Keeping Healthy in Your Skin—Plants and Fungi Used by Indigenous Himalayan Communities to Treat Dermatological Ailments

Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study was to identify the medicinal plants used by the indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Himalayas to treat dermatological diseases. Several field trips were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020–2021 to collect the plants of dermatological value and information about their use through open-ended semi-structured interviews (n = 53) and group discussions (n = 33). The current investigation found 64 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 families commonly used to treat a variety of dermatological ailments. The main growth form was herbs (80%), followed by trees (8%) and ferns (6%). It was found that leaves (51%) were the most commonly used plant part, followed by roots and the whole plant. Wound healing was the most dominant application, with 18 plant species used, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species and skin boils by eight plant species. Out of the total (18%) of medicinal plants with cosmetic uses, i.e., roots of Jurinea dolomiaea, Rheum webbianum, and Rheum spiciforme were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste is applied topically for glowing skin. Among the various preparation methods, paste (38%) was the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (29%) and infusion (9%). Between ethnic groups, the maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjar people live in the same geographical location, and they graze their animals in pastures, practice extensive transhumance pastoralism, and pass through different ecological landscapes, thus having sufficient experiences with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The species identified with the highest utilization based on the number of citations and use value included Ficus carica, Cichorium intybus, Euphorbia wallichii, Pinus wallichiana, Plantago major, Jurinea dolomiaea, and Artemisia absinthium. The findings of this study demonstrate that people who reside in the Northwestern Himalayas region still rely on medicinal plants.


Introduction
Ethnodermatology is a branch of Ethnobiology that deals with the identification and management of skin conditions and infections, as well as skincare and aesthetics in ethnically diverse populations [1]. The serious systemic diseases that develop as complex in inexpensive treatments has encouraged them to reconsider the potential of alternatives [16]. The aim of the current research was to contribute to an improved understanding of wild ethnomedicinal plant uses to treat dermatological disorders from the remote area (administrative district "Kupwara") of Kashmir Himalayas. The main objectives of the study are (a) the collection of the medicinal plants used in the treatment of dermatological disorders; (b) to enlist the administration of different disease categories; (c) to record the medicinal plants used to treat dermatological disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demographic Status of Informants
A total of 86 informants were interviewed, all of whom followed Islam. Among them, male respondents had more knowledge about medicinal plants than female informants. Of the 86 informants, 58 were men, and the remaining 28 were women informants ( Table 1). Most of the selected interviewees were illiterate, and a few had higher education. The informants were selected using snowball sampling based on their traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants to cure various diseases. In order to ensure the validity of traditional knowledge, an ongoing relationship with the local residents was maintained throughout the survey course. The informants above the age of 50-60 years were more knowledgeable. Other writers had similar findings [17][18][19][20]. Most of the participants also shared other experiences using medicinal plants. Dissemination of traditional knowledge was threatened because the younger generation had little interest in learning and had little knowledge of medicinal plants.

Diversity of Medicinal Plants Used
The present study reported 64 species of medicinal plants used by local people to treat dermatological ailments. A detailed description of the therapeutic flora used to treat dermatological ailments is recorded in Table 2. These plant species were known for phytochemicals like alkaloids, phenols, terpenes, flavonoids, lactins, and saponins which might explain their efficacy in treating dermatological disorders [21][22][23]. In the study area, people mostly visit the high altitudes in the summers along with their cattle, where no medical facilities are available. This is why people use these medicinal plants to treat dermatological disorders. [24] reported 111 plant species from District Kayunga Uganda, and [25][26][27] reported 25 and 36 plant species from Jammu and Kashmir, respectively.    The main growth habit of the used species was herbs (80%), followed by trees (8%), ferns (6%), shrubs (4%), and fungi (2%) (Figure 1). The reason behind the use of herbs might be the presence of a high content of bio-active compounds [26] and a higher efficacy than other plant parts [27]. Herbs are the primary component of forest ecosystems and are easily available in nature [28]. The plants belonged to 34 families, with Asteraceae (11 species) being the most dominant, followed by Lamiaceae (five species), Boraginaceae, and Caryophyllaceae (four species each). Other important families in the study area were Ranunculaceae (three species), Araceae, Amaranthaceae, Balsaminaceae, Pteridaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Polygonaceae, and Rosaceae (two species each), while the remaining 21 families were monotypic. The present study results aligned with previous studies where Asteraceae has been reported as the dominant medicinal plant family in various other study regions [29][30][31].  Table 2, each species' full name is displayed.  Table 2, each species' full name is displayed.

