THE REAL MONEY PLANTS

Herbal Plants for Commerce  

"Can the  herbal plants suppressed in the unsullied beauty of the Himalayas establish Nepal as the potential Herbal Hub of the Globe?"

Nature has been so kind in blessing our country with so much of diversity in every aspect, be it culture or tradition or flora or fauna; every aspect. With only 0.03%  area of the world and 0.3% of Asia, Nepal surprisingly stands out being the 11^th richest country among Asian countries and 25^th richest country in the world in terms of biodiversity. Besides being blessed with such treasure, we as a country have not been able to use it for the genesis of our economy. Nepal Trade Integration Strategy-2016 recognized Nepalese herbs as huge potential export of the country. At a time when it seems that Nepal does not have much to export except its manpower to Arabian Gulf, we should take a time to realize and research about the immense potential of Nepalese herbs to secure notable export earning and contribute to the national GDP of the country. As a part of such research, below is list of top 5 medicinal plants whose extracts and valuable products can be used as the best exports of the country: 

1.Red Mushroom (रातो च्याउ)
   Scientific name: Ganoderma lucidum
   Locality: 2500-3500m
   Flowering and fruiting: May-July
   Parts used:  Whole thallus

Uses: It strengthens immunity power and promotes stamina. Gives relief against allergy, anxiety and assists blood circulation and respiratory system. Lab studies suggest  that it may help to stop the growth and  spread of cancerous cells.

2.Morel Mushroom (गुच्ची च्याउ)
   Scientific Name: Morchella conica

   Locality: 3000-4000m
   Flowering and fruiting: May-June
   Parts used: whole thallus

Uses: A nutritious vegetable used as soup . During or after fever and paste on wound. Useful in healing the cuts ulcers and colitis.

3.Orchid ( पाँचऔंले)

   Scientific Name: Dactylorhiza hatagirea

   Locality:2800-4000m

   Flowering and fruiting: June-July

   Parts used: Tubers

Uses: Tubers are used as tonic. They are expectorant, astringent, demulcent and highly nutritious also used in urinary troubles.

4.Cordyceps(यार्शागुम्बा)

   Scientific Name: Cordyceps sinensis

   Locality: 3000-4500m

   Flowering and fruiting: April-July

   Parts used: Whole plant

Uses: Tonifies lungs and kidneys along with treating chronic cough and asthma. Produces energy against weakness after long impotency.

  5.Wild Garlic (वन लसुन)

Scientific Name: Allium wallichi

Locality: 2400-4600m

Flowering and fruiting: Aug-sept

Parts used: Fibrous and leaves

Uses: Stimulant and flavoring materials to various recipes.

These are some of the representatives medicinal plants that have remained unrecognized as the source of national income generation. We are at that phase of time when, Nepal's foreign trade is mainly dependent on its giant neighbors with whom it suffers huge deficit. So, it becomes a challenge as well as a responsibility for Nepalese youths to indulge in discovering the ideas of income generation that will possibly help our country to uplift an independent economy by utilizing its resources.