A Compendium of Medicinal Plants in Nepal

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. (a) Division mycophyta. (b) Division Lichene. (c) Division Bryophyta. (d) Division Pteridophyta. 3. Division gymnospermae. 4. Division monocotyledonae. 5. Division dycotyledonae. Reference. Indexes: i. Families. ii. Botanical names. iii. Synonyms. iv. Vernacular names. v. English names. vi. Useful botanical terms. vii. Medical terms used in the book.

"Herbal medicine is an age-old practice. Nonetheless, with only 10 percent of the earth's estimated 250,000 species of higher plants considered medicinal, and the lower plants still unexplored, plants will continue to be the sleeping giant of drug development, and serve mankind in the days to come.

Nepal Himalaya--a sacred heaven of potent medicinal plants, and Nepal--rich in traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Amchi, Unani, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, etc. relies heavily on plants for medication. In addition, the plant-based medicinal knowledge acquired in Nepali villages from the forefathers and own experiences is also a valuable asset of mankind.

In this context, where documenting such scattered information and their dissemination to the appropriate audience is essential, it is also a challenge, especially when these information continue to swell up with time. Despite a few publications on this topic, a huge compilation of this kind had, therefore been long awaited in Nepal. The present compendium, which includes plants--indigenous or exotic of high growth potential, and having medicinal uses of one or other kind, serves as a repository of knowledge for those wishing to pursue works on this topic. Inclusion of a large number of Nepali and English names of plants, and the brief meaning of medical terms have added value to this book. The authors who are rightly placed to document work of this kind deserve appreciation for their tiresome work."