Ethnobotany of India, Volume 4

This volume explores the ethnobotanical aspects of the Western and Central Himalayas, providing insights into traditional plant usage and cultural practices.

This important volume delves into the ethnobotanical aspects of numerous plants found in the Western and Central Himalayas. It examines the ethnic diversity of the region's inhabitants, their traditional food plants, and the various methods of food preparation. Furthermore, it explores the ethnomedical properties of plants, the intriguing connection between psychedelic plants and the mysterious origins of soma—a revered Vedic ritual drink. The volume also highlights ethnoveterinary medicinal plants and the practices surrounding ethno-conservation and biodiversity heritage sites.

Ethnobotany of India, Volume 4 is part of a comprehensive five-volume series that focuses on the ethnobotanical knowledge specific to different regions of India. Each volume provides insights into the unique flora and fauna of its respective area, with this particular installment shedding light on the diverse ecosystem of the Western and Central Himalayas. The editors emphasize the importance of studying the plant relationships of indigenous non-Western societies, which have a rich historical context in the field of ethnobotany.

The volume is richly illustrated with color and black-and-white images, offering a detailed account of the plants utilized by local communities, including their scientific names, parts used, and applications. This thorough compilation of ethnobotanical information is invaluable for botanists, researchers, and anyone interested in the cultural significance of plants in India. The series as a whole aims to preserve and share the ancient knowledge associated with these plants while addressing the threats posed by environmental degradation to both plant and cultural diversity.