Indigenous uses of wild hemp (Cannabis sativa) by the local inhabitants in Manikaran Valley of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya

Abstract

Current study deals with the use of wild hemp by the native communities of Manikaran valley, district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh in the North Western Himalaya. Data was collected during 2015 to 2017 through various field visits, questionnaire surveys, interviews with the locals and herb practitioners in the valley. Traditionally, the communities have being using the herb as medicine for treating various ailments like, arthritis, abnormal menstrual disorder, wounds, sores, joint pain, sting pain and recorded their usage pattern. Hemp plant fibers are used for making ropes, pullan, etc. Its seeds are also used for flavoring traditional foods like Siddu/Aaksalu. Further research is needed to explore and harness the many other benefits of the herb.