Medicinal Plants TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

Foreword

Traditional knowledge and healthcare practices by using

medicinalplantshavealwaysfounditsimportanceinthelives

ofthepeopleandparticularlyinthevillagesofNorthEastIndia.

Therearepeopleinthispartofcountrywhohavenottreated

themselveswithmodern pharmaceuticalmedicines all their

livesandarestilldependentonthetraditionalmedicines.

Ourendeavour,asanationalorganization,hasbeentohelpthe

communitiesofNorthEastIndiatotransferthesetraditional

healthcareknowledgeandwisdomstothefuturegenerations.

Caritas India has been working closely with myriad

communitiesofthe7NorthEasternStatestomainstreamthem

and facilitate them in the upkeeping of their traditional

knowledgeandculture.Whileworkingtowardstheupkeeping

of such traditional knowledge, Caritas India came upwith a

uniqueinterventionofpromotingtraditionalherbalmedicinal

schoolsinthevillages.Wehavealsoidenti�iedmanytraditional

herbalmedicinepractitionersof theregion,whoaresharing

their knowledge to the youth, women and children by

conductingclassestwiceinamonth.

Iamhappytobringtoyouthispublicationthatfocusesonthe

documentation of traditional knowledge and healthcare

practicesbyvariousethniccommunitiesofNorthEastIndia.

Iwould like to thankMisereor, Germany for supporting this

workandalsoextendmysinceregratitudetothecommunities

ofNorthEastregionfortheircooperationandsupportinthe

documentationprocess.

Fr.PaulMoonjely

ExecutiveDirector

CaritasIndia

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

1

©CaritasIndiacopyright2019

Compiledby

PrabalSen,CaritasIndia

Editedby

SamirKujur&Dr.SadanandBag,CaritasIndia

Publishedby

CaritasIndia

CBCICentre,1AshokPlace,

NewDelhi110001

Tel:01123363390

Email:director@caritasindia.org

Website:www.cartiasindia.org

Medicinal Plants TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

Foreword

Traditional knowledge and healthcare practices by using

medicinalplantshavealwaysfounditsimportanceinthelives

ofthepeopleandparticularlyinthevillagesofNorthEastIndia.

Therearepeopleinthispartofcountrywhohavenottreated

themselveswithmodern pharmaceuticalmedicines all their

livesandarestilldependentonthetraditionalmedicines.

Ourendeavour,asanationalorganization,hasbeentohelpthe

communitiesofNorthEastIndiatotransferthesetraditional

healthcareknowledgeandwisdomstothefuturegenerations.

Caritas India has been working closely with myriad

communitiesofthe7NorthEasternStatestomainstreamthem

and facilitate them in the upkeeping of their traditional

knowledgeandculture.Whileworkingtowardstheupkeeping

of such traditional knowledge, Caritas India came upwith a

uniqueinterventionofpromotingtraditionalherbalmedicinal

schoolsinthevillages.Wehavealsoidenti�iedmanytraditional

herbalmedicinepractitionersof theregion,whoaresharing

their knowledge to the youth, women and children by

conductingclassestwiceinamonth.

Iamhappytobringtoyouthispublicationthatfocusesonthe

documentation of traditional knowledge and healthcare

practicesbyvariousethniccommunitiesofNorthEastIndia.

Iwould like to thankMisereor, Germany for supporting this

workandalsoextendmysinceregratitudetothecommunities

ofNorthEastregionfortheircooperationandsupportinthe

documentationprocess.

Fr.PaulMoonjely

ExecutiveDirector

CaritasIndia

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

1

©CaritasIndiacopyright2019

Compiledby

PrabalSen,CaritasIndia

Editedby

SamirKujur&Dr.SadanandBag,CaritasIndia

Publishedby

CaritasIndia

CBCICentre,1AshokPlace,

NewDelhi110001

Tel:01123363390

Email:director@caritasindia.org

Website:www.cartiasindia.org

Medicinal Plants TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

Message

ItgivesmeimmensepleasurethatCaritasIndiaisbringingouta

publication on the traditional knowledge and healthcare

practices prevalent mainly among the people of North East

India.

Inthismodernera,wheneveryoneislookingforquickrelief

and cure from the diseases and spending a lot ofmoney on

modernallopathicdrugsandsurgery,itishearteningtoknow

thatpeopleofNorthEastIndiaarestillpracticingthetraditional

waysofhealthcarewhichisnotonlyeasilyavailable,cheapbut

alsowithnosideeffects.

IamalsohappyandcongratulateourFarmNorthEastProgram

team, for their endeavours to preserve the traditional

knowledge of heathcare practices and to transfer this

invaluableknowledgetothefuturegenerations.

Iamsurereaderswillbene�itfromtheinformationgiveninthis

publication and feel encouraged to use this traditional

knowledgeforhealthcareandgoodhealth.

Fr.(Dr.)JollyPuthenpura

AssistantExecutiveDirector

CaritasIndia

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

2

Contents

FOREWORD

MESSAGE

SUMMARY

ABBREVIATION

1.0Introduction

2.0FARMNEProgrammeanditsOperationalArea

3.0DocumentationMethodology

4.0DocumentationofPractices

5.0Conclusion

ANNEXURE-I:Photographs

1

2

5

6

7

8

9

10

30

31

Message

ItgivesmeimmensepleasurethatCaritasIndiaisbringingouta

publication on the traditional knowledge and healthcare

practices prevalent mainly among the people of North East

India.

Inthismodernera,wheneveryoneislookingforquickrelief

and cure from the diseases and spending a lot ofmoney on

modernallopathicdrugsandsurgery,itishearteningtoknow

thatpeopleofNorthEastIndiaarestillpracticingthetraditional

waysofhealthcarewhichisnotonlyeasilyavailable,cheapbut

alsowithnosideeffects.

IamalsohappyandcongratulateourFarmNorthEastProgram

team, for their endeavours to preserve the traditional

knowledge of heathcare practices and to transfer this

invaluableknowledgetothefuturegenerations.

Iamsurereaderswillbene�itfromtheinformationgiveninthis

publication and feel encouraged to use this traditional

knowledgeforhealthcareandgoodhealth.

Fr.(Dr.)JollyPuthenpura

AssistantExecutiveDirector

CaritasIndia

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

2

Contents

FOREWORD

MESSAGE

SUMMARY

ABBREVIATION

1.0Introduction

2.0FARMNEProgrammeanditsOperationalArea

3.0DocumentationMethodology

4.0DocumentationofPractices

5.0Conclusion

ANNEXURE-I:Photographs

1

2

5

6

7

8

9

10

30

31

Summary

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

5

The practice of traditional medicine in North East Region of India is widely

acceptableanditcontributessigni�icantlytothehealthcaredelivery.However,itis

yettoplugintheerosionofknowledgethatistakingplacerapidlyinspiteofthefact

thatpeoplearedependentonthetraditionalmedicines.Thereisalsoreluctanceof

the younger generation to learn these ancient old knowledge and practices.

Moreover,itisnoteasytoconvincethetraditionalmedicinespractitionerstoshare

theirknowledgeasfewofthembelievedthatsharingsuchknowledgemayleadthe

plantstolosetheirmedicinalvaluesorpower.Oneofthewaystoaddressthese

challengeswastocreateawarenessonthebene�itsoftraditionalherbalmedicines

practicesandmaketheseopportunitiesavailableforthegeneralpopulace.

FARM North East, an action research programme, presents the process

documentationoftheseknowledgeandtraditionalpracticesofherbalmedicines,

collectedfromtheruralcommunitiesof200villagesofAssam,ArunachalPradesh,

Meghalaya,Manipur,Mizoram,TripuraandNagaland.

TheFARMNorthEastprogramme is targeting thepoorestof thepoor in these

above-mentioned states by helping them to improve their income through

interventions in agriculture. Apart from agriculture, FARM North East is also

focusing on strengthening the traditional institutions through peoples'

participation and revival of the rich indigenous knowledge of the ethnic

communities.

Atotalof1548(FocussedGroupDiscussions(FGDs)andcommunitymeetingsas

wellas382interviewswithtraditionalhealerswereconductedinall200FARM

NorthEastprogrammevillagesfortheprocessdocumentationoftheTraditional

KnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStates

ofIndia.

Theprogrammehaspromotedmedicinalplantgardensamonghouseholdsaswell

as at the community levels. As a result, more than 2500 families are growing

medicinalplants in theirbackyardsand18villageshave initiatedcultivationof

medicinalplantsinthecommonorcommunitylands.FARMNorthEasthasalso

promotedmedicinalgardensat school levels forchildren to learnandhelp the

causeoftransferofthisknowledge.Morethan4000peoplearefoundtohavethe

knowledgeofthetraditionalwaysoftreatingcommonsicknessesinvillagesand

arepracticing itat their family level.A totalof635traditionalherbalmedicine

practitionersareidenti�iedintheprojectvillagesandmotivatedforwideningtheir

horizonofpractices.