Plant Parts Used as Medicine
It was found that leaves (n = 32, 51%) were the most commonly used plant parts, followed by roots and the whole plant (n = 12, 19%), the whole plant (n = 6, 9%), seeds (n = 5, 8%), latex (n = 4, 6%), tuber (n = 2, 3%), and fruits and flowers (n = 1, 2% each) ( Figure 2). Consistent with current research, it is reported that leaves were the main part used to cure ailments in various previous studies [32,33]. The reason behind the frequent use of leaves may be that the leaves are the center of photosynthesis and other metabolic activities, so most of the metabolites are formed in the leaves [34,35]. In addition, it is easy to collect and prepare medicines from leaves instead of other parts of the plant. It has been reported that the consumption of leaves is a sustainable collection of medicinal plants because there is no need to uproot the whole plant, so this use increases the protection of medicinal plants [36,37]. As a result of the indigenous population's reliance on foraged plants for their daily diet, various plant sections are favored depending on how they can be used. Employing leaves and aerial components is also considered sustainable and safe [37]. Local shepherds, herbalists, and herbal drug dealers, as well as other ethnic groups, frequently prefer to utilize or trade the roots of plants for medicinal purposes [38]. Roots are also known to possess a good concentration of bioactive substances [39]. Overharvesting subsurface components or entire plants should be discouraged, especially for vulnerable species, since this practice results in eradication and a decline in the plant's position in the wild [40,41]. Roots are often the most favored part of plants as they often comprise a higher concentration of bioactive constituents [42][43][44].

Plant Parts Used as Medicine
It was found that leaves (n = 32, 51%) were the most commonly used plant parts, followed by roots and the whole plant (n = 12, 19%), the whole plant (n = 6, 9%), seeds (n = 5, 8%), latex (n = 4, 6%), tuber (n = 2, 3%), and fruits and flowers (n = 1, 2% each) ( Figure  2). Consistent with current research, it is reported that leaves were the main part used to cure ailments in various previous studies [32,33]. The reason behind the frequent use of leaves may be that the leaves are the center of photosynthesis and other metabolic activities, so most of the metabolites are formed in the leaves [34,35]. In addition, it is easy to collect and prepare medicines from leaves instead of other parts of the plant. It has been reported that the consumption of leaves is a sustainable collection of medicinal plants because there is no need to uproot the whole plant, so this use increases the protection of medicinal plants [36,37]. As a result of the indigenous population's reliance on foraged plants for their daily diet, various plant sections are favored depending on how they can be used. Employing leaves and aerial components is also considered sustainable and safe [37]. Local shepherds, herbalists, and herbal drug dealers, as well as other ethnic groups, frequently prefer to utilize or trade the roots of plants for medicinal purposes [38]. Roots are also known to possess a good concentration of bioactive substances [39]. Overharvesting subsurface components or entire plants should be discouraged, especially for vulnerable species, since this practice results in eradication and a decline in the plant's position in the wild [40,41]. Roots are often the most favored part of plants as they often comprise a higher concentration of bioactive constituents [42][43][44].  Table 2 displays each species' complete name.

