This publication contains comprehensive pictorial illustrations and descriptions of 116 high altitude medicinal plants that are used in the unique Bhutanese traditional medical system. It briefy describes the g.so-ba-rig-pa and botanical names, family, habitat, distribution within Bhutan including the altitude ranges, part used and the uses of individual medicinal plants.

These descriptions are supported by the plant photographs. Thus, this book is truly an illustrated guide for feld identifcation and practical use. However, this book does not cover all the high altitude medicinal plants that are currently used in the formulation of Bhutanese traditional medicines. Those medicinal plants which were botanically unidentifed and that have discrepancy in botanical names are omitted in this book.

The medicinal plants described in this book were frst identifed by the Drungtshos based mainly on the g.so-ba-rig-pa text called “dri-med-zhel-gong-zhel-phreng” and their feld experiences. These plants were then botanically identifed by the experts of Forestry Training Institute, Taba in 1990s. Ms. Rebecca Pradhan, Divisional Forest Offcer Mr. Sonam Tshering and Dr. Lungten were fully involved. Some of the species were later identifed by the Experts from Kew Garden, UK. Besides, various other literatures especially Tibetan books on medicinal plants, Flora of Bhutan and the Flowers of Himalaya have been exhaustively referred, thus making the plants more authentic and error-free in their identifcation and illustration.

This book is divided into three main sections: Introduction, presentation of individual plant, and glossary of g.so-rig and bio-medical terms. The introduction captures the classifcation 6 of medicinal plants, their collection and utilization, and also the sustainability issues. Index of g.so-rig and botanical names are given at the last along with the page number and this should guide the users into the plant of their interests. I hope that this book will be handy and useful to students, teachers, herbalists, researchers and others who are interested in knowing about the medicinal plants of Bhutan. This book will also serve as the reference document.

Not a homeopathic text though of interest because of the plants used.

Aconite laciniatum, Arcticum lappa, Aster neoelegans, Berberis aristata, Carum carvi, Cordyceps sinensis, Rheum, and many more.

Papervback 156 pages colour photographs