Sheikh Showkat Ahmad
Kashmir is land locked valley bounded by Great Pir-Panjal and Himalayan ranges. Kashmir is bestowed with pristine natural beauty, congenial climate, clean water streams, fragrant flowers and captive saffron fields, snow covered shining mountain peaks and lush green vegetation which makes it place to be called as Paradise on earth. Besides known for resting place to adventure and nature loving tourists worldwide, Kashmirs plant diversity is equally known for its potential value in the health as well as market sectors. The medicinal use of plants has been practiced since ancient times by Tribals and local Community of Kashmir through Unani, Siddha and Ayurvedic systems. For thousands of years the people of Kashmir are using plants for cure and treatment of sufferings and ailments, like Infection, Asthma ,Fever, Immune boosting, ,Tonics, Headache, Cough ,Toothache, Blood purifier ,Indigestion, Diarrhea ,Laxatives ,Skin diseases, Joint pains ,Antidote for snake bites etc. However some plants can cause adverse health effects, which can even prove fatal sometimes, the adverse effects are also claimed by the local people at many instances. So people must be aware about some commonly used plants in herbal and traditional remedies which can cause discomfort in some circumstances, as there are still large percentage of people who use traditional herbal practices.
Artemisia absinthium
Local name: Tethwan /Wormwood
Tradtional uses: Anti-helminthes, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, cures intestinal worms.
Side effects:The plant contains a chemical compound thujone ,which can cause discomfort when the plant is taken by mouth or applied on skin,like vomiting, headache ,muscle breakdown ,kidney failure ,stomach cramps and other complications.
Preacautions : The Pregnant and breastfeeding women, people sensitive to allergic reactions and with kidney disorders must consult the doctor before using any remedy of this plant.
Aesculus indica
Local name : Handoon /Horse chestnut.
Traditional uses: Oil extracted from seeds used to cure rheumatism, varicose veins ,pain and tiredness seeds given to horse suffering from colic, also the paste prepared from seeds and leaves used as anthelmintic to get rid from intestinal parasites .
Side effects: Toxic substance esculin present in plant in some circumstances can cause, Dizziness, Nausea, Stomach upset, Itching, and Allergic reactions. Raw horse chestnut seeds, bark and flower can cause serious poisoning which result in even death, kidney problems, Diarrhea and Paralysis.
Precautions :Pregnant and Breastfeeding women should avoid the use of horse chestnust because the poisonous esculin may result in serious complications and discomfort,and lowers blood sugar ,so people with low blood sugar ( hypoglycaemia ) should carefully check the blood sugar levels ,the people with gastrointestinal ,liver and kidney problems should avoid use of horse chestnut as it can worse it more.
It is better to always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Euphorbia helioscopa
Local name: Gursochol / Umbrella milkweed
Traditional uses: Abdominal cramps, Cholera and Eruptions,
Side effects: The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.
Precautions: There is some evidence that it might cause the uterus to contract, and this could cause a miscarriage. Should not applied on wounds it can cause blood toxicity.
Datura stramonium
Local name :Datur / Devils snare
Traditional uses :Used in rheumatism ,frost bite ,tooth ache ,tonic , In traditional medicine, it is a reputed drug in the treatment of rabid dog-bites and poisonous insect bites. The dried leaves and flowering tops are known for their narcotic and anti-spasmodic properties.
Side effects : it is likely unsafe when taken by mouth ,and can cause side effects like , dry mouth, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, trouble breathing, hallucinations, panic, and death.
Precautions :due to the toxic chemical present ,unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women,besides can cause constipation , cause rapid heartbeat,congestive heart failure ( CHF ) ,increase overheating in people with fever ,difficulty urinating ,ulcerative colitis ,stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal blockage.
5) Cannabis sativa
Local name: Bhang / hemp
Traditional uses: Used to cure ear-ache, blood purifier ,scabies and piles.Also used as haullocigenic ,sedative ,analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.
Side effects :when taken by mouth ,sprayed in mouth or inhaled can lead to a disorder canna binoid hyperemesis syndrome ,nausea ,vomiting ,drowsiness ,dizziness ,soreness and breathing problems.
Precautions: The use of cannabis should be avoided during pregnancy, breasfeeding, diabetes, depression ,liver and lung problems and surgery etc. As there are number of such plants which are used medicinally and also have toxic and poisonous aspects ,so prior by using a plant for its cure or medicine purpose the following aspects should be kept in mind.
Improper usage /dosage :The appropiate use of plant parts depends upon several factors ,such as users age,health ,post health records and several other conditions.One should keep in mind that natural plant products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important .One must follow the relevant directions of using herbal plants by a health care professional.
Allergic reactions : the allergic reactions could be external as well as internal, if after the use of any plant remedy the one experiences,rashes ,swelling ,itching ,weeping ,watery or irritated eyes ,congestion ,and tiredness or dizziness one should talk to the doctor immediately . It is often in listening from people after using any traditional herbal medicine ,that it has something powerfull inside it ,that should not be ignored at all,the allergic reactions could prove fatal.
Need for herbal toxicity testing: Toxicity causes adverse effects in living organisms, so it is of utmost necessity of toxicity testing of herbal medicines for safety and efficacy purposes. EvenIt is one of the most essential and demanding tasks for scientists and professionals working in herbal medicine development to investigate the efficacy of herbal medicine, to scrutinize adverse effects, to identify marker compounds or therapeutic agents in medicinal or botanical and to serious contaminants from herbal mixtures for their risk assessment and safety concerns.
Need for regulatory controls on herbal medicines: As still in rural and cosmopolitan areas plant remedies are extensively used ,as it is something inherited from generations about the usage of such herbal practices ,but keeping in view the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines ,there should be outreach programs ,workshops ,seminars and awareness programs regarding regulatory use of herbal plants, department of AYUSH and all other health associated authorities should take effective and sound steps towards the enhancing and authentication of traditionally used medicinal plants at local level. So it is better to always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
(The author is Ph.D. Scholar at Botanical and Environmental science department GND University Amritsar, [email protected])
