The knowledge about the medicinal properties of various plants was accumulating throughout the history. With the development of chemical and biological sciences, the medicinal properties of various plants were proven and scientifically justified. However, the use of plants also began to wane while developing of pharmaceutics with its synthesized highly active drugs. Ultimately, such drugs affecting the manifestation of certain diseases and improving general condition, in most cases have parallel negative effects on other organs and systems.

In turn, the use of medicinal plants in the form of infusions and decoctions is not bringing harmful effects to organism. However, the plants should be harvested and dried in a certain way, to keep it beneficial effect. Terms and conditions of storage also plays an important role. Nevertheless, we should remember that they should be used only in certain diseases (in consultation with your doctor), and mostly mild currents.

We use mainly 118 wild-growing and garden plants (described in a book of Dr. Davlatmamadov Shirinbek “Набототи дармонбахши Бадахшон ва истифодабарии онхо”) growing on Pamirs. Badakhshan is a remote region and access to modern health services is limited for the majority. In such conditions, usage of medicinal plants becomes a real alternative.

Herbal program of Ishkashim Voluntary School in the field of herbal and traditional medicine was created to convey this valuable knowledge to the younger generation.

Seminars and workshops, trained young people from the local community how to collect, dry and storage plants; methods for the preparation of infusions and decoctions. Particular emphasis was madeon sustainable development and prevention of damage to the ecosystem.