Traditional phytoremedies used by the midwives for the treatment of uterine prolapse in district Kathua, JKUT, India

Uterine prolapse occurs when uterus protrudes into the vaginal canal due to weakening of uterine ligaments and fascial support tissues. Traditional remedies are more effective when the prolapse is mild. The aim of the study was to document traditional knowledge used by the midwives to cure the prolapsed uterus in Billawar and Basohli tehsils of Kathua district. Information was gathered from 25 traditional midwives (_Dai_), selected using the snowball sampling method. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Uses narrated by the informants were recorded as use-reports and further analysed for use-values. A total of seven plants from seven families, along with cinnabar (HgS) were used to cure a prolapsed uterus. Herbs and trees, with 42.9% contribution each, were the most commonly used life-forms, and seeds and leaves were the most preferred plant parts. The chief mode of medicine intake was the insertion of medicine into the uterus through vagina. Midwives suggested four treatments for uterine prolapse, primarily utilizing _Quercus infectoria _Oliver, _Myristica fragrans_ Houtt., and _Trigonella foenum-graecum_ L., along with massage and exercise. According to midwives, the time taken to recover varies with the age of the patient, her day-to-day activities, diet, and body setup. Use of _Syzygium aromaticum_ (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry, _Papaver somniferum _L., and _Vitex negundo _L. is new for the treatment of prolapsed uterus. The study of phytochemistry and pharmacological efficacy of these species with respect to uterine prolapse, as well as the toxic effects of external use of cinnabar can be done in future.