants. The study highlights the use of 35 traditional medicinal plants of the valley used as immune-modulators for healthy living and for curing various physical and mental diseases and disorders. These plants have been described in ancient Vedic texts and Ayurvedic literature for their effectiveness and they form an integral part of their families, culture and society since ancient time. The paper also focuses on traditional uses and utilisation of these plants in day to day life, their use for religious ceremonies, rituals, prayers in Hindu religion, their correlations for community health and their connection with celestial bodies.

Biography:

Dr Amrita studied at Himachal Pradesh University Shimla and graduated as Bachelors of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery in 2006. She did Post graduate in Indian herbal pharmacology from Hoshiarpur University, Punjab. She has done M.B.A (Human resources) from PTU Jalandhar. She holds diplomas in Yoga, Naturopathy, Alternative medicine and Diet and nutrition. She is serving as a physician, life style counselor and yoga therapist past 10 years and presently working as a director of ‘Amrita’s Ayuryogavidya’ at Dharamshala dedicated for dissemination of knowledge in the field of yoga, Ayurveda and holistic health.