Rhododendron is one such plant that is acquiring a special place in the cultural as well as economic life of the people. India is known for its vast biological diversity and rich traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda), which forms a strong base for the exploration of various plants for general health care. Nowadays, the cultivation of plants for medicinal as well as commercial purposes is of extreme antiquity, and the researchers are exploring the underutilized plants which are being utilized for different purposes traditionally.
Nature provides us an access to a diverse group of plants with numerous usages including decoration, medicinal, flowering and fruiting. The present review highlights the medicinal, nutritional and potential properties of Rhododendron by making value-added products to improve the livelihood for sustainable development of the rural tribal population with more job opportunities. Flowers of this plant are traditionally utilized by the people residing in the mountainous region to make pickle, juice, jam, syrup, honey, squash, etc., and to treat various ailments like diarrhea, headache, inflammation, bacterial and fungal infections. Because of its numerous phytochemical potential, it is being utilized as a traditional remedy for different diseases. In addition to its immense horticultural importance, it is commonly used as an ornamental plant for gardens, plantations in the streets or vessels for its aesthetic value.
The species is widely distributed between the latitudes 80°N and 20°S with high socioeconomic reverence and has been designated as the national flower of Nepal and state flower of Himachal Pradesh (India). The Rhododendron distributed throughout the world is a small evergreen tree with deep red or pale pink flowers, belongs to the family Ericaceae and is known for its spectacular flowers.