Mode of Preparation
The method of administration of herbal medicines used to treat dermatological ailments includes cooking, decoction, infusion, juice, paste, powder poultice, and oil. Among the various preparation methods, paste (n = 25, 38%) is the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (n = 19, 29%), infusion (n = 6, 9%), cooked (n = 5, 8%), juice (n = 4, 6%), powder (n = 3, 5%), decoction (n = 2, 3%), and oil (n = 1, 2%) ( Figure 3). Similarly, [24,45] reported paste as the most dominant preparation, consistent with our findings. Figure 2. The proportion of each species found in the various plant parts used in the study area. The thickness of each bar indicates the number of species in each type of plant part used, and the direction of the lines identifies which species are related to which types of plant parts used.

Mode of Preparation
The method of administration of herbal medicines used to treat dermatological ailments includes cooking, decoction, infusion, juice, paste, powder poultice, and oil. Among the various preparation methods, paste (n = 25, 38%) is the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (n = 19, 29%), infusion (n = 6, 9%), cooked (n = 5, 8%), juice (n = 4, 6%), powder (n = 3, 5%), decoction (n = 2, 3%), and oil (n = 1, 2%) (Figure 3). Similarly, [24,45] reported paste as the most dominant preparation, consistent with our findings.  In the triplot, PC1, PC2, and PC3 explained 51.1% of the mode of preparations. Eight clusters of plant preparations based on species presence/absence can be seen here: paste, poultice, infusion, cooked, juice, powder, decoction, and oil ( Figure 4). PC1 and PC2 showed a variation of 2.0, while PC1 and PC3 showed a variation of 4.5, and PC2 and PC3 showed a variation of 2.5, respectively. The plant preparations were often stored in glass bottles or other containers and used during off-seasons or during heavy snowfall in winter. According to [46], grinding, boiling, and smashing were the most common ways of  In the triplot, PC1, PC2, and PC3 explained 51.1% of the mode of preparations. Eight clusters of plant preparations based on species presence/absence can be seen here: paste, poultice, infusion, cooked, juice, powder, decoction, and oil ( Figure 4). PC1 and PC2 showed a variation of 2.0, while PC1 and PC3 showed a variation of 4.5, and PC2 and PC3 showed a variation of 2.5, respectively. The plant preparations were often stored in glass bottles or other containers and used during off-seasons or during heavy snowfall in winter. According to [46], grinding, boiling, and smashing were the most common ways of extracting active ingredients in major parts of the world. Most of the plant preparations were applied topically (n = 54, 84%), and only (n = 10, 14%) were taken orally ( Table 2). Our results align with [47], who reported topical application as dominant compared to oral. extracting active ingredients in major parts of the world. Most of the plant preparations were applied topically (n = 54, 84%), and only (n = 10, 14%) were taken orally ( Table 2). Our results align with [47], who reported topical application as dominant compared to oral.

Disease Categories in Skin Diseases and Wound Healing
In this study, wound healing was the most dominant disease as it was cured by 18 different plant species, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species, skin boils (eight species), skin rashes (six species), skin acne, and hair tonic (five species each), scabies, dandruff, pimples and skin allergy (four species each), eczema (three species), insect sting and skin irritations (two species each), and warts and blisters (one species each) ( Figure  5). [45][46][47] reported wound healing as the dominant disease category, which aligns with our findings. Wound healing consists of minor cuts to major injuries as most people in the study area are aligned with agricultural practices, which is the major reason for wound healing to be the dominant disease category.

