Healing Hills: Medicinal Herbs of the Kashmir Himalaya

Angelica spice

The Kashmir Himalaya is a biodiversity hotspot, home to hundreds of medicinal and aromatic plants used in Ayurveda, Unani, Tibetan, and folk medicine. These herbs grow in pristine alpine meadows, high-altitude valleys, and forest belts, enriched by glacial waters and clean mountain air.

Availability of notable Himalayan Herbs and herbal teas of Kashmir

Angelica -Angelica  achangelica root benefits include supporting healthy circulation, providing general immune support, lung and respiratory health, soothing joints, and more. Angelica root tea can also aid in digestion and help alleviate occasional heartburn.

Saffron (Crocus sativus) – World-famous Kashmiri saffron from Pampore, valued for flavor, color, and medicinal benefits.

Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabinum) – A mineral-rich resin, called the "destroyer of weakness," used as a natural rejuvenator.

Saussurea costus (Kuth) – A highly prized root herb, known for respiratory and digestive benefits.

Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) – Famous for liver health and detoxification.

Aconitum heterophyllum (Atis) – A rare herb used in traditional medicine for fever and stomach disorders.

Arnebia benthamii (Gauzuban) – Known for its deep red dye and healing properties for skin ailments.

Angelica glauca (Chhur) – Used as a spice and for its medicinal properties, especially in digestive issues.

Podophyllum hexandrum (Wanwangun) – Source of anticancer compounds.

Viola odorata (Banafsha) – A soothing herb for colds, cough, and throat ailments.

Hyoscyamus niger (Ajwain Khurasani) – Used in Unani medicine for pain relief and respiratory issues.

Ferula asafoetida (Heeng] In Kashmiri households, it’s valued for its digestive properties and ability to enhance aroma.

Amorpha fruticosa, Kashmir Indigo, offers several potential benefits, including its use in folk medicine for skin conditions like eczema and for wound healing, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Inula racemosa, or Pushkarmool, is an Ayurvedic herb with benefits for the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It is used to treat cough, asthma, and bronchitis due to its expectorant properties, and can aid in improving circulation and managing heart conditions. Pushkarmool also possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, and is used in traditional medicine to address digestive issues and chronic inflammatory conditions. 

Althaea officinalis, or marshallow, has benefits for the respiratory system as an antitussive and anti-inflammatory, helpful for dry coughs and sore throats. It also supports skin health by acting as an anti-inflammatory and moisturizer for burns, bruises, and eczema. Marshmallow root can aid the digestive system by treating stomach ulcers, while its antioxidant properties are beneficial for conditions like lipemia and inflammation. 

Arctium lappa, or Greater burdock, offers benefits such as detoxification, skin health, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, supporting liver and digestive health. Traditionally, it's used for skin conditions like eczema, to clear congestion, and as a blood cleanser.

In the hospitality sector,  spices &  herbs are crucial for  enhancing  flavors, creating unique culinary experiences, and contributing  to  the  overall  ambiance of dining establishments. They are used in a variety of ways, from flavoring dishes to creating signature cocktails and even influencing the overall sensory experience.

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Encounters with wild animals: Bears, porcupines, and leopards increasingly enter villages and orchards in search of food, leading to attacks or property damage

Wild Food Project-2025

Wildlife in Kashmir

All thre Kashmir regions faces escalating human-wildlife conflict, driven by deforestation, rapid urbanization, and changing animal behavior that forces wildlife like bears and leopards into human areas for food and shelter. This has resulted in a significant increase in attacks on humans and livestock, causing fatalities, injuries, and severe psychological trauma for communities. Factors like habitat loss, human encroachment for agriculture and housing, and wildlife venturing into human settlements for food, especially during harsh winters, contribute to the rising number of dangerous encounters. 

Causes of the Conflict
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Deforestation for development, agriculture, and fuelwood has shrunk wildlife habitats, forcing animals into closer proximity with humans.

Urbanization and Population Growth: Increasing human settlements and population growth lead to more extensive encroachment on forests and wildlife territories.

Food and Water Scarcity: During harsh winters, snow forces animals to descend to lower altitudes in search of food, and in summers, they are attracted to village orchards and crops for food and water.

Behavioral Changes in Wildlife: Animals are becoming accustomed to human presence and food sources, leading them to venture into villages and even breed near settlements.

Poor Waste Management: Inefficient waste management can draw wild animals, such as bears, closer to human habitation in search of discarded food.

Consequences
Human Fatalities and Injuries: There has been an upward trend in human deaths and injuries due to animal attacks, with hundreds killed and thousands injured over the past decade.

Attacks on Livestock: Wild animals prey on livestock, causing significant economic losses for rural communities.

Fear and Psychological Impact: Communities, especially those living near conflict zones, experience persistent anxiety, fear, and mental health issues, including PTSD.