However,itwouldbeinterestingtoseehowthecommunitywillcarryforwardthis

initiativeinthedaystocome.

Summary

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

5

The practice of traditional medicine in North East Region of India is widely

acceptableanditcontributessigni�icantlytothehealthcaredelivery.However,itis

yettoplugintheerosionofknowledgethatistakingplacerapidlyinspiteofthefact

thatpeoplearedependentonthetraditionalmedicines.Thereisalsoreluctanceof

the younger generation to learn these ancient old knowledge and practices.

Moreover,itisnoteasytoconvincethetraditionalmedicinespractitionerstoshare

theirknowledgeasfewofthembelievedthatsharingsuchknowledgemayleadthe

plantstolosetheirmedicinalvaluesorpower.Oneofthewaystoaddressthese

challengeswastocreateawarenessonthebene�itsoftraditionalherbalmedicines

practicesandmaketheseopportunitiesavailableforthegeneralpopulace.

FARM North East, an action research programme, presents the process

documentationoftheseknowledgeandtraditionalpracticesofherbalmedicines,

collectedfromtheruralcommunitiesof200villagesofAssam,ArunachalPradesh,

Meghalaya,Manipur,Mizoram,TripuraandNagaland.

TheFARMNorthEastprogramme is targeting thepoorestof thepoor in these

above-mentioned states by helping them to improve their income through

interventions in agriculture. Apart from agriculture, FARM North East is also

focusing on strengthening the traditional institutions through peoples'

participation and revival of the rich indigenous knowledge of the ethnic

communities.

Atotalof1548(FocussedGroupDiscussions(FGDs)andcommunitymeetingsas

wellas382interviewswithtraditionalhealerswereconductedinall200FARM

NorthEastprogrammevillagesfortheprocessdocumentationoftheTraditional

KnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStates

ofIndia.

Theprogrammehaspromotedmedicinalplantgardensamonghouseholdsaswell

as at the community levels. As a result, more than 2500 families are growing

medicinalplants in theirbackyardsand18villageshave initiatedcultivationof

medicinalplantsinthecommonorcommunitylands.FARMNorthEasthasalso

promotedmedicinalgardensat school levels forchildren to learnandhelp the

causeoftransferofthisknowledge.Morethan4000peoplearefoundtohavethe

knowledgeofthetraditionalwaysoftreatingcommonsicknessesinvillagesand

arepracticing itat their family level.A totalof635traditionalherbalmedicine

practitionersareidenti�iedintheprojectvillagesandmotivatedforwideningtheir

horizonofpractices.

However,itwouldbeinterestingtoseehowthecommunitywillcarryforwardthis

initiativeinthedaystocome.

Abbreviation

BGSS BongaigaonGanaSevaSociety

DAN DevelopmentAssociationofNagaland

DSSS DiocesanSocialServiceSociety

FGD FocusedGroupDiscussion

GGSS GuwahatiGanaSevaSociety

IDEA ItanagarDiocesanEmpowermentAssociation

JA JirsongAsong

JHDS JaintiaHillsDevelopmentSociety

JUST JanaUnnayanSamitiTripura

PLD PeopleLedDevelopment

PLE ParticipatoryLearningEnvironment

NSSS NongstoinSocialServiceSociety

SKAE SevaKendraArunachal–East

SKD SevaKendraDibrugarh

SKS SevaKendraSilchar

SSC SocialServiceCentre

ZEP ZoramEntuPawl

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

6MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcare

PracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

7

Medicinal Plants: TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

1.0Introduction

TheNorth-EastIndiaispartofbothHimalayaaswellasIndo-BurmaBiodiversityHotspotintheworld.Itformsa

uniquebiogeographicprovinceencompassingmajorbiomesrecognizedintheworld.Ithastherichestreservoir

ofplantdiversityinIndiaandisoneofthe'biodiversityhotspots'oftheworldsupportingabout50%ofIndia's

biodiversity¹.North-EasternRegion(NER)ofRepublicIndiacomprisingofAssam,ArunachalPradesh,Manipur,

Meghalaya,Mizoram,Nagaland,SikkimandTripuraisinhabitedbyalargenumberoftribalsofvariousethnic

groupsandtheregionisthehomeofanumberofprimitivesocietieslikeAbor,Garo,Da�la,Khasi,Kuki,Mishi,

Rabha,Naga,Apatani,etc.Morethan200tribesofdifferentethnicgroupswithdistinctculturalentitiesinhabit

theregion².Theseethniccommunitieshaverich traditionalknowledgeandhavebeenpracticing traditional

healingsincetimeimmemorial³.

TraditionalhealersofNERaregenerallydependentonwildsource(60%)ofmedicinalplantstheyuse.However,

severalgroupshavedevelopedherbalgardens(30%)intheirlandavailableintheirvicinity.Severalotherswho

havegoodcontactswithtraditionalhealersindevelopedareasaremeetingtheirrequirementbyprocuringthe

driedandprocessedcrudedrugsfromnearbyordistantmarkets(10%)⁴.

¹MaoAA&HynniewtaTM,FloristicdiversityofNorthEastIndia,JAssamSciSoc,41(4)(2000)255-266.

²AAMao,TMHynniewta&MSanjappa,2009.PlantwealthofNortheastIndiawithreferencetoethnobotany,IndianJournalofTraditionalKnowledge,

Vol.8(1),January2009,pp.96-103&³ ⁴Ramashankar,SDebandBKSharma,2012.TraditionalHealingPracticesinNorthEastIndia,IndianJournalofHistoryofScience,50.2(2015)324-332

Abbreviation

BGSS BongaigaonGanaSevaSociety

DAN DevelopmentAssociationofNagaland

DSSS DiocesanSocialServiceSociety

FGD FocusedGroupDiscussion

GGSS GuwahatiGanaSevaSociety

IDEA ItanagarDiocesanEmpowermentAssociation

JA JirsongAsong

JHDS JaintiaHillsDevelopmentSociety

JUST JanaUnnayanSamitiTripura

PLD PeopleLedDevelopment

PLE ParticipatoryLearningEnvironment

NSSS NongstoinSocialServiceSociety

SKAE SevaKendraArunachal–East

SKD SevaKendraDibrugarh

SKS SevaKendraSilchar

SSC SocialServiceCentre

ZEP ZoramEntuPawl

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

6MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcare

PracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

7

Medicinal Plants: TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

1.0Introduction

TheNorth-EastIndiaispartofbothHimalayaaswellasIndo-BurmaBiodiversityHotspotintheworld.Itformsa

uniquebiogeographicprovinceencompassingmajorbiomesrecognizedintheworld.Ithastherichestreservoir

ofplantdiversityinIndiaandisoneofthe'biodiversityhotspots'oftheworldsupportingabout50%ofIndia's

biodiversity¹.North-EasternRegion(NER)ofRepublicIndiacomprisingofAssam,ArunachalPradesh,Manipur,

Meghalaya,Mizoram,Nagaland,SikkimandTripuraisinhabitedbyalargenumberoftribalsofvariousethnic

groupsandtheregionisthehomeofanumberofprimitivesocietieslikeAbor,Garo,Da�la,Khasi,Kuki,Mishi,

Rabha,Naga,Apatani,etc.Morethan200tribesofdifferentethnicgroupswithdistinctculturalentitiesinhabit

theregion².Theseethniccommunitieshaverich traditionalknowledgeandhavebeenpracticing traditional

healingsincetimeimmemorial³.

TraditionalhealersofNERaregenerallydependentonwildsource(60%)ofmedicinalplantstheyuse.However,

severalgroupshavedevelopedherbalgardens(30%)intheirlandavailableintheirvicinity.Severalotherswho

havegoodcontactswithtraditionalhealersindevelopedareasaremeetingtheirrequirementbyprocuringthe

driedandprocessedcrudedrugsfromnearbyordistantmarkets(10%)⁴.

¹MaoAA&HynniewtaTM,FloristicdiversityofNorthEastIndia,JAssamSciSoc,41(4)(2000)255-266.

²AAMao,TMHynniewta&MSanjappa,2009.PlantwealthofNortheastIndiawithreferencetoethnobotany,IndianJournalofTraditionalKnowledge,

Vol.8(1),January2009,pp.96-103&³ ⁴Ramashankar,SDebandBKSharma,2012.TraditionalHealingPracticesinNorthEastIndia,IndianJournalofHistoryofScience,50.2(2015)324-332

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

8

FacilitatingAgriculturalRegenerationMeasures(FARM)North-EastProgrammeofCaritasIndiaenvisagesan

urgentneedtoupkeeptherichknowledgeoftraditionalmedicinesamongthecommunitiesofNER.Thefocusof

theprogrammeistopromotePeopleLedDevelopment(PLD)intheregionandalsotomakethepeopleofthis

regiontorealisetheimportanceofcollectiveactionsfortheconservationandsustainableuseofcommongoods.