Disease Categories in Skin Diseases and Wound Healing
In this study, wound healing was the most dominant disease as it was cured by 18 different plant species, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species, skin boils (eight species), skin rashes (six species), skin acne, and hair tonic (five species each), scabies, dandruff, pimples and skin allergy (four species each), eczema (three species), insect sting and skin irritations (two species each), and warts and blisters (one species each) ( Figure 5). [45][46][47] reported wound healing as the dominant disease category, which aligns with our findings. Wound healing consists of minor cuts to major injuries as most people in the study area are aligned with agricultural practices, which is the major reason for wound healing to be the dominant disease category. Figure 5. The percentage of species in the study area that fall into various disease categories. The direction of the lines indicates which species are related to which disease categories, and the thickness of each bar indicates how many species fall into each disease category. Table 2 displays each species' complete name.
In the triplot, PC1, PC2, and PC3 explained 30.8% of the disease categories. Fifteen clusters of disease categories based on species presence/absence can be seen there: wound healing, scabies, skin boils, skin burns, skin rashes, blister, hair tonic, skin acne, warts, insect sting, dandruff, skin allergy, eczema, pimples, and skin irritation ( Figure 6). PC2 and PC3 showed a small variation of 0.3, while PC1 and PC2 showed a variation of 1.6, and PC1 and PC3 showed a variation of 1.3 ( Figure 6). The research focuses heavily on influencing the best way to categorize diseases and treatments based on ethnomedical data, and translation from an emic to an etic outlook is necessary for the best biomedical screening of traditional treatments [48]. [49] reported wound healing as the most dominant disease category in Uttarakhand, India, which aligns with our research.  In the triplot, PC1, PC2, and PC3 explained 30.8% of the disease categories. Fifteen clusters of disease categories based on species presence/absence can be seen there: wound healing, scabies, skin boils, skin burns, skin rashes, blister, hair tonic, skin acne, warts, insect sting, dandruff, skin allergy, eczema, pimples, and skin irritation ( Figure 6). PC2 and PC3 showed a small variation of 0.3, while PC1 and PC2 showed a variation of 1.6, and PC1 and PC3 showed a variation of 1.3 ( Figure 6). The research focuses heavily on influencing the best way to categorize diseases and treatments based on ethnomedical data, and translation from an emic to an etic outlook is necessary for the best biomedical screening of traditional treatments [48]. [49] reported wound healing as the most dominant disease category in Uttarakhand, India, which aligns with our research.

Medicinal Plants Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic
A total of (n = 20, 31.25%) plant species were used to treat different dermatological disorders during the COVID- 19

Cosmetic Use of Plants
Out of 64 medicinal plants (n = 12, 18.75%) have cosmetic uses. Roots of Jurinea dolomiaea, Rheum webbianum, and Rheum spiciforme were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste applied topically for glowing skin. Similarly, the latex of Ficuscarica and Euphorbia wallichii were applied topically to the skin. Coriandrum sativum, Adinatum capillus-veneris, Adiantum venustum, and Chenopodium album leaves and seeds were used as a hair tonic and anti-dandruff.

Cross-Cultural Analysis
A cross-cultural comparison of the medicinal plants used to treat dermatological ailments by the three ethnic groups has revealed a high degree of heterogeneity, and only a

Cosmetic Use of Plants
Out of 64 medicinal plants (n = 12, 18.75%) have cosmetic uses. Roots of Jurinea dolomiaea, Rheum webbianum, and Rheum spiciforme were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste applied topically for glowing skin. Similarly, the latex of Ficuscarica and Euphorbia wallichii were applied topically to the skin. Coriandrum sativum, Adinatum capillus-veneris, Adiantum venustum, and Chenopodium album leaves and seeds were used as a hair tonic and anti-dandruff.

