Synopsis The present compendium is first of its kind providing valuable data on 530 species belonging to 398 genera and 138 families of plants used by various ethnic societies of India for treating cold, flu and lungs ailments, covering details of nomenclature, English Hindi and Sanskrit names, distribution parts used, utilisation, active constituents, biological activity and the original source of information. Over twenty photographs and seven appendices enhance the value of the compilation significantly. It is hoped, this invaluable compendium with its comprehensive coverage of the subject would help researchers and the medicinal plant industry in general for development of newer plant based drugs for alleviating human suffering.