50 Medicinal Plants of Nepal Highly Liked by Chinese People ~ NepalAyurveds.com

Ayurvedic Herbs Of Nepal, CORDYCEPS SINENSIS, यारसागुम्बा ,Yarsa Gumba

From the Centuries, Nepal and China shared social, cultural, and economic ties through the trans-Himalayan silk route. This connection included the exchange of medicinal knowledge and plants. Over time, the trade of medicinal plants from Nepal to China has increased, especially with the growth of Tibetan medicine and pharmaceutical standards. Tibetan medicine, practiced in Himalayan regions like Bhutan, Nepal, and India, relies on medicinal ingredients from neighboring countries.

Nepalese medicinal plants have been exported for many years, primarily to India and China. With the industrialization of traditional medicine, these plants are now in high demand globally. More than 2,300 plant species from Nepal have medicinal value, and around 300 are traded and exported. The government protects about 39% of these plants to ensure sustainable harvesting. These plants play a significant role in the traditions and culture of Pan-Himalayan people, serving various purposes, including household activities, religious rituals, and medicinal uses.

Despite the importance of the trade in medicinal plants, there is no comprehensive list of species traded from Nepal to China. Recent studies estimate around 17 species, combining historical and contemporary trade information. The medicinal plant processing industry in Nepal is also experiencing continuous growth.

Ayurvedic Herbs Of Nepal, IRIS DECORA, पद्म पुष्कर, Padma Pushkar

Lists of 50 Medicinal Plants Exported From Nepal To China

1. Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J. L. Stewart) Rech. f.: Known for its antioxidant properties, it aids in maintaining skin health and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Panax pseudoginseng Wall.: Used in traditional medicine for its potential cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits, it's considered a valuable adaptogen.

3. Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle: Known for its anti-aging properties, it's believed to enhance vitality and boost the immune system.

4. Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All.: Used traditionally for its anti-diabetic properties, it may help regulate blood sugar levels.

5. Asparagus racemosus Willd.: Known for its benefits to the female reproductive system, it's used in Ayurveda to balance hormones.

6. Artemisia indica Willd.: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, often used to alleviate digestive issues.

7. Berberis aristata DC.: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it's used in traditional medicine to address various infections.

8. Berberis asiatica Roxb. ex DC.: Used for its potential liver-protective properties and in traditional remedies for jaundice.

9. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz.: Valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it's used in traditional medicine for respiratory issues.

10. Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC.: Recognized for its calming properties, it's used to reduce stress and improve sleep.

11. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.: Known for its detoxifying properties, it's used in traditional medicine to cleanse the digestive system.

12. Terminalia chebula Retz.: Exhibits antioxidant properties and is believed to support digestive health.

13. Saussurea gossipiphora D.Don: Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, it's used in traditional medicine for joint and muscle issues.

14. Rhodiola crenulata (Hook.f. & Thomson) H. Ohba: An adaptogen believed to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue.

15. Herpetospermum pedunculosum (Ser.) C. B. Clarke: Traditionally used for its diuretic properties and to address urinary issues.

16. Juniperus indica Bertol.: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it's used for respiratory and urinary tract issues.

17. Shorea robusta Gaertn.: The resin is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

18. Elaeocarpus angustifolius Bl.: Traditionally used for skin issues and believed to have antioxidant properties.

19. Elaeocarpus lanceifolius Roxb.: Known for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits, it's used traditionally for skin ailments.

20. Hippophae salicifolia D. Don: Rich in vitamins, it's valued for its potential immune-boosting properties.

21. Hippophae tibetana Schltdl.: Known for its antioxidant benefits, it's used in traditional medicine for overall well-being.

22. Ephedra gerardiana Wall. ex Klotzsch & Garcke Garcke: Traditionally used for respiratory issues and as a stimulant.

23. Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don.: Believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, it's used in traditional medicine for respiratory health.

24. Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.: Known for its potential immune-modulating properties, it's used as a tonic.

25. Gentiana urnula H. Smith: Traditionally used for digestive issues and believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

26. Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham.ex C.B. Clarke: Valued for its bitter taste, it's used traditionally for digestive health.

27. Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H.Sung, J.M.Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora: Highly prized in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits.

28. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.: Traditionally used for its aphrodisiac properties and believed to enhance vitality.

29. Crocus sativus L.: Saffron, known for its antioxidant and mood-regulating properties.

30. Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees: Used for its aromatic bark, believed to have digestive and antimicrobial benefits.

31. Machilus odoratissima Nees; Syn: Persea odoratissima (Nees) Kosterm.: Traditionally used for respiratory issues and as a spice.

32. Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.: Known for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

33. Fritillaria cirrhosa D.Don: Traditionally used for respiratory issues and believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

34. Lycopodium japonicum Thunb. ex Murray; Syn: Lycopodium clavatum var. wallichianum Spring: Used traditionally for skin ailments.

35. Paris polyphylla Sm.: Traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

36. Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers.: Morel mushroom, valued for its unique taste and potential health benefits.

37. Brachycorythis obcordata (Lindl.) Summerh.: Orchid with potential traditional medicinal uses.

38. Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soó; Synonyms: Orchis hatagirea D.Don; Orchis latifolia var. indica Lindl.: Believed to have aphrodisiac properties and used traditionally for vitality.

39. Dendrobium nobile Lindl.: Orchid used traditionally for its potential medicinal properties.

40. Gastrodia elata Blume: Known for its potential neuroprotective properties.

41. Everniastrum nepalense (Taylor) Hale ex Sipman; Synonyms: Hypotrachyna nepalensis (Taylor) Divakar; Parmelia nepalensis Taylor: Lichen with potential antimicrobial benefits.

42. Phyllanthus emblica L.; Syn: Emblica officinalis Gaertn.: Amla, rich in vitamin C, valued for its antioxidant benefits.

43. Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell; Syn: Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Pennell) D. Y. Hong: Known for its potential liver-protective properties.

44. Rheum australe D. Don: Rhubarb, traditionally used for digestive issues.

45. Embelia ribes Burm. F: Believed to have anthelmintic properties and used traditionally for intestinal parasites.

46. Delphinium himalayae Munz; Syn: Delphinium himalayense Chowdhury ex Mukerjee: Delphinium species with potential traditional uses.

47. Delphinium denudatum Wall. ex. Hook. f. & Thomson: Believed to have anti-inflammatory benefits and used in traditional medicine.

48. Aconitum palmatum D. Don; Syn: Aconitum bismma (Buch.-Ham.): Traditionally used cautiously for its potential toxicity.

49. Ziziphus xiangchengensis Y.L. Chen and P.K. Chou; Syn: Ziziphus budhensis K.R. Bhattarai and Pathak: Known for its potential antioxidant properties.

50. Argentina lineata (Trevir.) Soják: Synonyms: Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook.; Potentilla fulgens Wall.: Traditionally used for digestive issues.

51. Rubia manjith Roxb. ex Fleming: Madder plant, traditionally used for its red dye and potential medicinal properties.

52. Zanthoxylum armatum DC.: Known for its potential antimicrobial and digestive benefits.

53. Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.: Soapnut, traditionally used for cleaning and potential skin benefits.

54. Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.: Valued for its potential anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, used in traditional medicine.

Ayurvedic Herbs Of Nepal ACONITUM FEROX बीख BIKHA

Initiating the Medicinal Plant Trade to Tibet: Historical Milestones

The historical exchange of medicinal plants between Nepal and Tibet, dating back to the eighth century, is a fascinating tale of cross-border trade and cultural interactions. In the early days, traditional doctors from diverse regions were invited to an International Medical Symposium in Tibet, laying the foundation for the unification of traditional medicine practices.

Tibetan medicine, deeply rooted in the Himalayan landscape, relies on raw materials sourced domestically and cross-border. The rich biodiversity of Nepal, with its altitudinal range, provided a plethora of medicinal plants, forming an integral part of Tibetan pharmacopeia. The trade routes across the trans-Himalayas witnessed the exchange of vital medicinal ingredients like Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica.

These trading practices continued through challenging terrains and weather conditions, with caravans transporting not only medicinal plants but also other goods, contributing to the economic and cultural ties between Nepal and Tibet. The centuries-old tradition of medicinal plant trade endured into the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, contributing to Nepal's foreign earnings.

