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Botanical Name: Vallerine Wallichii
Family : Caprifoliaceae/Valerianaceae (Valerians)
Kingdom : Plantae
Order : Dipsacales
Genus : Valeriana

Synonyms :Valeriana Hardwickii, Valeriana Himalayana
Common Names: Tagara

English Name : Indian Valerian
Gujarati Name: Tagar Ganthoda
Kannada Name:bMushkabala
Marathi Name: Tagaramool
Punjabi Name: Sugandha Bala
TamilName: Tagarai

Habitat:
Vallerine Wallichii is native to temperate Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan and Khasi Hills. It grows naturally at altitudes of 1800–3000 m in north- western Himalayas and between 1200 m and 1800 m in Assam and North-East India.

Description:
Valeriana wallichii is a hairy perennial herb herb that grows up to 50 cm high. The plant has several stems, that are 15–45 cm long. Leaves are of two types, radical and cauline. Radical leaves are cordate–ovate, 2.5–8 cm, toothed or sinuate, long stalked, while cauline leaves are few, small, entire or lobulate. Rootstock is thick, with 6–10 cm thick, long fibrous roots knotted by uneven circular ridges.
Flowers are white or tinged with pink and occur in flat-topped corymbose clusters on erect, nearly leafless peduncles. Flowers are unisexual; male and female flowers appear on different plants. Corolla is funnel shaped with five lobes. Fruits are crowned with a persistent pappus-like calyx. Flowering and fruiting occur in March–April. Seeds ripen in April–May.

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Cultivation & propagation:
Moist and partial sunny areas are found suitable for cultivation. Further moist rough wall surface provide suitable microhabitat for better growth. At lower altitude (1800- 2200m) plain beds with slight tilt (5-100C) were found suitable for cultivation unlike horizontal and ertical beds at alpine site.
Vallerine Wallichii can be propagated through seeds or by using portions of the root- stock, preferably during rainy season. It is normally advisable to raise the crop through suckers because crop raised through seeds takes more time to mature. Seeds can be collected in April–May and sown immediately in nursery.

Medicinal Uses:
Valeriana Wallichii benefits include its use in neurological, psychological, and digestive disorders. In low dosage, it calms the mind, strengthens nerves and prevents convulsions. Therefore, it is used in the treatment of disturbed sleep (insomnia), epilepsy, and paralysis. It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions. So, it is used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It acts as an appetizer, carminative and antispasmodic. So, it helps to treat abdominal pain, flatulence, gas, bloating, abdominal heaviness and loss of appetite. It also improves the strength of the heart muscles and reduces blood pressure. Therefore, it is also included in ayurvedic antihypertensive medicines.
• It calms the mind
• It corrects sleep cycle
• It supports better sleep
• It helps to reduce stress, anxiety & irritability
• It removes obstruction from the nerves. It gives relief in pain
• It is hot potency & reduces kapha
• Provides sedative & sleep enhancing properties.

Known Hazards: Tagara Side effects include hypotension, lightheadedness, hiccup, nausea, and vomiting.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:

https://www.ayurtimes.com/tagara-valeriana-wallichii/
https://www.google.com/search?q=edible+uses+of+Valeriana+Wallichii&rlz=1C1JZAP_enIN944IN944&ei=fl14Y6P8E4OPseMPjLi8gAw&ved=0ahUKEwijs-OEtrn7AhWDR2wGHQwcD8AQ4dUDCA8&oq=edible+uses+of+Valeriana+Wallichii&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQDDIFCAAQogQyBQgAEKIEMgUIABCiBDIFCAAQogQyBQgAEKIEOgcIABAeEKIESgQIQRgASgUIQBIBMUoECEYYAFAAWJ8nYPdlaABwAHgAgAHUAogBgRKSAQcwLjguMi4xmAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp
https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/valeriana-jatamansi

Botanical Name: Sanssurian lappa
Family: Asteraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Genus: Dolomiaea

Synonyms:
*Aplotaxis lappa Decne.
*Aucklandia costus Falc.
*Aucklandia lappa (Decne.) Decne.
*Dolomiaea costus
*Theodorea costus (Falc.) Kuntze

Common Names: Costus, Indian costus, Kuth, or Putchuk
Names in other languages, including ku??ha in Sanskrit; kust or qust in Arabic and Persian; kut, kur, and pachak in Hindi and Bengali, kostum, gostham, and potchuk in Tamil; upaleta and kur in Gujarati; kot or kust in Punjabi; changala in Telugu; sepuddy in Malayalam; kostha in Kannada; kuth or postkhai in Kashmiri; and kosht (???) in Hebrew; koto in Swahili; mu xiang in Chinese.