Cross-Cultural Analysis
A cross-cultural comparison of the medicinal plants used to treat dermatological ailments by the three ethnic groups has revealed a high degree of heterogeneity, and only a small proportion (14 species, 22%) of medicinal uses of certain recorded taxa were commonly shared among the three ethnic groups ( Figure 7A). Between the three groups ( Figure 7B), maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjars live in the same geographical area and graze their animals in pastures, engage in extensive transhumance pastoralism, and travel through various ecological landscapes, gaining sufficient experience with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The Bakarwal and Gujjars raise animals and have extensive traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources. They are particularly closely connected to nature due to their greater economic disadvantage and reliance on medicinal plants. The Bakarwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups show an overlap, and the dissimilarity in medicinal plants in terms of use reports may indicate certain sociocultural gaps, which in turn have prevented the sharing of traditional knowledge among the respective ethnic groups, especially since they do not intermarry (even though they share the same faith). All three groups live in the same region; therefore, geography has also played an important role in keeping the idiosyncrasy of the recorded medicinal usage among the considered groups. Comparatively, the Bakarwal ethnic and Gujjar reported maximum uses (five and eight each); the reason behind Bakarwal and Gujjar ethnic group usage is related to cattle rearing and that they mostly depend upon forest products as well as possessing more information on the medicinal uses of high mountain plant species, which is why they exclusively prefer and use these plants. The Kashmiris reported fewer plants (3, 4%), probably as a result of their urban settings and increased exposure to medical facilities and drug stores. It is significant to note that despite living in urban settings, Kashmiris reported using Solanum nigrum, Anthemis cotula, and Cannabis sativa in peculiar ways. This may also be related to the fact that, in contrast to the Gujjar and Bakarwal populations, which frequently intermarry, the Kashmiri community is strongly endogamous due to its geographical location. Similar results were reported by [8] from the North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan, [33,50,51] and from the Western Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir. small proportion (14 species, 22%) of medicinal uses of certain recorded taxa were commonly shared among the three ethnic groups ( Figure 7A). Between the three groups (Figure 7B), maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjars live in the same geographical area and graze their animals in pastures, engage in extensive transhumance pastoralism, and travel through various ecological landscapes, gaining sufficient experience with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The Bakarwal and Gujjars raise animals and have extensive traditional ecological knowledge of natural resources. They are particularly closely connected to nature due to their greater economic disadvantage and reliance on medicinal plants. The Bakarwal and Kashmiri ethnic groups show an overlap, and the dissimilarity in medicinal plants in terms of use reports may indicate certain sociocultural gaps, which in turn have prevented the sharing of traditional knowledge among the respective ethnic groups, especially since they do not intermarry (even though they share the same faith). All three groups live in the same region; therefore, geography has also played an important role in keeping the idiosyncrasy of the recorded medicinal usage among the considered groups. Comparatively, the Bakarwal ethnic and Gujjar reported maximum uses (five and eight each); the reason behind Bakarwal and Gujjar ethnic group usage is related to cattle rearing and that they mostly depend upon forest products as well as possessing more information on the medicinal uses of high mountain plant species, which is why they exclusively prefer and use these plants. The Kashmiris reported fewer plants (3, 4%), probably as a result of their urban settings and increased exposure to medical facilities and drug stores. It is significant to note that despite living in urban settings, Kashmiris reported using Solanum nigrum, Anthemis cotula, and Cannabis sativa in peculiar ways. This may also be related to the fact that, in contrast to the Gujjar and Bakarwal populations, which frequently intermarry, the Kashmiri community is strongly endogamous due to its geographical location. Similar results were reported by [8] from the North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan, [33,50,51] and from the Western Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Use Value (UV)
The use value index is used to determine the relative importance of medicinal plants in the study area. The value ranges from 0-1. Medicinal plants with the highest reports of use have high use value, while medicinal plants with few reports have the lowest use

