Feature Article

My experiences with herbal plants & drugs as I knew XXII :
Treatment with Minerals and Animal organs by
Amchis in Ladakh and Shilajeet

N. C. Shah

Abstract

The Amchies in Ladakh  use various herbs, minerals mainly Shilajeet and animal and human organs like dried heart and blood. Mainly, in this article, Shialajeet (Asphaltum) with its distribution in India and Ladakh. its different kinds, and different names are given..  Momian, (Arabic name) its origin and history in Arab and Soviet Russia is discussed. The chemical constituents, pharmacology and the theory of its origin whether it is a plant or  animal product, its various uses are discussed. It is suggested that chemical and pharmacological research on Shilajeet collected from different parts of the country and other parts of the country may be worked out to standardize it as it is an official Ayurvedic and Unani drug.

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Founder & Ex. Director,
Herbal Research & Development institute,
Uttarakhand  & Retd. Head Botany & Pharmacognosy Division, CIMAP (CSIR)
Founder Secretary. cum Treasurer, Society of Ethnobotanist (lndia).
MS-78, Sector-D, Aliganj, Lucknow-226024
E-mail: shahncdr@gmail.com ; drnshah@sancharnet.in;