ObjectivesofFARMNorth-EastProgramme

Objective1 Objective2 Objective3

Marginalizedfarming

communitieswillhave

adoptedtraditional

farmingpractices

whicharemore

sustainableandmore

ef�icienttostrengthen

foodsovereignty.

Communitieswillhave

becomeempoweredto

takeupcollective

actionforpromotionof

socio-economicand

self-governance

development.

Improvinghealth

standardsbyreviving

traditionalpreventive

andcurativehealth

practices,basedon

forest-basedmedicinal

plants,whichare

acceptabletoall.

Theprogrammewasstartedin2016.Theideaoftheprogrammewastokeeptherichknowledgeoftraditional

medicinesalive,whichseemedtobeerodingveryfastduetothelackoforminimalinterestshownbytheyounger

generationtopreserveit.Itwasachallengingtasksinceinsomeareas,asperexistingbeliefsamongthepeople,

thetraditionalmedicinespractitionerswerenotwillingtosharetheirknowledge. Theotherchallengewasto

encourage the people to growmedicinal plants in the backyards of their houses and in the village school

campuses.Itwasthoughtthatgrowingmedicinalplantsintheschoolcampuseswouldenablethechildrentonot

onlyusethembutalsolearnabouttheirusages.

FARMNorthEastidenti�iedgenuinetraditionalherbalmedicinepractitionersoftheregionandrequestedthemto

conductclassesatleastforanhour,onceisaweek,inthecommunityhallorintheirownhousesandluckilythe

practitionersrespondedpositively.Thegenuinepractitionerswereidenti�iedbytakingtestimoniesfromthe

patients who were treated by them. The traditional medicinal schools are a reality today in the states of

Meghalaya,AssamandArunachalPradesh.Peopleare�lockingtosuchclassesanditisobservedthateventhe

youngergeneration,whowerenotshowinganyinterestspreviously,arecomingforwardtolearnaboutit.

2.0FARMNEProgrammeanditsOperationalArea

FARMNorthEastisaclusterprogrammeofCaritasIndiabeingimplementedintheStatesofAssam,Arunachal

Pradesh,Meghalaya,Manipur,Mizoram,TripuraandNagaland.FARMNorthEastisbeingimplementedby15

diocesanpartners,in200villagescovering15districtsintheregion.Theprogrammeistargetingthepoorestof

thepoorinthesestatesbyhelpingthemtoimprovetheirincomethroughinterventionsinagriculture.Apartfrom

agriculture,FARMNorthEast is also focusingon strengthening the traditional institutions throughpeoples'

participationandrevivaloftherichindigenousknowledgeoftheethniccommunities.

ThefoundationofFARMNorthEastworksontheprinciplecalledPeopleLedDevelopment(PLD)approach.PLD

promotesthepeopletotakeownershipoftheprogrammeandtakedevelopmentinitiativescollectively.PLD

approachtalksaboutpeopletotakethedriver'sseatintheimplementationoftheprogrammeactivitieswhereas

theimplementingpartners'roleislimitedonlytofacilitation.FARMNorthEastistryingtoinculcateamongthe

peopleacultureoftakingupactionsbythemselvesfortheirownbetterment.Theprogrammeisfocusingonthe

process-orientedachievementsratherthanshorttermresults.Theprogrammeisaimingatfoodsecurityofthe

targeted12093familiesthroughtraditionalagriculturepractices;promotinggoodhealththroughtraditional

healthcarepracticesinadditiontoconventionaltreatment;andtheoverallsocio-economicdevelopmentofthe

people.

CaritasIndiaisgratefultoMISEREORforsupportingthiswork.Thisparticularworkispartofoneoftheobjectives

of FARM NE programme that talks about the revival of traditional medicinal practices among the ethnic

communitiesofNER.TheFARMNEprogrammehasbeenworkingon thedocumentationandpromotionof

several medicinal plants used by the ethnic communities of the remote corners of the region. It has been

hearteningtoobservethateventodaythecommunitiesofthisregionarestillpracticingtraditionalmedicinesto

treatseveralphysicalailments.

3.0DocumentationMethodology

Atotalof1548FocussedGroupDiscussion(FGDs)andcommunitymeetingsaswellas382 interviewswith

traditionalhealerswereconductedinall200FARMNorthEastProgrammevillages.Thetablebelowrepresents

thedetailsofeffortsmadefortheprocessdocumentationofTraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesof

RuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia.

7States

Assam

Tripura

Manipur

NameofState

Partner No.ofVillages No.ofFGDsandMeetingswithcommunity

No.ofInterviewswithTraditionalHealers

Meghalaya

Nagaland

SSC

BAKDIL

JHDS

NSSS

DAN

DSSS

ZEP

JUST

GGSS

JA

SKS

SKD

BGSS

IDEA

SKAE

15Partners

9

14

15

16

9

15

14

15

15

10

8

15

13

15

15

200Villages

45

460

44

42

47

210

14

15

65

40

61

411

43

41

10

1,548FGDsandMeetings

18

18

14

23

23

26

14

4

22

20

75

10

63

25

27

382Interviews

Mizoram

Arunachal

Pradesh

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

9

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

8

FacilitatingAgriculturalRegenerationMeasures(FARM)North-EastProgrammeofCaritasIndiaenvisagesan

urgentneedtoupkeeptherichknowledgeoftraditionalmedicinesamongthecommunitiesofNER.Thefocusof

theprogrammeistopromotePeopleLedDevelopment(PLD)intheregionandalsotomakethepeopleofthis

regiontorealisetheimportanceofcollectiveactionsfortheconservationandsustainableuseofcommongoods.

ObjectivesofFARMNorth-EastProgramme

Objective1 Objective2 Objective3

Marginalizedfarming

communitieswillhave

adoptedtraditional

farmingpractices

whicharemore

sustainableandmore

ef�icienttostrengthen

foodsovereignty.

Communitieswillhave

becomeempoweredto

takeupcollective

actionforpromotionof

socio-economicand

self-governance

development.

Improvinghealth

standardsbyreviving

traditionalpreventive

andcurativehealth

practices,basedon

forest-basedmedicinal

plants,whichare

acceptabletoall.

Theprogrammewasstartedin2016.Theideaoftheprogrammewastokeeptherichknowledgeoftraditional

medicinesalive,whichseemedtobeerodingveryfastduetothelackoforminimalinterestshownbytheyounger

generationtopreserveit.Itwasachallengingtasksinceinsomeareas,asperexistingbeliefsamongthepeople,

thetraditionalmedicinespractitionerswerenotwillingtosharetheirknowledge. Theotherchallengewasto

encourage the people to growmedicinal plants in the backyards of their houses and in the village school

campuses.Itwasthoughtthatgrowingmedicinalplantsintheschoolcampuseswouldenablethechildrentonot

onlyusethembutalsolearnabouttheirusages.

FARMNorthEastidenti�iedgenuinetraditionalherbalmedicinepractitionersoftheregionandrequestedthemto

conductclassesatleastforanhour,onceisaweek,inthecommunityhallorintheirownhousesandluckilythe

practitionersrespondedpositively.Thegenuinepractitionerswereidenti�iedbytakingtestimoniesfromthe

patients who were treated by them. The traditional medicinal schools are a reality today in the states of

Meghalaya,AssamandArunachalPradesh.Peopleare�lockingtosuchclassesanditisobservedthateventhe

youngergeneration,whowerenotshowinganyinterestspreviously,arecomingforwardtolearnaboutit.

2.0FARMNEProgrammeanditsOperationalArea

FARMNorthEastisaclusterprogrammeofCaritasIndiabeingimplementedintheStatesofAssam,Arunachal

Pradesh,Meghalaya,Manipur,Mizoram,TripuraandNagaland.FARMNorthEastisbeingimplementedby15

diocesanpartners,in200villagescovering15districtsintheregion.Theprogrammeistargetingthepoorestof

thepoorinthesestatesbyhelpingthemtoimprovetheirincomethroughinterventionsinagriculture.Apartfrom

agriculture,FARMNorthEast is also focusingon strengthening the traditional institutions throughpeoples'

participationandrevivaloftherichindigenousknowledgeoftheethniccommunities.

ThefoundationofFARMNorthEastworksontheprinciplecalledPeopleLedDevelopment(PLD)approach.PLD

promotesthepeopletotakeownershipoftheprogrammeandtakedevelopmentinitiativescollectively.PLD

approachtalksaboutpeopletotakethedriver'sseatintheimplementationoftheprogrammeactivitieswhereas

theimplementingpartners'roleislimitedonlytofacilitation.FARMNorthEastistryingtoinculcateamongthe

peopleacultureoftakingupactionsbythemselvesfortheirownbetterment.Theprogrammeisfocusingonthe

process-orientedachievementsratherthanshorttermresults.Theprogrammeisaimingatfoodsecurityofthe

targeted12093familiesthroughtraditionalagriculturepractices;promotinggoodhealththroughtraditional

healthcarepracticesinadditiontoconventionaltreatment;andtheoverallsocio-economicdevelopmentofthe

people.