Use Value (UV)
The use value index is used to determine the relative importance of medicinal plants in the study area. The value ranges from 0-1. Medicinal plants with the highest reports of use have high use value, while medicinal plants with few reports have the lowest use value. In the current research, the highest UV was calculated for Ficus carica (0.49) and the lowest UV of (0.11) for Adonis aestivalis (Table 2). In addition, it is not true that medicinal plants with low use values are less important, but it indicates that the knowledge of these medicinal plants is at risk or availability of the particular medicinal plant is less [23,51,52]. The high UV of medicinal plants in the study region is attributed to their common distribution in the area, and the local people were familiar with their medicinal uses [52]. The second highest value of UV is (0.42) of Cichorium intybus and Euphorbia wallichii (0.41). The highest use value of Ficuscarica is because it is commonly available and easy to use. Along with its dermatological uses, its fruits were edible and used to treat piles.
Bakarwal, followed by Gujjar, cites the highest number of plants for dermatological disorders, and the lowest number of plants is cited by the Kashmiri ethnic group (Figure 8). The reason behind this is the lack of modern medical facilities in this particular ethnic group; they commonly use traditional medicine to treat different illnesses. This particular ethnic group spent most of their time in forests (nomadic life) and transferred from one place to another, so living in a remote forest and alpine environment where modern facilities are not available means that this ethnic group is heavily dependent on traditional medicine. value. In the current research, the highest UV was calculated for Ficus carica (0.49) and the lowest UV of (0.11) for Adonis aestivalis (Table 2). In addition, it is not true that medicinal plants with low use values are less important, but it indicates that the knowledge of these medicinal plants is at risk or availability of the particular medicinal plant is less [23,51,52].
The high UV of medicinal plants in the study region is attributed to their common distribution in the area, and the local people were familiar with their medicinal uses [52]. The second highest value of UV is (0.42) of Cichorium intybus and Euphorbia wallichii (0.41). The highest use value of Ficuscarica is because it is commonly available and easy to use. Along with its dermatological uses, its fruits were edible and used to treat piles. Bakarwal, followed by Gujjar, cites the highest number of plants for dermatological disorders, and the lowest number of plants is cited by the Kashmiri ethnic group ( Figure  8). The reason behind this is the lack of modern medical facilities in this particular ethnic group; they commonly use traditional medicine to treat different illnesses. This particular ethnic group spent most of their time in forests (nomadic life) and transferred from one place to another, so living in a remote forest and alpine environment where modern facilities are not available means that this ethnic group is heavily dependent on traditional medicine.

Biological Activity and Phytochemistry of Highly Cited Plants
As a result of phytochemical studies on Ficus carica, phytosterols, phenolic components, organic acids, anthocyanins, amino acids, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols, volatile components, and a few more secondary metabolites have been isolated. Other compounds exhibited antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-cancer anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic actions [53]. Ficus carica leaf extracts in petroleum ether, chloroform, and

Biological Activity and Phytochemistry of Highly Cited Plants
As a result of phytochemical studies on Ficus carica, phytosterols, phenolic components, organic acids, anthocyanins, amino acids, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols, volatile components, and a few more secondary metabolites have been isolated. Other compounds exhibited antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-cancer anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic actions [53]. Ficus carica leaf extracts in petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema [54]. Numerous studies have focused on exploring the pharmacological properties and bioactive constituents of F. carica latex. The phenolic compounds present in F. carica latex are primarily responsible for its pharmacological activity. One such compound is mangiferin, which is abundant in F. carica latex extract and has several therapeutic benefits, such as anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. Additionally, F. carica latex is considered a valuable source of proteins, such as proteases, which are utilized to treat skin conditions such as warts and wounds [53]. Ali et al. [55] studied the antibacterial activity of Euphorbia wallichii against six bacteria viz., Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexenari, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi and proved that the chloroform extract and ethyl acetate were found to be most effective exhibiting high activity. Similarly, when tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, the crude aqueous extract, root extract, and organic seed extract of Cichorium intybus were found to have antibacterial activity [56]. Euphorbia latex has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, wound healing, cytotoxic, hemostatic, genotoxic/mutagenic, and insecticidal activities [57]. Cichorium intybus was studied in vivo and in vitro in mice to determine its anti-allergic activity. The results demonstrated that the aqueous extract quickly suppressed mast cell-mediated allergic responses in a dose-dependent way. In rats, it also prevented the passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction caused by anti-dinitrophenyl IgE [58].
A wide variety of compounds, including hydrocarbons, terpene acids, organic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and terpene alcohols, were present in the alcoholic extracts of Pinus wallichiana [59], and the species showed antifungal qualities, given that the growth of Microsporium canis was suppressed by the n-hexane fraction of the ethanolic extract of needles at a minimum inhibitory dose of 25 L/mL [60]. Plantago major has shown laxative, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, astringent, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. It has an immunostimulatory effect by increasing lymphocyte proliferation and interferon-gamma production [61]. Artemisia absinthium is regarded as a raw material for oil extraction [62]. The most frequently listed compounds are thujyl alcohol esters, α-thujone, β-thujone, camphene, α-cadinene, guaiazulene (Z)-epoxyocimene, (E)-sabinyl acetate, (Z)chrysantenyl acetate [63]. A. absinthium has potent antifungal and antibacterial properties and is used in cosmetics for scalp, face, and hair care. The use of Artemisia absinthium in five forms is permitted by CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient database, a European database that collects data on cosmetic ingredients). There are skincare items, perfumes, and antimicrobial compounds among them. The plant's raw elements are applied in cosmetic items such as shampoos, face serums, masks, essences, tonics, SPF-filtered moisturizing creams, and under-eye patches. These types of cosmetics are intended to protect, cleanse, moisturize, and erase skin blemishes [64].

