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Traditional medicinal plants and beliefs system of conservation of sacred lake Prashar, Himachal Pradesh, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal 246174, Uttarakhand, India
  • 2Department of Environmental Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar-Garhwal 246174, Uttarakhand, India

Int. Res. J. Biological Sci., Volume 7, Issue (3), Pages 46-51, March,10 (2018)

Abstract

Prashar lake is situated in Himachal Pradesh, named after Parashar Rishi, one of the seven saga of Saptrishi. There are numerous cultural and traditional beliefs associated with this lake play an important role in conservation of the lake. Total 25 traditional medicinal plants were present in the Prashar lake landscape area. It was studied that most of the traditional plants have curative value to treat stomach related problems, fever, Asthma, Arthritis and Analgesic problems. The lake water is used as "Prasad" (sacrament) of the God, as lake water has high medicinal property. Water from the catchment area flows into the lake through many medicinal plants including Acorus calamus L., which accounts for medicinal properties in water. This lake reflects a holistic interaction of human and nature.

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