Nepal has always been the center of herbal richness with more than ten thousand species of herbs in its alpine belt. Himalayan region of Nepal is home to about 3500 species of herbs and aromatic plants. Out of which around 1,500 species are of medicinal plants. More than 200 species of herbs have already been chemically tested to confirm the medicinal properties. Most of these herbal plants grow naturally in its forests and meadows between altitudes of 225 ft. to19, 000 ft. These herbs have been integral part of traditional medicine practices of indigenous community and are increasingly exported worldwide. Many of these herbs and aromatic plants are very specific to the Himalayan Region and have high medicinal, culinary and cosmetic values. The quality of these natural herbal products from this Himalayan region is even reflected in the Vedas and other religious scriptures as the area where ancient sages and hermits sourced their herbal requirements from. Nepal being benefited with such geographical settings, these herbs grow wild without human interference which makes it even more effective. Medical Herbal plants of Nepal are mainly used in making extract for Cancer cure, Liver and many chronic diseases. Local herbs are also used for anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial purposes. The quality of these natural herbal products from this Himalayan region is even reflected in the Vedas and other religious scriptures as the area where ancient sages and hermits sourced their herbal requirements from.
Though rich in biodiversity and huge potential in herbal raw materials, marginal portions of its indigenous and endemic species have been used commercially. Gradually herbal sector is getting public concern towards its sustainable management of existing resources; cultivation, production and trading as a source of alternative medicine.