The barter system between Nepal and Tibet, driven by the unique biodiversity of the Himalayan region, exemplifies the intricate web of resource management and cultural exchange. Today, the historical legacy of medicinal plant trade serves as a testament to the enduring ties between these two regions, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Himalayan trade and tradition.

Ayurvedic Herbs Of Nepal BRACHYCORYTHIS OBCORDATA गाम्डोल, Gamdol

Nepal's Medicinal Plants: Trade Insights with China

From ancient times, Nepal traded 54 medicinal plant species to China. These plants belong to different families, with Orchidaceae having the most species. Most of the plants are herbs, trees, and shrubs. About 80% of these plants grow in the wild in Nepal, while 15% are both wild and cultivated. Two are exotic cultivars, and one is a native cultivar.

Medicinal plant exports From Nepal To other countries

Nepal sends a lot of special plants to China, and they are very important. One of these plants is called Yarsagumba, which is also known as Himalayan Viagra. Yarsagumba is a special caterpillar fungus found in the high Himalayas and Tibetan plateaus. People in China really like it, and they use it in their medicine. It's so popular that a small piece of this fungus-caterpillar, even smaller than a gram, can cost as much as 50 USD in China! That's more expensive than gold! Because so many people want it, this special plant is in danger, and it's important to protect it. China buys about 700 tons of medicinal plants from Nepal every year, and these plants are worth more then 4 million USD. India imported 4000 tons worth USD 4.5 million, while other countries imported 400 tons worth USD 1.5 million.

Why Chinese Demands Nepalese Medicinal Plants?

The demand for Nepalese medicinal plants in China has seen a notable surge, driven by various factors that extend beyond the realms of traditional Tibetan medicine. Two significant aspects contributing to this heightened demand are the industrialization of Tibetan medicine and the broader market for Nepalese medicinal plants in China.

1, Tibetan Medicine's Industrial Revolution

Tibetan medicine, once suppressed, experienced a revival in China post-1975. The government's interest in preserving local culture and serving rural health needs led to the integration of Tibetan medicine with biomedicine. Initiatives like international conferences, modern codification, and GMP certification propelled its modernization during the 1980s and 1990s. The state-sponsored revitalization expanded Tibetan medicine, with an emphasis on profit and market growth since the early 2000s. China, with over 280 Tibetan medicine hospitals, dominates Asia's market, generating millions in sales. The industrialization of Tibetan medicine extended its reach to neighboring countries and beyond, fostering the spread of Tibetan medical practices and traditions. The demand surge, influenced by altitude-specific medicinal qualities, has driven the trade of medicinal plants, with Nepal being a significant supplier for the Tibetan medicine industry.

2, Nepal's Medicinal Plants: Expanding Presence in China Beyond Tibetan Medicine

China's interest in Nepalese medicinal plants goes beyond supplying raw materials to the modern Tibetan Medicine Industry. The globalization of the medicinal plant trade has sparked a surge in demand. These plants are valued for their use in herbal curative systems with minimal side effects. The burgeoning herbal market, coupled with modern technologies, fuels this demand.

China, being the top exporter and the fourth importer globally, has Nepal as its fourth major exporter. China's economic growth and rising per capita income have shifted consumer behavior towards herbal medicine. Despite challenges like transportation costs and regulations, bilateral agreements are being explored to ensure sustainable trade in Himalayan medicinal plants, fostering equitable benefit-sharing.

Final words

For many years, Nepal has been sharing its special plants with Tibet, and now, there's more trade with China. These plants are not only used for medicine but also for making things like cosmetics, flavors, and gifts. The trade has grown because of the interest in herbal medicine, which is natural and has fewer side effects.

This trade is also helping Nepal's economy. With modern technology and better ways to transport things, Nepalese plants are reaching more places. Nepal and China are working together to make sure this trade is sustainable and fair. They are looking into growing more plants that people want, protecting the environment, and following rules for trade.

Nepal is becoming more connected with China, making it easier to trade these special plants. This helps Nepal's economy grow and gives more opportunities for everyone.

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