Economic and Social Disruption: Fear of attacks makes people reluctant to leave their homes, affecting daily life and community activities.

                                                                                                                                                                    Wildlife Involved

Leopards: These animals are frequently reported to roam villages, sometimes targeting livestock and even children for food.

Asiatic Black Bears: Bears have also become increasingly aggressive and frequently enter human areas, searching for fruit from orchards.

The increasing human-wildlife conflicts have troubled the villagers of Kashmir.
Our team on wildlife conflicts, while observing these wild areas, has planted wild fruit trees around the areas where there are dense forests and settlements as an effective strategy to deal with it, due to which wild animals no longer come down to the settlements and attack the residents here and thus the people in these areas have breathed a sigh of relief. In this regard, Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre has prepared of plants of various wild fruit plants including wild apple, Bird cherry, Quince, Pear,Walnut & Hazel trees and we distribute these plants free of cost among the people living in the wild areas and these plants act as a border line between wild animals and settlements.

Hazelnuts for Every Kitchen – Fresh Stock Available Now

Hazel farming in India

Availability : Fresh  Hazel Fruit 

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(Pacakages : 10,20,50 kg)

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How Elderberry Cultivation Can Boost Kashmir’s Herbal Economy

By: Ginkgo GULZAR

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra and Sambucus canadensis) is a medicinally valuable plant, widely known for its immune-boosting, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Globally, elderberry is used in syrups, jams, nutraceuticals and herbal medicine market,  especially regions like Jammu & Kashmir. 

In India, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Mahrashtra and other  regions has strong potential for elderberry cultivation.

The elderberry supplements market is expected to register immense growth, at USD 1.45 billion in 2025 and slated to rise to USD 3.42 billion in 2035.

Superfruit Economy

The  elderberry market is growing rapidly, fueled by increasing health awareness and demand for its nutritional benefits, especially for immune health and its use in functional foods and beverages.

RelianceRetail Limited is a major importer, and cultivation is also on the rise, although the market still relies on imported elderberries to meet the growing domestic and export demand. Key drivers include rising consumer demand for natural supplements, the incorporation of elderberries into various health products like tonics, functional beverages, and skincare, and growing e-commerce infrastructure.

Key Factors Driving the Market
Increased Health Awareness: A growing concern for immune health among Indian consumers is a significant driver for elderberry products.

Nutritional Benefits: Elderberries are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids, making them popular for their immune-boosting properties.

Functional Foods and Beverages: Elderberries are increasingly being used in health tonics, wellness shots, juices, and teas, expanding their reach in the food and beverage sector.

Growing E-commerce: The expansion of e-commerce platforms in India is making elderberry products more accessible to consumers.

Sustained Demand for Natural Ingredients: There is a strong and growing preference for natural ingredients and alternatives to synthetic supplements, which elderberry fulfills.

Market Dynamics in India
Imports Lead the Way: Major players like Reliance Retail Limited are significant importers, indicating a current reliance on external sources to meet demand.

Cultivation on the Rise: Despite imports, successful elderberry farming is also developing in India, suggesting a potential future for domestic supply.

A Profitable Herbal Venture in Kashmir

Export Potential: India is also becoming a significant supplier of elderflower and berry extracts for global markets, demonstrating a dual role as an importer and a growing supplier.

Challenges and Opportunities
Competition: The market faces competition from other superfruits and herbal remedies.

Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to regulations and maintaining quality control are crucial factors for market growth.

Future Outlook: The market has a promising future, with ongoing research expected to uncover new applications for elderberries in various industries.

Cultivation and Availability in Kashmir

Cultivation is growing: Due to the high nutritional value of the berries.
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre in Kashmir is successfully cultivating elderberries, and seeds and frozen berries are available from suppliers within the region.

The term "elderberry" can refer to several species within the genus Sambucus, Sambucus nigra (black elderberry) being a popular variety that can be grown in Kashmir.

Elderberries are found in Kashmir.
Although the famous black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) may not be native to all regions, the genus Sambucus has a wide variety of species found throughout the world, including Jammu and Kashmir.

The term "elderberry" can be associated with specific non-native varieties, leading to the misconception that it is not found in Kashmir at all. We have plants and seeds of all three types of berries available, including 1.Sambucus nigra, 2, Sambucus wightiana 3, Sambucus canadensis.

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For more details :- 

Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre

PO Box No 40, GPO, Srinagar, Kashmir-JK 190001

Ph : 0195-131 0874

WhatsApp :  9858986794

Email : jkmpic@gmail.com

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Organic Mulethi Seeds: Profitable Medicinal Farming Opportunity”

Mulethi farming in Kashmir

The mulethi (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra) market is growing steadily, driven by demand in herbal medicine, Ayurveda, nutraceuticals, confectionery, and cosmetics.

Availability : 50,100,500 & 1000 seeds pkt

(Root/Plants also available)

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