Study Area
The Kashmir valley of J and K (UT) has 10 districts under its jurisdiction, of which Kupwara is one of the isolated border areas, located in the northern part of Kashmir valley, at 34 • 01 60.00" N and 74 • 15 60.00" E. The total geographic area of the region is 2379 km 2, with 368 villages. According to the 2011 census, the population density is 366 persons per km 2, and the total population is 870,354 ( Figure 9). The scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population of the area is 7.97%. The most common language spoken is Kashmiri, followed by Phari and Gojree. It is the home to many ethnic communities, such as Bakarwals (nomads occupying the high-altitude regions of Kupwara), Kashmiri (living in the main valleys and are in the majority), and Gujjars (nomad group that surrounds the area and migrates seasonally) [33,65]. Plants 2023, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 23 of 28 . During winter, the study area faces severe cold but pleasant weather during summer. The temperature ranges between-4 °C minimum in winter and up to 32 °C maximum in summer [66].

Field Survey
Field trips (n = 35) were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020-2021 to collect medicinal plants' medicinal value and record the indigenous knowledge associated with their use. Information was gathered through open-ended semi-structured interviews (n = 53) and group discussions (n = 33) following [67]. Based on mutual agreement and in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol, neither the ethnicity of the participants nor the linguistic information provided is released. We adhered to the International Society of Ethnobiology's code of ethics [68]. The information on ethnic medicinal plants used to treat various skin diseases like scabies (Darder), pimples (fefad), skin burns (Dazun), Acne (Dane), etc., and treatment of wounds were collected from local communities, hakims, and tribal people (Gujjar and Bakarwals). The photograph representation from the collection to the application of plants is shown in figure (Figure 10). In this study, skin diseases and wound healing were divided into 15 groups of dermatological ailments, including wound . During winter, the study area faces severe cold but pleasant weather during summer. The temperature ranges between-4 • C minimum in winter and up to 32 • C maximum in summer [66].