Habitat: Sanssurian lappa is native to India. It grows at elevations of 2,500 to 3,000 m (8,200 to 9,800 ft) asl in India; including the Himalayas, Kashmir, Jammu, Western Ghats, and the Kishenganga Valley.

Description:
Sanssurian lappa is a strong perennial herb with a typical growth of 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall by 1 m (3.3 ft) wide. Its outer surface appear yellowish brown – grayish brown having rough longitudinal furrows, fine netted wrinkles, and root branches. It has long lyrate leaves and heads of purple florets. The leaves take the shape of being auricled at base, with jagged, toothed patterns running down the sides of the leaves and are an average of 0.50–1.25 m (1.6–4.1 ft) long. The roots of the plant are stout and can travel up to 40 cm (16 in) in length. It has thick cylindrical roots 5-20 cm long, 1-6 cm in diameter, some with slight curve that sometimes split . Its typical flowering season spans from July to August, with the seeds ripening from August to September.

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Cultivation:
The plant is cultivated as a medicinal plant. Its growing region occurs mainly within India-Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir- its native place of origin.[17] A study by Parmaret. al. 2012 explored the effect of altitude on seed germination and survival percentage, proving that high altitudes favoured high survival and seed germination percentages.[18] This is why they thrive so abundantly in the Himalayan Region which is very mountainous. Cultivation is primarily focused upon the roots of the plants. Most of the roots are exported to China and Japan and as they serve as a big commodity for commerce in Kashmir. However, this type of trade is now being controlled by the state due to it being over-exploited. This plant has been greatly over-collected and has been placed on Appendix I of CITES
The plant can be grown in a wide variety of soils, ranging from light sandy, medium to heavy clay soils that are acid, neutral or basic, alkaline soils, preferring soils that are moist. The amount of sunlight the plant thrives upon can vary from semi-shaded (light woodland) areas or areas with no shade.

Propagation:
Low germination potential has limited the application of breeding approaches in this herb; however, promising OMICS strategies are being explored for understanding molecular networks underlying biosynthesis of industrially valuable secondary metabolites.

Medicinal Uses:
Saussurea lappa helps to treat asthma as it is an effective expectorant. It makes breathing easier by relaxing and clearing bronchiole. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and dermatitis. This herb treats many skin diseases if applied externally in the form of juice or poultice. It is effective remedy against foul smell, chronic ulcers, headache, toothache, synovitis, rheumatoid arthritis and dermatitis .

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomiaea_costus

Botanical Name: Rauwolfia Serpentina
Family: Apocynaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales
Genus: Rauvolfia
Species: R. serpentina

Synonyms:
*Ophioxylon album Gaertn.
*Ophioxylon obversum Miq.
*Ophioxylon salutiferum Salisb.
*Ophioxylon serpentinum L.
*Ophioxylon trifoliatum Gaertn.
*Rauvolfia obversa (Miq.) Baill.
*Rauvolfia trifoliata (Gaertn.) Baill.

Common Names: Indian snakeroot, Devil pepper, or Serpentine wood
English Name: Indian Snake Wood, Serpentine Wood
Hindi Name: Sarpagandha, Chandrabagha, Chota chand
Sanskrit Name: Sarpagandha, Chandarmar
Ayurvedic Name: Sarpagandha
Bengali : Chandra
Kannada: Sutranavi, Patalagondhi, Shivavabhiballi, Sarpagandhi
Malayalam: Suvapavalforiyan, Chuvanna-vilpori
Tamil : Chivan amelpodi
Indonesia: pule pandak
Telugu : Paataala goni, Paataala garuda
Urdu: Asrel
Oriya: Sanochada, Patalgarur

Habitat: Rauwolfia Serpentina is native to the Indian subcontinent and East Asia (from India to Indonesia). It grows in India in the sub-Himalayan regions up to 1,000 metres.