CaritasIndiaisgratefultoMISEREORforsupportingthiswork.Thisparticularworkispartofoneoftheobjectives

of FARM NE programme that talks about the revival of traditional medicinal practices among the ethnic

communitiesofNER.TheFARMNEprogrammehasbeenworkingon thedocumentationandpromotionof

several medicinal plants used by the ethnic communities of the remote corners of the region. It has been

hearteningtoobservethateventodaythecommunitiesofthisregionarestillpracticingtraditionalmedicinesto

treatseveralphysicalailments.

3.0DocumentationMethodology

Atotalof1548FocussedGroupDiscussion(FGDs)andcommunitymeetingsaswellas382 interviewswith

traditionalhealerswereconductedinall200FARMNorthEastProgrammevillages.Thetablebelowrepresents

thedetailsofeffortsmadefortheprocessdocumentationofTraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesof

RuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia.

7States

Assam

Tripura

Manipur

NameofState

Partner No.ofVillages No.ofFGDsandMeetingswithcommunity

No.ofInterviewswithTraditionalHealers

Meghalaya

Nagaland

SSC

BAKDIL

JHDS

NSSS

DAN

DSSS

ZEP

JUST

GGSS

JA

SKS

SKD

BGSS

IDEA

SKAE

15Partners

9

14

15

16

9

15

14

15

15

10

8

15

13

15

15

200Villages

45

460

44

42

47

210

14

15

65

40

61

411

43

41

10

1,548FGDsandMeetings

18

18

14

23

23

26

14

4

22

20

75

10

63

25

27

382Interviews

Mizoram

Arunachal

Pradesh

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

9

A simple approach based on Participaroty Learning Environment (PLE) was employed by the partner

organisationswhileworking on the traditionalmedicinal plants. Thewhole processwas underlined by the

principleof-“forthepeopleandbythepeople”.Thecommunitywasinitiallyapproachedwiththeideaofsharing

the importanceofupkeepof theknowledgeon traditionalmedicinalplants.This approachmainly included

identi�icationofherbalmedicinalpractitioners.Thisidenti�icationwasdonethroughaseriesofinteractionswith

the communities. The identi�ication was followed by gathering testimonies from the patients who the

practitioners have claimed to have treated. Such testimonies helped to authenticate the genuineness of the

practitioners.Havingidenti�iedthepractitioners,awarenesswascreatedamongthecommunitiestobringback

theuniquepractices.Specialemphasiswasgiventothechildren,youthandwomenamongthecommunitiesand

theresultsareindicativeofthesame.

4.0DocumentationofPractices

1. AloeVera Aloebarbadensis Zeliangrong Freshleaves 1. Gonorrhoea

2. Hardeningofthe

breasttissue

1. Takehalfacupofthepulpwith

sugar,thriceaday,for7-10days.

2. ApplytheAloeVeraleafpulp.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

2. Telou

(Onion)

Alliumcepa Zeliangrong Bulband

leaves

1. Headache

2. Heatstroke

3. Piles

4. Goitre

1. Applyathickpasteofonionon

theforehead,palms,andthesoles.

Liedownandrelaxforsometime.

2. Cutanonionandsniffit.

3. Cuttheonion,applytothepiles,

andbandageit.Also,fryonionin

buffalogheeandeatregularly.

4. Takeoneteaspoonfulonionjuice

(grownintheplains)withhoney.

I.NAGALAND

3. Ganamph

uanmei

(Garlic)

Alliumsativum Zeliangrong Bulb 1. Typhoid

2. Tumour,ulcer,

ringworm,neuralgia

1. Taketwoteaspoonfuloffresh

garlicjuicewithfruitjuiceor

jiggerysyrupeveryfourhours.

2. Applythepasteofgarlicmixed

withanyoil

4. Tulsi Ocimumsanctum Zeliangrong Allparts

oftheplant

1. Boils

2. Earache

3. Snakebite

1. Applyleafpaste.

2. Pour2-3dropsofleafjuiceinto

theear,thriceadayfortwodays.

3. Give10glassofleafjuiceat

regularintervals.Ifthepatientis

unconscious,applytheleafjuice

alloverthebody,especiallyinthe

navel,eyes,earsandmouth.

Repeattheprocessseveraltimes

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

10

5. Gachangrim

(Turmeric)

Curcumalonga Zeliangrong Rhizome 1. Cancer(preventive)

2. Sprains,

in�lammationof

joints,wounds,boils,

swellings,insectbite

3. Cold,cough,allergy,

indigestion,vomiting

(duetofood

poisoning

1. Take1.5gmofturmericdailyin

food.

2. Applyapasteofturmericwitha

littlesaltandlime(chuna)

3. Boil1teaspoonfulofturmeric

powderinacupofmilk,andacup

ofwater.Reducetoonecup.Dose:

1cuponceaday.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

6. Patuoana

thai

(Guava)

Psidiumguajava Zeliangrong Freshor

driedleaves

barkand

fruits

1. Gonorrhoea,

giddiness,anaemia,

diabetes,liver

problems,

leucorrhoea,

enlargementof

spleen,indigestion,

acidity

2. Urticaria,kidney

problems

1. Takeastemjuice,oneounce,

twiceaday.Orleafextract½-1

glassfultwiceaday.

2. Cutaportionofguavasteminto

smallpieces.Crushthemwelland

putinaglassjar.Addamixtureof

gooseberryjuiceandhoney(1:1)

tillitisoneinchabovethe

material.Sprinklealittleturmeric

powderoverit.Closeandkeepit

for24hrs.Squeezeoutthepieces

ofguava(amrut),strainthe

solutionandpreserve.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

11

7. Ratalou Phyllantusniruri Zeliangrong Wholeparts

oftheplant

1. Jaundice 1. Extractthejuiceoftheplantand

mixitwithsugarorjaggery(gur).

Take2spoonseverytwohours.

Or

Makeapasteoftheplantandeatit

withsugarorjaggery(gur).

*Theleavesandseedsareusedasa

decoctionfordiabetes.

*Themilkylatexoftheplantisused

externallyforseveresores.

8. Meijakna

pui.

Mimosapudica Zeliangrong Leaves 1. Liverdisease,

constipation,

dysenteryand

kidneyproblems

2. Cancerousulcersand

skindiseases

3. Forswollenglands

4. Diabetes

1. Theinfusionoftheleaves

2. Thejuiceoftheplantcanbe

appliedovertheinfectedareas.

3. Usecoldcompressonswollen

glandsfor30minutesatleast3

timesaday.Applythecrushed

pasteofleavesaftereachcold

compresssession.

4. Boiltheherbsanddrinkit

9. Ganeng BrassicaSp. Zeliangrong Seeds 1. Rheumatism(any

painfuldisorderof

thejoints,musclesor

connectivetissues),

painofthenerves,

2. Bronchitis,andfor

chestpain.

1. Applytheseedpasteexternally

forthesaidproblems.

A simple approach based on Participaroty Learning Environment (PLE) was employed by the partner

organisationswhileworking on the traditionalmedicinal plants. Thewhole processwas underlined by the

principleof-“forthepeopleandbythepeople”.Thecommunitywasinitiallyapproachedwiththeideaofsharing

the importanceofupkeepof theknowledgeon traditionalmedicinalplants.This approachmainly included

identi�icationofherbalmedicinalpractitioners.Thisidenti�icationwasdonethroughaseriesofinteractionswith

the communities. The identi�ication was followed by gathering testimonies from the patients who the

practitioners have claimed to have treated. Such testimonies helped to authenticate the genuineness of the

practitioners.Havingidenti�iedthepractitioners,awarenesswascreatedamongthecommunitiestobringback

theuniquepractices.Specialemphasiswasgiventothechildren,youthandwomenamongthecommunitiesand

theresultsareindicativeofthesame.

4.0DocumentationofPractices

1. AloeVera Aloebarbadensis Zeliangrong Freshleaves 1. Gonorrhoea

2. Hardeningofthe

breasttissue

1. Takehalfacupofthepulpwith

sugar,thriceaday,for7-10days.

2. ApplytheAloeVeraleafpulp.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

2. Telou

(Onion)

Alliumcepa Zeliangrong Bulband

leaves

1. Headache

2. Heatstroke

3. Piles

4. Goitre

1. Applyathickpasteofonionon

theforehead,palms,andthesoles.

Liedownandrelaxforsometime.