Field Survey
Field trips (n = 35) were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020-2021 to collect medicinal plants' medicinal value and record the indigenous knowledge associated with their use. Information was gathered through open-ended semi-structured interviews (n = 53) and group discussions (n = 33) following [67]. Based on mutual agreement and in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol, neither the ethnicity of the participants nor the linguistic information provided is released. We adhered to the International Society of Ethnobiology's code of ethics [68]. The information on ethnic medicinal plants used to treat various skin diseases like scabies (Darder), pimples (fefad), skin burns (Dazun), Acne (Dane), etc., and treatment of wounds were collected from local communities, hakims, and tribal people (Gujjar and Bakarwals). The photograph representation from the collection to the application of plants is shown in figure (Figure 10). In this study, skin diseases and wound healing were divided into 15 groups of dermatological ailments, including wound healing, dandruff, skin burns, skin boils, hair tonic, scabies, pimples, skin allergy, skin rashes, insect sting, skin acne, blisters, warts, eczema, and skin irritation. Informants were asked questions in their local language. A quantitative analysis was conducted to evaluate and organize records during the field survey. The obtained specimens were crosschecked with the assistance of a taxonomist at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar (J and K), where the specimens were also deposited. To authenticate plant names, POWO 2019 (http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/ accessed on 1 March 2022) was used. healing, dandruff, skin burns, skin boils, hair tonic, scabies, pimples, skin allergy, skin rashes, insect sting, skin acne, blisters, warts, eczema, and skin irritation. Informants were asked questions in their local language. A quantitative analysis was conducted to evaluate and organize records during the field survey. The obtained specimens were cross-checked with the assistance of a taxonomist at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar (J and K), where the specimens were also deposited. To authenticate plant names, POWO 2019 (http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/ accessed on 1 March 2022) was used.

Quantitative Data Analysis
Overall trends in the total citations and Used Value were expressed illustratively through Generalized Linear Regression Models (GLM) through Graph Pad Prism version 9 (Graph Pad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Using the package "vegan" [69] and R software 4.0.0 [70], principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to display the provisioning services and plant part utilized. A ternary plot was created using Origin Pro software. The circlize package in [71] R software 3.6.1 (R Core Team 2020) was used to create chord diagrams displaying the species' percentage contributions to the study parameters (life form, plant parts used, plant preparations, and disease categories) that were applied in the study [72].

Use Value (UV)
The Use Value index is used to calculate the relative value of each medicinal plant species used by the local population. In the current study use value was calculated using the following formula: where Ui is the total number of use reports by each informant, and N indicates the total number of informants participating in the study [73]. Use Value is high when there are many usage reports for a given medicinal plant species, and use value is low when very few reports are associated with its use.

Quantitative Data Analysis
Overall trends in the total citations and Used Value were expressed illustratively through Generalized Linear Regression Models (GLM) through Graph Pad Prism version 9 (Graph Pad Software, San Diego, CA, USA). Using the package "vegan" [69] and R software 4.0.0 [70], principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to display the provisioning services and plant part utilized. A ternary plot was created using Origin Pro software. The circlize package in [71] R software 3.6.1 (R Core Team 2020) was used to create chord diagrams displaying the species' percentage contributions to the study parameters (life form, plant parts used, plant preparations, and disease categories) that were applied in the study [72].

Use Value (UV)
The Use Value index is used to calculate the relative value of each medicinal plant species used by the local population. In the current study use value was calculated using the following formula: where Ui is the total number of use reports by each informant, and N indicates the total number of informants participating in the study [73]. Use Value is high when there are many usage reports for a given medicinal plant species, and use value is low when very few reports are associated with its use.

Conclusions
Medicinal plants are the backbone of our traditional healthcare system. In most developing countries, a large part of the population still depends on traditional medicine. The study attempts to highlight potential medicinal plants for the treatment of various dermatological ailments and activities of plants in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir. During the study period, 64 different medicinal plants belonging to 34 families were reported from the study area. It can be concluded from the current research that the people in the study area have a wealth of traditional knowledge inherited from their ancestors, and the record of this valuable knowledge provides new knowledge for the area. Indigenous people still depend on medicinal plants for primary healthcare but, at the same time, are alarmed by the degradation of wild flora. In order to verify this indigenous knowledge, we recommend that species with high use value (UV) be used for feature phytochemical and pharmacological analysis. Informed Consent Statement: Present paper does not contain any individual's personal data; therefore, this section does not apply to our study. Data Availability Statement: All data have already been included in the manuscript.