EXPLORATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AT PEER DA KHARA (PEERKHARA): A HISTORICAL AND SPIRITUAL LANDMARK IN JHELUM DISTRICT, PAKISTAN

Peer Da Khara (also known as Peerkhara) is a historical and spiritual landmark located in the Jhelum District of Pakistan, nestled within the majestic Salt Range. Renowned for its serene and elevated landscape, this sacred site has long served as a retreat for saints and devotees seeking solitude, reflection, and spiritual enlightenment. The term “Peer Da Khara,” meaning “the saint’s desolate place,” reflects both its geographical isolation and its deep spiritual significance. Beyond its religious and historical importance, the region possesses a remarkable diversity of flora, particularly medicinal plants that thrive in the unique climatic and geological conditions of the Salt Range. Local inhabitants and Sufi practitioners have historically relied on these plants for traditional healing practices, utilizing roots, leaves, and extracts for treating ailments such as joint pain, digestive disorders, and respiratory conditions. Ethnobotanical knowledge passed down through generations highlights a rich relationship between spirituality and natural medicine, demonstrating how the sanctity of the land intertwines with ecological preservation. The present review explores the medicinal plant diversity of Peer Da Khara, documenting their ethnopharmacological relevance and traditional uses, while also emphasizing the need for conservation of this heritage site. It underscores the interconnectedness of faith, nature, and healing, offering a holistic understanding of how ancient wisdom and biodiversity coexist harmoniously in this spiritually enriched landscape.