2. Cutanonionandsniffit.

3. Cuttheonion,applytothepiles,

andbandageit.Also,fryonionin

buffalogheeandeatregularly.

4. Takeoneteaspoonfulonionjuice

(grownintheplains)withhoney.

I.NAGALAND

3. Ganamph

uanmei

(Garlic)

Alliumsativum Zeliangrong Bulb 1. Typhoid

2. Tumour,ulcer,

ringworm,neuralgia

1. Taketwoteaspoonfuloffresh

garlicjuicewithfruitjuiceor

jiggerysyrupeveryfourhours.

2. Applythepasteofgarlicmixed

withanyoil

4. Tulsi Ocimumsanctum Zeliangrong Allparts

oftheplant

1. Boils

2. Earache

3. Snakebite

1. Applyleafpaste.

2. Pour2-3dropsofleafjuiceinto

theear,thriceadayfortwodays.

3. Give10glassofleafjuiceat

regularintervals.Ifthepatientis

unconscious,applytheleafjuice

alloverthebody,especiallyinthe

navel,eyes,earsandmouth.

Repeattheprocessseveraltimes

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

10

5. Gachangrim

(Turmeric)

Curcumalonga Zeliangrong Rhizome 1. Cancer(preventive)

2. Sprains,

in�lammationof

joints,wounds,boils,

swellings,insectbite

3. Cold,cough,allergy,

indigestion,vomiting

(duetofood

poisoning

1. Take1.5gmofturmericdailyin

food.

2. Applyapasteofturmericwitha

littlesaltandlime(chuna)

3. Boil1teaspoonfulofturmeric

powderinacupofmilk,andacup

ofwater.Reducetoonecup.Dose:

1cuponceaday.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

6. Patuoana

thai

(Guava)

Psidiumguajava Zeliangrong Freshor

driedleaves

barkand

fruits

1. Gonorrhoea,

giddiness,anaemia,

diabetes,liver

problems,

leucorrhoea,

enlargementof

spleen,indigestion,

acidity

2. Urticaria,kidney

problems

1. Takeastemjuice,oneounce,

twiceaday.Orleafextract½-1

glassfultwiceaday.

2. Cutaportionofguavasteminto

smallpieces.Crushthemwelland

putinaglassjar.Addamixtureof

gooseberryjuiceandhoney(1:1)

tillitisoneinchabovethe

material.Sprinklealittleturmeric

powderoverit.Closeandkeepit

for24hrs.Squeezeoutthepieces

ofguava(amrut),strainthe

solutionandpreserve.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

11

7. Ratalou Phyllantusniruri Zeliangrong Wholeparts

oftheplant

1. Jaundice 1. Extractthejuiceoftheplantand

mixitwithsugarorjaggery(gur).

Take2spoonseverytwohours.

Or

Makeapasteoftheplantandeatit

withsugarorjaggery(gur).

*Theleavesandseedsareusedasa

decoctionfordiabetes.

*Themilkylatexoftheplantisused

externallyforseveresores.

8. Meijakna

pui.

Mimosapudica Zeliangrong Leaves 1. Liverdisease,

constipation,

dysenteryand

kidneyproblems

2. Cancerousulcersand

skindiseases

3. Forswollenglands

4. Diabetes

1. Theinfusionoftheleaves

2. Thejuiceoftheplantcanbe

appliedovertheinfectedareas.

3. Usecoldcompressonswollen

glandsfor30minutesatleast3

timesaday.Applythecrushed

pasteofleavesaftereachcold

compresssession.

4. Boiltheherbsanddrinkit

9. Ganeng BrassicaSp. Zeliangrong Seeds 1. Rheumatism(any

painfuldisorderof

thejoints,musclesor

connectivetissues),

painofthenerves,

2. Bronchitis,andfor

chestpain.

1. Applytheseedpasteexternally

forthesaidproblems.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

12

10. Awathapi

thai

CaricaSp. Zeliangrong Wholeparts

oftheplant

1. Tapeworm

2. Denguefever

3. Dogbite

4. Cuts&wound

1. Takethedecoctionofdrypapaya

seedsandbetelnut.Smashthe

rawbetelnutanddrypapaya

seedstogetherandboilthe

mixtureuntilthewaterreducesto

halforquarteroftheamount

pouredintoboil.Dose:take1-2

tablespoonaday.(Caution:Donot

givetopregnantladies).

2. Squeezethejuiceofpapayaleaves

andtake2tablespoonsaday.

3. Taketheskinandlatexofpapaya;

mixtheproportionateamountof

kur.Makeapasteandapplythe

pasteonthebittenarea,cover

withaleaveandbandageit.Keep

itforthreedays.

4. Warmthepapayaleaves,rubit

withhandandapplytothecutsto

healthewound

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

11. Babupuo

ng

Catharanthus

roseus

Zeliangrong Wholeparts

ofplant

1. Asthmaemergency

response

2. Naturalburncure

3. Loweredfever

naturally

1. Washed1topoftheperiwinkle

rootsboiledwith1litterofwater

untilthewateronlyhalfleft.

Strain,coolitdownanddrink

twiceaday.

2. Take8cleanleavesofperiwinkle

with½handfulofriceandgrind

themboth�inely.Addalittle

waterandapplythepasteonthe

burntarea.Wrapitwithbandage,

changethedressingeverytimeit

driesup.

3. Takeahandfulofcleanedleaves,

threebarsofthestem,andapiece

ofitsroots.Boilthemin4cupsof

wateruntilitonlyahalfleft.It

shouldbetakentwiceaday.For

eachdayprepareanewone.

12. Stabuanthai AegleSp. Zeliangrong Leaf,bark,

rootand

fruits

1. Constipationand

gastricproblem

2. Stomachulcer

3. Jaundice

4. Typhoid

1. Cracktheshellofanunripefruit

andcookitinhotash.Scoopout

thepulpandmixequalamountof

jaggery.Eattwotablespoononan

emptystomachfor15days

2. Lickthefruit-powdermixedwith

1tsphoneyseveraltimes.

3. Grind1leafand3blackpepper;

eatthriceadayforsevendays.

4. Extractjuiceofleavestake2

teaspoonthriceadaywithhoney,

untilfevercomesdown.

13. Buthai Ficuscarica Zeliangrong Rootand

fruit

1. Skinproblem

2. Drycough

3. Tobreakboilsandto

healsores

4. Kidneyproblem

1. Takeadecoctionof25gmsof�ig

rootin200mlofwater.Boiland

reducetohalfandtaketwicedaily

forafewmonths.

2. Take2-3freshfruits3timesdaily

orevenmorefrequently

3. Makeapasteofthefruitand

applyexternally.

4. Takeoneglassoffreshfruitsjuice

ordryfruits(25gms)soakedina

glassofwatertwicedaily.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

14. Jeipai Oryxylum

indicum

Zeliangrong Bark,leaves

andplant

1. Wombinfection

2. HighBloodpressure,

MalariaandDiabetes

1. Theleavesareboiledandtaken

oneglassinaday

2. Thedecoctionofbarkandleaves

istakenonceinaday.

15. Laopubang Leucasaspera Zeliangrong Thewhole

partsofthe

plant

1. Scorpionbite

2. Sinus

3. Forintestinalworms

inchildren

1. Theconstantrubbingofleaves

overaffectedareaprovidesrelief.

2. Twodropsof�lowerjuiceisused

againstSinus.

3. Thejuiceof�lowersandleavesare

giveninternallyordecoctionis

preparedofit.

16. Ginseng Panaxpseudo-

ginseng

Zeliangrong Roots 1. Highbloodpressure

andimpotency.

1. Thedriedroottubersaretakenin

traceamountthriceaweek.

17. Kihuam Ananascomosus Zeliangrong Fruits,leaf 1. Improvevision

2. Boostimmunityand

improvesblood

circulation

3. Helpshealwounds

andprotectagainst

infection

1. Takethejuiceexecration

2. Taketherawfruit

Caution:Overdosemaycause

vomiting,nauseaandheadaches

II.ASSAM

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

13

18. Arabaha

(Lalphul)

Rauvol�ia

serpentina

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root ChestPain Grinditsrootwithpepperandmake

smallballsandtakewithwaterdaily

oncefor3/4days.

19. Kapur Hedychium

spicatum

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf SwollenatLeg Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater2

timesdailyfor3days.

20. HaarJora Vitis

quadrangularis

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf BoneFracture Grinditsleafandmakepasteofit

anduseitonthefracturedarea.

21. Akan Calotropis

procera

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf DogBite Makepasteoftheleafwithpepper

anduseitinthebittenareafor7days.

22. Agyasita Sesbania

grandi�lora

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Pneumonia Take3-5leavesandpeppermake

smallballsandtakeoncedailyfor7

days

23. UlKosu Amorphophallus

campanulatus

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root Piles,StomachPain • Piles:grinditsrootwithpepper

andtakeitfor3days.