Description:
Rauwolfia Serpentina is a perrinal undershrub. IIt grows up to around 2 feet in height, leaves are oval present in whorl of 3 with paler green below and dark green above, tip is acuminate and base is slender and tapering.. Flowers are Irregular corymbose white flowers with violet tinge and fruits are oval and fleshy of around 1 cm long, on ripening color turns to shiny purple black. The plant has milky sap.

. The plant has milky sap.

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Medicinal Uses:
Rauwolfia Serpentina roots are used for the medicinal purposes. Its roots contain the highest amount of active substances, which are beneficial as anti-anxiety, sedative, antihypertensive, and relaxing effects.
Ayurvedic Uses:
Sarpagandha mainly works on VATA DOSHA and KAPHA DOSHA. Therefore, Sarpagandha is most suitable for individuals with VATA and KAPHA dominant symptoms. Sarpagandha may not be suitable for patients with PITTA DOSHA manifestations or should be used with a proper care if required especially with milk. For decreasing its side effects, which occurs due to its effects on the Pitta Dosha, other medicines like Mukta Pishti, Praval Pishti, Rose Flowers or Gulkand, Kushta Zamurd or Panna Pishti, Centella Asiatica, Shankhpushpi, etc. should be used along with it.
Rauwolfia serpentina, also known as Sarpagandha or Indian Snakeroot, is used in Ayurveda as a medicine for hypertension, high blood pressure (bp), anxiety, insomnia (sleeplessness), and central nervous system disorders. It is a natural and effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic Ayurvedic medicinal herb.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rauvolfia_serpentina
https://www.ayurtimes.com/rauwolfia-serpentina-sarpagandha/

Botanical Name: Podophyllum emodi
Family: Berberidaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus: Sinopodophyllum

Synonyms:
*Sinopodophyllum hexandrum
*Dysosma emodi (Wall. ex Royle) M.Hiroe
*Podophyllum emodi Wall. ex Hook.f. & Thomson
*Podophyllum hexandrum Royle
*Sinopodophyllum emodi (Wall. ex Hook.f. & Thomson) T.S.Ying

Common names:; include Himalayan may apple and Indian may apple

Habitat: Podophyllum emodi is native to Afghanistan, Bhutan, northern India, Kashmir, Nepal, Pakistan, and western China (Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan). It grows in scrub forests and alpine meadows, usually in humus rich soils, 2000 – 3500 metres in the Himalayas. Very abundant in fir forests in Kashmir.

Descriptiion:
Podophyllum emodi is a perennial herb, 15-30 (-45) cm. tall, erect, smooth, glabrous, somewhat fleshy or succulent, simple; rhizome short, horizontally creeping, scaly above, with dense thick fibrous roots; scales up to 5 cm long, 1-2 (.3) , cm broad, ovate-lanceolate, striated, pale, entire; stem scapigerous, simple, erect, terete, naked below with (1-) 2 (-3) alternate leaves above the middle and usually 1 supra axillary flower (or fruit). Leaves palmate, deeply 3 (-5) lobed; lamina (7-) 12-20 (-25) cm in diam., with petiole about as long as the lobe and somewhat swollen at base; lateral lobes obliquely ovate, sometimes 2-lobulate; middle lobe broadly elliptic and symmetrical; all lobes sharply toothed, acute to slightly acuminate, 5-12 (-15) cm long, 3-5 (-8) cm broad, sessile, coarsely veined below. Flower blooms duriing April-May. Flowers are white to pink, 2-4 (-5) cm in diam:, ± terminal in bud but becoming supra axillary later; peduncle short, elongating up to 2 (-3) cm in fruit, erect or ascending, somewhat thickened. Sepals 3, broadly oblong, caducous, petaloid. Petals (4-) 6, obovate-oblong, 2-3 cm long, 1-1.5 cm broad. Stamens usually 6, about half as long as the petals; filaments ;slightly flattened; anthers c. 3 mm long, oblong, obtuse. Berry oblong-ovoid or oblong-ellipsoid, 2-4 (-5) cm long, 1.5-2.5 cm broad, scarlet or red, pulpy, narrowed below the stigma, many seeded; ,seeds 2-3 mm in diam., obovoid or suborbicular.

