By Rana Irfan Rafi
Plants have been used to treat and heal people for centuries. Humans relied on plants to heal many issues even before the invention of modern medicine for example, neem, aloe Vera, turmeric, and ginger helped clean wounds and speed up recovery. Scientists have also recognized the use of medicinal herbs for this reason. Unani and Ayurveda are two herbal system of medicine based on natural elements which were in common used in Pakistan. This knowledge has been passed down through centuries, and it is an important part of the region’s culture.
Since the requirement for herbal medicine is increasing day by day, the preservation and harvesting regulation of these medicinal plants is highly important. Over-harvesting and unregulated collection will lead to shortages and also harm the ecology. Herbal medicine has always provided mankind with cost-effective and safe ways of treating illnesses. This is because many people choose natural remedies on the grounds that they have few side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Throughout history, herbal plants have relieved many health problems. Despite the modern scientific pharmaceutical revolution, the place of herbal treatments would still be of considerable importance, and this fact cannot be denied, and therefore every effort has to be geared to ensure their sustainable use.
People that live in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush have utilized natural cures available in their natural environment. They depend on healing plants like ephedra, which is beneficial for breathing issues, and sea buckthorn, which is known to be rich in vitamins and antioxidants. These plants are only a small portion of the vast array of natural resources of the region, which forms an integral component of the traditional medicine. The community as a whole has benefitted greatly from these eco-friendly remedies and is deeply rooted within their culture due to its essential value. especially Galiyat, the Nathiagali area is well known for medicinal plants. If you visit Nathiagali, you will see, while entering Ayubia National Park, a signboard indicating information about around 70 types of medicinal plants in this region. Medicinal plants are not only used for traditional treatment, but also some people export these medicinal plants to other parts of the country as well as nearby countries. You can purchase some herbs along roadside shops too. The increasing demand for Pakistani and foreign herbal medicines is increasing. As a result, many herbal plants are being harvested without any control. This overuse is causing these plants to become rare and even endangered. This is a big problem because it harms the natural balance of mountain ecosystems. It also affects the people who depend on these plants for medicine and income. If this continues, future generations may not have access to these valuable plants. To protect them, proper harvesting methods must be used. Plants should be collected in a way that allows them to regrow. The government and environmental organizations must take steps to safeguard these natural resources. By doing so, we can preserve traditional herbal medicine and keep mountain ecosystems healthy.
Enforces strict policies and instructions for gathering medicinal plants. It is necessary to provide complete training for community members regarding practices like selective harvests, rotational harvests, and correct plant species identification. Established a protected area, ensuring their long-term survival.
Established well-equipped processing facilities in those mountain regions, provided through local communities in processing techniques, quality control measures, and packing standards. Develop value-added products such as herbal tea, extracts, ointments, and cosmetics to significantly increase the economic value of the medicinal plant.
Conduct scientific research to identify, document, and validate the medicinal properties of plants found in that region. Explore the potential for developing the innovative herbal medicines. Established marketing channels for medicinal products both domestically and internationally. Promote fair trade practices to ensure the local communities receive equitable prices for their products. Actively involve the local communities from harvesting to processing, marketing, and profit sharing.
The national program for sustainable harvesting and processing of medicinal plants would have numerous benefits. It would create new jobs and income opportunities for local communities, reducing poverty and fostering economic growth. Promote the conservation of biodiversity and protect fragile mountain ecosystems. It would enhance access to traditional and herbal medicines, contributing to improved healthcare.
It would safeguard the traditional knowledge and practices associated with medicinal plants, preserving the rich cultural heritage of mountain communities.
By investing in a sustainable future for its mountain medicines. By exploiting its natural resources, Pakistan can achieve economic growth alongside environmental protection. In order to fully partake in this groundbreaking project, local communities must be respected, empowered, and engaged with their traditional practices.
The author is associated with SDPI (Sustainable Development Policy Institute) as project assistant and can be contacted at irfanrafi@sdpi.org tweeter@ranaskt11
