With the cultural perception that the people's health is linked to that of the environment, medicinal plant conservation and health care are closely inter-related in the Dolpo region.

UNESCO: Communication and Information

Researchers will work with the Egyptian Medicinal Plant Conservation Project in St Katherine's, Sinai, which is working to preserve the biodiversity of the region through co-operation with local Bedouin.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | Manchester | Hunt for ancient medicine secrets

Native Americans apparently cultivated the plant and smoked it in pipes for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.

CNN: A brief history of tobacco

It was intended for medicinal use as a nausea reliever or appetite stimulant for those unwilling to smoke plant material.

FORBES: Health