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Cultivation:
Prefers a moist peaty soil and filtered light or shade. Grows well in a moist open woodland. Hardy to about -20°c, it takes some years to become established but is very long lived in a suitable habitat[130]. Young leaves may be damaged by late frosts but otherwise the plants are quite hardy. Over collection of the plant from the wild is becomimg a cause for concern as local populations are being endangered. Young plants only produce one leaf each year, older plants have 2 or 3 leaves each year. Plants in this genus have excited quite a lot of interest for the compounds found in their roots which have been shown to have anti-cancer activity. There are various research projects under way (as of 1990). The sub-species P. hexandrum chinense. Wall. has larger flowers and more deeply divided leaves.

Propagation:
Through seeds – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in a cold frame in early spring. The seed germinates in 1 – 4 months at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least 2 growing seasons. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the winter when the plants are dormant. Division in March/April.

Edible Uses:
Fruits are edible, eaten – raw. It must only be eaten when it is fully ripe. Juicy but insipid. The fruit is about 5cm long. The leaves are edible according to one report but this must be treated with some caution, see notes on toxicity below.

Mediciinal Uses:
The whole plant, but especially the root, is cholagogue, cytostatic and purgative. The plant contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). It is, therefore, a possible treatment for cancer, and has been used especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, alopecia is said to be a common side-effect of this treatment. This species contains about twice the quantity of active ingredient than P. peltatum. The roots contain several important anti-cancer lignans, including podophyllin and berberine. The roots are also antirheumatic. The root is harvested in the autumn and either dried for later use or the resin is extracted. This plant is highly poisonous and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women.

Other Uses: A medicinal resin is obtained from the plant. It is extracted with alcohol.

Known Hazards : The leaves and the roots are poisonous. Only the root is poisonous, it is more toxic than P. peltatum.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinopodophyllum
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=200008409
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Podophyllum+hexandrum

Botanical Name: Picrorhiza kurroa
Family : Plantaginaceae
Kingdom : Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Genus : Picrorhiza

Common names : Kutki, Kardi, karwi, Karu. Sanskrit names: Arishta, Anjani

Habitat: Picrorhiza kurroa is native to North-Western Himalayan region from Kashmir to Kumaun and Garhwal regions of India and Nepal. It grows in the hilly regions .

Description:
Picrorhiza kurroa is a small perennial herb. The stem is small, weak, creeping, erect at flowering, leafy, and slightly hairy. Leaves are 5–10 cm long, almost radical, sharply serrate, turning black on drying. Flowers are very small, white or pale blue purple, in dense terminal spikes. Flowering and fruiting occur from June to August. Fruit is a two-celled spherical capsule. Seeds are many, white, with an oblong curved raphae.Rhizomes are jointed and zigzag, greyish-brown, cylindrical, irregularly curved with branching and rooting at the jointed nodes.

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Cultivation:
*The plant grows well in cool and moist climate.
*Sandy clay textured soil is the best for its growth.
*It needs porous soil layers, which facilitate horizontal spreading of the rhizomes underneath, that produce aerial sprouts from the nodes.
*The plant prefers sufficiently moist and shaded locations.
*Picrorhiza kurroa is a long-duration high-altitude plant and cannot be successfully propagated under montane conditions.
*It suffers heavy mortality during prolonged and intense rains.

Propagation:
*The planting stock can initially be raised through seedlings, but can also be propagated through rhizomes/stolons/offsets.
*Seeds may be collected in August–September for raising nursery.
*Viability of seeds is more than 60% for a period of about six months.

Medicinal Uses:
Picrorhiza kurroa is an important herb in the traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic systems of medicine, used to treat liver and upper respiratory conditions. Its traditional uses include treatment of a wide range of conditions, including fevers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia and jaundice.
*Root powder of this herb is strong laxative (virechak) in nature and help to cure chronic constipation (vivandh).
*Leaf paste of the herb is applied locally to relieve burning sensation (daha).
*The leaf paste also used to treat various skin related problems (charm roga).
*This herb is also an amazing remedy for treating chronic recurrent fevers (visham jwara)

Known Hazards:
Risk Factors of, and Cautions for Picrorhiza Kurroa Excess use may cause Vomiting, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Itching. Picrorrhiza Kurroa is a plant. Picrorhiza Kurroa and Picrorhiza Scrophulariiflora are two relative of the same species. Mix 1 teaspoon each of dried Picrorhiza Kurroa root powder and Honey.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/crop-production/package-of-practices/medicinal-and-aromatic-plants/picrorhiza-kurroa