• Stomachpain:grinditsrootwith

garlicandpepperandtakeitfor7

days.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

12

10. Awathapi

thai

CaricaSp. Zeliangrong Wholeparts

oftheplant

1. Tapeworm

2. Denguefever

3. Dogbite

4. Cuts&wound

1. Takethedecoctionofdrypapaya

seedsandbetelnut.Smashthe

rawbetelnutanddrypapaya

seedstogetherandboilthe

mixtureuntilthewaterreducesto

halforquarteroftheamount

pouredintoboil.Dose:take1-2

tablespoonaday.(Caution:Donot

givetopregnantladies).

2. Squeezethejuiceofpapayaleaves

andtake2tablespoonsaday.

3. Taketheskinandlatexofpapaya;

mixtheproportionateamountof

kur.Makeapasteandapplythe

pasteonthebittenarea,cover

withaleaveandbandageit.Keep

itforthreedays.

4. Warmthepapayaleaves,rubit

withhandandapplytothecutsto

healthewound

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

11. Babupuo

ng

Catharanthus

roseus

Zeliangrong Wholeparts

ofplant

1. Asthmaemergency

response

2. Naturalburncure

3. Loweredfever

naturally

1. Washed1topoftheperiwinkle

rootsboiledwith1litterofwater

untilthewateronlyhalfleft.

Strain,coolitdownanddrink

twiceaday.

2. Take8cleanleavesofperiwinkle

with½handfulofriceandgrind

themboth�inely.Addalittle

waterandapplythepasteonthe

burntarea.Wrapitwithbandage,

changethedressingeverytimeit

driesup.

3. Takeahandfulofcleanedleaves,

threebarsofthestem,andapiece

ofitsroots.Boilthemin4cupsof

wateruntilitonlyahalfleft.It

shouldbetakentwiceaday.For

eachdayprepareanewone.

12. Stabuanthai AegleSp. Zeliangrong Leaf,bark,

rootand

fruits

1. Constipationand

gastricproblem

2. Stomachulcer

3. Jaundice

4. Typhoid

1. Cracktheshellofanunripefruit

andcookitinhotash.Scoopout

thepulpandmixequalamountof

jaggery.Eattwotablespoononan

emptystomachfor15days

2. Lickthefruit-powdermixedwith

1tsphoneyseveraltimes.

3. Grind1leafand3blackpepper;

eatthriceadayforsevendays.

4. Extractjuiceofleavestake2

teaspoonthriceadaywithhoney,

untilfevercomesdown.

13. Buthai Ficuscarica Zeliangrong Rootand

fruit

1. Skinproblem

2. Drycough

3. Tobreakboilsandto

healsores

4. Kidneyproblem

1. Takeadecoctionof25gmsof�ig

rootin200mlofwater.Boiland

reducetohalfandtaketwicedaily

forafewmonths.

2. Take2-3freshfruits3timesdaily

orevenmorefrequently

3. Makeapasteofthefruitand

applyexternally.

4. Takeoneglassoffreshfruitsjuice

ordryfruits(25gms)soakedina

glassofwatertwicedaily.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

14. Jeipai Oryxylum

indicum

Zeliangrong Bark,leaves

andplant

1. Wombinfection

2. HighBloodpressure,

MalariaandDiabetes

1. Theleavesareboiledandtaken

oneglassinaday

2. Thedecoctionofbarkandleaves

istakenonceinaday.

15. Laopubang Leucasaspera Zeliangrong Thewhole

partsofthe

plant

1. Scorpionbite

2. Sinus

3. Forintestinalworms

inchildren

1. Theconstantrubbingofleaves

overaffectedareaprovidesrelief.

2. Twodropsof�lowerjuiceisused

againstSinus.

3. Thejuiceof�lowersandleavesare

giveninternallyordecoctionis

preparedofit.

16. Ginseng Panaxpseudo-

ginseng

Zeliangrong Roots 1. Highbloodpressure

andimpotency.

1. Thedriedroottubersaretakenin

traceamountthriceaweek.

17. Kihuam Ananascomosus Zeliangrong Fruits,leaf 1. Improvevision

2. Boostimmunityand

improvesblood

circulation

3. Helpshealwounds

andprotectagainst

infection

1. Takethejuiceexecration

2. Taketherawfruit

Caution:Overdosemaycause

vomiting,nauseaandheadaches

II.ASSAM

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

13

18. Arabaha

(Lalphul)

Rauvol�ia

serpentina

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root ChestPain Grinditsrootwithpepperandmake

smallballsandtakewithwaterdaily

oncefor3/4days.

19. Kapur Hedychium

spicatum

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf SwollenatLeg Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater2

timesdailyfor3days.

20. HaarJora Vitis

quadrangularis

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf BoneFracture Grinditsleafandmakepasteofit

anduseitonthefracturedarea.

21. Akan Calotropis

procera

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf DogBite Makepasteoftheleafwithpepper

anduseitinthebittenareafor7days.

22. Agyasita Sesbania

grandi�lora

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Pneumonia Take3-5leavesandpeppermake

smallballsandtakeoncedailyfor7

days

23. UlKosu Amorphophallus

campanulatus

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root Piles,StomachPain • Piles:grinditsrootwithpepper

andtakeitfor3days.

• Stomachpain:grinditsrootwith

garlicandpepperandtakeitfor7

days.

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

36. AloeVera Aloebarbadensis Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Cut,StomachPain,Skin

Diseases

• Cut:makepasteoftheleafand

applyontheaffectedarea

• Stomachpain:makesaucefrom

itsleavesandtakewithrice.

• Skindegasses:makepasteofthe

leavesandapplyontheaffected

area.

37. Jamun

(Java

Plum)

Syzigiumcumini Adivasi

(Munda)

Bark Diabetes CutitsBarkandkeepittodryina

shadyplace,Powderitbygrinding,

Take8mgofitspowderbeforemeal

(2timesdaily)for7days

38. Kohra

(Pumpkin)

Cucurbitapepo Adivasi

(Munda)

Seeds HookWorm Take15–20seedsandgrinditand

add1teaspoonsugar,takeitin

emptystomachdailyoncefor7days

39. Ghorabaj Acoruscalamus Adivasi

(Munda)

Roots Paralysis Frythegrindedrootsinmustardoil,

addsomewaterandputitina

containerandmixitthoroughlyand

apply.

40. Neem Azadirachta

indica

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf SkinDisease,Malaria • Skindiseases:Makepasteofthe

leavesorboilitsleaveswith

waterandwashthewholebody

withit.

• Malaria:Grindandmixwith

chirotaandmakesmallballsand

useitfor7days

41. KalaHaldi

(Musk

Turmeric)

Curcumacaesia Adivasi

(Munda)

Roots PimplesinFace,Ulcer,

BeautifulHair

• Pimples:grinditsrootandmix

withgulabjaal(rosewater)and

applyontheface

• Ulcer:take1teaspoongrinded

rootwithboiledmilkorcoconut

waterdaily2times.

• Beautifulhair:grinditandapply

onthehairandwash.

42. Aada

(Ginger)

Zingiber

of�icinale

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root HighBloodPressure,

Headache,Digestion

Problem

• Highbloodpressure:drink1big

spoonofitsjuicewithhoneydaily

beforebed.

• Headache:grindandmixginger

andredchillyofequalamount,

additinaglassofmilkanddipa

clothinthemilkandplaceiton

thehead.

• Digestionproblem:drink10mlof

gingerjuicewithsalt.

43. Jomlakhuti Costusspeciosus Adivasi

(Munda)

Root MenstruationProblem Grinditsrootandmixinaglassof

boiledwaterandtakefor3days

44. Gulabas

(Evening

Jasmine)

Mirabilisjalapa Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf/Root Burn,Allergy • Burn:grinditsrootandapplyon

theaffectedarea.

• Allergy:grinditsleavesandapply

ontheaffectedarea.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

15

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

24. Bilaknth Tinospora

cordifolia

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root BreastfeedingMother Grinditsrootandmixitwithone

glassofmilkandtakeitfor7days.

25. Satmul

(Satawari)

Asparagus

racemosus

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root,Leaf Piles,JointPain,

MenstruationProblem

• Piles:Take30mlofitsroots'juice

withcoconutwaterfor7days

• JointPain:GrindtheLeavesand

Fryin250mlofMustardOilfor

fewminutesandusethepasteon

theJoints

• MensurationProblem:Take5gm

ofitsrootwithcoconutwaterfor

14days.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

14

26. Tejmoi Xanthozylum

nitidum

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root BrestCancer,

Pneumonia,Cough

• Brestcancer:applypasteofthe

grindedrootsonthearea.

• Pneumonia:grinditsrootandmix

withaglassofwaterandtakein.

• Cough:grinditsrootandmixit

withaglassofwaterandtakein.

