The wild edibles like fruits, berries and herbs growing in abundance in Central Himalayan forests, limited to consumption by locals in their traditional recipes to a small extent, are now being acknowledged by scientists as a reservoir of nutrients including proteins, fat, calcium, iron, minerals and carbohydrates.
The wild edibles- many of which are found in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, are now being seen as health boosters with many even holding key as powerful preventive or curative agents for treatment or management of ailments like cancer, jaundice, tuberculosis, diabetes, fever and skin ailments.
Observers point out that if serious efforts are undertaken to train the locals in processing fruits and herbal products, the wild edibles could prove effective not only in helping people lead a healthy life but also stem exodus of local youth in search of employment and bring prosperity to the otherwise impoverished regions.
Various studies conducted by G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED), Srinagar (Garhwal) on the Himalayan flora have revealed that curative powers were hidden in a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs growing and largely going waste in the high altitude forests of Uttarakhand.
In fact these wild edibles can not only prove beneficial in treating common ailments but some of these could even be processed to provide treatment for serious diseases.
The research conducted by the institute in Kedar valley, Pinder valley, Niti, Mana areas spanning many years, has revealed that fruits with various beneficial properties include Bel (Aegel marmelos), kingore (Berberis asiatica), Gewain (Elaeagnus latifolia), Ames (Hippophae rhamnoides), Kimu (Morus serralt), Kafal (Myrica nagi), Timla (Ficus ariculata), Semal (Bombax), lingra (Diploplazium esculentum), Hinsul (Rubus ellipticus), Bhamora (Benthamidia capitata), Khaina (Ficus Semicordata), Shedum (Rosa webbiana), lingra (Diploplazium esculentum) and Amara (Spondia pinnata) among others.
Most of these fruits area found in the Himalayan region at altitudes ranging from 500 to 3000 metres. According to GBPIHED scientist in-charge Dr Rakesh K Maikhuri, who is involved in bioprospecting for sustainable livelihood development project for the past decade, the institute has linked the local people with its project to boost employment in the region as well.
The hill folks are now being trained to process these forest products into Jams, jelly, chutneys, pickles, preserves and other such products, Dr Maikhuri said, adding that many scientists were researching upon the utilisation of Himalayan flora.
He stressed that these fruits, now going waste in the forests, could prove very beneficial for human healthcare. Quoting the Ayurvedic adage ‘no plant is bereft of medicinal goodness’, Dr Maikhuri averred that with proper application, some of these can even cure the “untreatable” diseases.