27. Nilkanth Ajugabracteosa Adivasi

(Munda)

Root Pain,Worm,HookWorm Pain,worm:grinditsrootandmake

smallballsandtakeitwithwater.

28. Hiju Euphorbia

neriifolia

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf,Root Cough Useitsroot/leafandmakesmall

ballsandtakeitfor3days

29. Tulsi Ocimum

tenui�lorum

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Cough Takeitsleaveswithhoney

30. Mango Mangiferaindica Adivasi

(Munda)

Burk Jaundice Take3/4piecesoftreesbarkwetit

in1litreofwater,addpalmcandy

sugarandkeepitfor12hoursand

takethewaterinemptystomachfor

3/4timesaday

31. Mati

Kothal(Pineapple)

Ananascomosus Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Worm Take7/8tenderleaves,washandeat

inemptystomachfor3–5days.

32. Tamros Psidiumguajava Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf DiarrhealDysentery Take3verytenderleaves,.washit

andchewitrawfor2-3timesdaily

for3days

33. Doron

Bon

Leucaslinifolia Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Cut,SnakeBite,Appetite • Cut:makepastefromitsleaves

anduseitontheaffectedarea.

• Snakebite:takeitsrootafter

wash.

• Appetite:takeitsleavesregularly

for7days

34. Chirota Andrographis

paniculata

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Malaria Take3leavesfor2timesdailyfor3

days

35. Bhuichini Scorpiadulcis Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf KidneyStones Take3leavesandeatafterwashfor

21days

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

36. AloeVera Aloebarbadensis Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Cut,StomachPain,Skin

Diseases

• Cut:makepasteoftheleafand

applyontheaffectedarea

• Stomachpain:makesaucefrom

itsleavesandtakewithrice.

• Skindegasses:makepasteofthe

leavesandapplyontheaffected

area.

37. Jamun

(Java

Plum)

Syzigiumcumini Adivasi

(Munda)

Bark Diabetes CutitsBarkandkeepittodryina

shadyplace,Powderitbygrinding,

Take8mgofitspowderbeforemeal

(2timesdaily)for7days

38. Kohra

(Pumpkin)

Cucurbitapepo Adivasi

(Munda)

Seeds HookWorm Take15–20seedsandgrinditand

add1teaspoonsugar,takeitin

emptystomachdailyoncefor7days

39. Ghorabaj Acoruscalamus Adivasi

(Munda)

Roots Paralysis Frythegrindedrootsinmustardoil,

addsomewaterandputitina

containerandmixitthoroughlyand

apply.

40. Neem Azadirachta

indica

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf SkinDisease,Malaria • Skindiseases:Makepasteofthe

leavesorboilitsleaveswith

waterandwashthewholebody

withit.

• Malaria:Grindandmixwith

chirotaandmakesmallballsand

useitfor7days

41. KalaHaldi

(Musk

Turmeric)

Curcumacaesia Adivasi

(Munda)

Roots PimplesinFace,Ulcer,

BeautifulHair

• Pimples:grinditsrootandmix

withgulabjaal(rosewater)and

applyontheface

• Ulcer:take1teaspoongrinded

rootwithboiledmilkorcoconut

waterdaily2times.

• Beautifulhair:grinditandapply

onthehairandwash.

42. Aada

(Ginger)

Zingiber

of�icinale

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root HighBloodPressure,

Headache,Digestion

Problem

• Highbloodpressure:drink1big

spoonofitsjuicewithhoneydaily

beforebed.

• Headache:grindandmixginger

andredchillyofequalamount,

additinaglassofmilkanddipa

clothinthemilkandplaceiton

thehead.

• Digestionproblem:drink10mlof

gingerjuicewithsalt.

43. Jomlakhuti Costusspeciosus Adivasi

(Munda)

Root MenstruationProblem Grinditsrootandmixinaglassof

boiledwaterandtakefor3days

44. Gulabas

(Evening

Jasmine)

Mirabilisjalapa Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf/Root Burn,Allergy • Burn:grinditsrootandapplyon

theaffectedarea.

• Allergy:grinditsleavesandapply

ontheaffectedarea.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

15

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

24. Bilaknth Tinospora

cordifolia

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root BreastfeedingMother Grinditsrootandmixitwithone

glassofmilkandtakeitfor7days.

25. Satmul

(Satawari)

Asparagus

racemosus

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root,Leaf Piles,JointPain,

MenstruationProblem

• Piles:Take30mlofitsroots'juice

withcoconutwaterfor7days

• JointPain:GrindtheLeavesand

Fryin250mlofMustardOilfor

fewminutesandusethepasteon

theJoints

• MensurationProblem:Take5gm

ofitsrootwithcoconutwaterfor

14days.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

14

26. Tejmoi Xanthozylum

nitidum

Adivasi

(Munda)

Root BrestCancer,

Pneumonia,Cough

• Brestcancer:applypasteofthe

grindedrootsonthearea.

• Pneumonia:grinditsrootandmix

withaglassofwaterandtakein.

• Cough:grinditsrootandmixit

withaglassofwaterandtakein.

27. Nilkanth Ajugabracteosa Adivasi

(Munda)

Root Pain,Worm,HookWorm Pain,worm:grinditsrootandmake

smallballsandtakeitwithwater.

28. Hiju Euphorbia

neriifolia

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf,Root Cough Useitsroot/leafandmakesmall

ballsandtakeitfor3days

29. Tulsi Ocimum

tenui�lorum

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Cough Takeitsleaveswithhoney

30. Mango Mangiferaindica Adivasi

(Munda)

Burk Jaundice Take3/4piecesoftreesbarkwetit

in1litreofwater,addpalmcandy

sugarandkeepitfor12hoursand

takethewaterinemptystomachfor

3/4timesaday

31. Mati

Kothal(Pineapple)

Ananascomosus Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Worm Take7/8tenderleaves,washandeat

inemptystomachfor3–5days.

32. Tamros Psidiumguajava Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf DiarrhealDysentery Take3verytenderleaves,.washit

andchewitrawfor2-3timesdaily

for3days

33. Doron

Bon

Leucaslinifolia Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Cut,SnakeBite,Appetite • Cut:makepastefromitsleaves

anduseitontheaffectedarea.

• Snakebite:takeitsrootafter

wash.

• Appetite:takeitsleavesregularly

for7days

34. Chirota Andrographis

paniculata

Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf Malaria Take3leavesfor2timesdailyfor3

days

35. Bhuichini Scorpiadulcis Adivasi

(Munda)

Leaf KidneyStones Take3leavesandeatafterwashfor

21days

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

60. Ubhuta Achyranthes

aspera

Karbi,

Assamese

Root Asthma • Crushtherootandextractthejuice

• 1teaspoonofjuicemixedwith

watercanbetakenearlyinthe

morning

61. Aprajita Clitoria

ternatealinn

Karbi,

Assamese

Root Toothache Thepasteoftherootisappliedinthe

toothfor10minutes

62. Ashok Saracaasoca Karbi,

Assamese

Seed Vomiting Halfteaspoonofthepasteoftheseed

istakenwith1cupofwater

63. Chiraita Andrographis

paniculate

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf ExtraBleedingduring

periods

4teaspoonsofthejuiceoftheleafis

takentwiceaday

64. Sewali Nyctanthes

arbortristis

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Ringworm 5piecesofleavesareputinto1glass

ofwater.Nextmorningthe2–3

spoonsofwatercanbetakenempty

stomach

65. Durung

puspa

Leucasaspera Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Malaria 500gramofleavesismadeintopaste

andboiledin2litresofwater.The

steamneedstobeinhaledby

coveringtheheadwithatowel

66. Tita

kerela

Gymnopetatum

eochinchinense

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Liverproblem/

indigestion/sinus

• Forliverproblemtheleafis

cookednormallyandtakenas

curry.

• ForSinusThejuiceisappliedin

thenostril

67. Pategoja Bryophyllum

calycinum

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Nosebleeding Put2dropsofjuiceinthenostril

68. Makhilati Flemingia

strobilifera

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaves Kidneystone Bycrushingtheleaves3spoonsof

Juiceistakenemptystomach

69. Bach Acoruscalamus Karbi,

Assamese

Roots Ringworm(Khor) Themainrootiscutinto3pieces

(onepieceof3inches)itiscrushed,

andthepasteisappliedonaffected

area.

70. Sugandh

mantri

Homalomena

aromatica

Karbi,

Assamese

Roots Earache,throat

in�lammation,typhoid

Therootsarecutintopiecesand

withtheuseofthreadanecklaceis

madetowearitonneck.

71. Sajana Moringaoleifera Karbi,

Assamese

Leafpetiole

and

Rhizomes

(underground

Stem)

Skindiseases,anti-

in�lammatory,post-

natalcare,anaemia

Thepowderofrhizomesisapplied

ontheskin

Leafpetioleisagoodsupplementof

iron

72. Narji

Phool

Tageteserecta Karbi,

Assamese

Tender

leaves

Heartdisease 50gramoftenderleavescanbe

cookedwithanyvegetableandgiven

totheheartpatients

73. Pippoli Piperlongum Karbi,

Assamese

Flower Bloodpuri�ication&for

bleedingpiles

The�loweriscrushedtoextractthe

juiceand2spoonscanbetakenafter

meal.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

17

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

45. Kathanda Ervatamia

coronaria

Assamese Flower Eyein�lammation 2dropsof�lowerextract

administeredasaneyedroptwice

daily

46. Bonjolokia Spilanthes

acmella

Assamese Flower Bumpywhitepatcheson

thetongue

2-3fresh�lowerstobechewedtwice

daily

47. Nayantara Catharanthus

rosws

Karbi,

Assamese

Flower Tonguedisease

(Thrush-yeastinfection,

leadstothe

developmentofbumpy

whitepatchesonthe

tongue)

Take2-3�lowersandchewitfor1

minutes(2timesdaily)

48. Bonteteli Phyllanthus

amaruss

Assamese Leaf HighBloodPressure Grindtopasteandswallowittwice

daily.

Itcanalsobechewedandswallowed

49. Harjurua

Lata

Vitis

quadrangularis

Karbi,

Assamese

Flower

petals

Eyedisease(redeye) Thejuiceofthe�lowercanbeusedas

aneyedrop

(twodropsX2timesdaily)

50. Amarlata Tinospora

cordifolia

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Bonefracture Grindthestem(makepaste)and

applyontheaffectedarea,place

bamboosticksaroundandtieitwith

aclothfor15days

51. Teznayana Amaranthus

leicolorlinm

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Debatestype1 Keepasmallpieceofstemin1glass

ofwaterforonenightanddrinkiton

emptystomachnextmorning

52. Aamada Curcumaamada Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Forexcessbleeding

fromdeepcuts

Grindtheleaf(makepaste)and

applyitonthecuts

53. Konakhim

olu

Commelina

lenghahensis

Karbi,

Assamese

Root MusclePain Grindtheroot(makepaste)and

applyontheaffectedarea

54. Khejupat Euphobia

nerifolia

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem SkinInfection(boils) Cutthestemandapplythesticky

juiceontheaffectedarea

55. Dulal

phool

Costus

Specicosus

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Cough–speciallytoget

themucusoutofthe

chest

Heattheleafin�ire

Squeezetoextractthejuice,

add1teaspoonofhoneywithitand

take4teaspoonjuicetwicedaily

56. Aakon Calotropis

procera

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Skindisease Applythestemextractdonthe

affectedpart

Leaf Muscle&JointPain Heattheleafin�ireandapplyinthe

affectedpart

57. Arjun Terminalia

Arjuna

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Skindisease Applytheextractedjuiceonaffected

parts

58. Borun Crataeva

roxburghii

Karbi,

Assamese

Skin Gastric Take2spoonofextractedjuicetwice

daily

59. Ogora Abelmoschus

moschatus

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf JointPain • Tiethebananaleavestothe

affectedarea

• Applytheleafpasteandtieitwith

acloth

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

16

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

60. Ubhuta Achyranthes

aspera

Karbi,

Assamese

Root Asthma • Crushtherootandextractthejuice

• 1teaspoonofjuicemixedwith

watercanbetakenearlyinthe

morning

61. Aprajita Clitoria

ternatealinn

Karbi,

Assamese

Root Toothache Thepasteoftherootisappliedinthe

toothfor10minutes

62. Ashok Saracaasoca Karbi,

Assamese

Seed Vomiting Halfteaspoonofthepasteoftheseed

istakenwith1cupofwater

63. Chiraita Andrographis

paniculate

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf ExtraBleedingduring

periods

4teaspoonsofthejuiceoftheleafis

takentwiceaday

64. Sewali Nyctanthes

arbortristis

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Ringworm 5piecesofleavesareputinto1glass

ofwater.Nextmorningthe2–3

spoonsofwatercanbetakenempty

stomach

65. Durung

puspa

Leucasaspera Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Malaria 500gramofleavesismadeintopaste

andboiledin2litresofwater.The

steamneedstobeinhaledby

coveringtheheadwithatowel

66. Tita

kerela

Gymnopetatum

eochinchinense

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Liverproblem/

indigestion/sinus

• Forliverproblemtheleafis

cookednormallyandtakenas

curry.

• ForSinusThejuiceisappliedin

thenostril

67. Pategoja Bryophyllum

calycinum

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Nosebleeding Put2dropsofjuiceinthenostril

68. Makhilati Flemingia

strobilifera

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaves Kidneystone Bycrushingtheleaves3spoonsof

Juiceistakenemptystomach

69. Bach Acoruscalamus Karbi,

Assamese

Roots Ringworm(Khor) Themainrootiscutinto3pieces

(onepieceof3inches)itiscrushed,

andthepasteisappliedonaffected

area.

70. Sugandh

mantri

Homalomena

aromatica

Karbi,

Assamese

Roots Earache,throat

in�lammation,typhoid

Therootsarecutintopiecesand

withtheuseofthreadanecklaceis

madetowearitonneck.

71. Sajana Moringaoleifera Karbi,

Assamese

Leafpetiole

and

Rhizomes

(underground

Stem)

Skindiseases,anti-

in�lammatory,post-

natalcare,anaemia

Thepowderofrhizomesisapplied

ontheskin

Leafpetioleisagoodsupplementof

iron

72. Narji

Phool

Tageteserecta Karbi,

Assamese

Tender

leaves

Heartdisease 50gramoftenderleavescanbe

cookedwithanyvegetableandgiven

totheheartpatients

73. Pippoli Piperlongum Karbi,

Assamese

Flower Bloodpuri�ication&for

bleedingpiles

The�loweriscrushedtoextractthe

juiceand2spoonscanbetakenafter

meal.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

17

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

45. Kathanda Ervatamia

coronaria

Assamese Flower Eyein�lammation 2dropsof�lowerextract

administeredasaneyedroptwice

daily

46. Bonjolokia Spilanthes

acmella

Assamese Flower Bumpywhitepatcheson

thetongue

2-3fresh�lowerstobechewedtwice

daily

47. Nayantara Catharanthus

rosws

Karbi,

Assamese

Flower Tonguedisease

(Thrush-yeastinfection,

leadstothe

developmentofbumpy

whitepatchesonthe

tongue)

Take2-3�lowersandchewitfor1

minutes(2timesdaily)

48. Bonteteli Phyllanthus

amaruss

Assamese Leaf HighBloodPressure Grindtopasteandswallowittwice

daily.

Itcanalsobechewedandswallowed

49. Harjurua

Lata

Vitis

quadrangularis

Karbi,

Assamese

Flower

petals

Eyedisease(redeye) Thejuiceofthe�lowercanbeusedas

aneyedrop

(twodropsX2timesdaily)

50. Amarlata Tinospora

cordifolia

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Bonefracture Grindthestem(makepaste)and

applyontheaffectedarea,place

bamboosticksaroundandtieitwith

aclothfor15days

51. Teznayana Amaranthus

leicolorlinm

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Debatestype1 Keepasmallpieceofstemin1glass

ofwaterforonenightanddrinkiton

emptystomachnextmorning

52. Aamada Curcumaamada Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Forexcessbleeding

fromdeepcuts

Grindtheleaf(makepaste)and

applyitonthecuts

53. Konakhim

olu

Commelina

lenghahensis

Karbi,

Assamese

Root MusclePain Grindtheroot(makepaste)and

applyontheaffectedarea

54. Khejupat Euphobia

nerifolia

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem SkinInfection(boils) Cutthestemandapplythesticky

juiceontheaffectedarea

55. Dulal

phool

Costus

Specicosus

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf Cough–speciallytoget

themucusoutofthe

chest

Heattheleafin�ire

Squeezetoextractthejuice,

add1teaspoonofhoneywithitand

take4teaspoonjuicetwicedaily

56. Aakon Calotropis

procera

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Skindisease Applythestemextractdonthe

affectedpart

Leaf Muscle&JointPain Heattheleafin�ireandapplyinthe

affectedpart

57. Arjun Terminalia

Arjuna

Karbi,

Assamese

Stem Skindisease Applytheextractedjuiceonaffected

parts

58. Borun Crataeva

roxburghii

Karbi,

Assamese

Skin Gastric Take2spoonofextractedjuicetwice

daily

59. Ogora Abelmoschus

moschatus

Karbi,

Assamese

Leaf JointPain • Tiethebananaleavestothe

affectedarea

• Applytheleafpasteandtieitwith

acloth

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

16

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

88. Guava Psidiumguajava Bengali Leaf Diarrhea,gastric,Cough Take10mlfreshjuiceoftheleaf

89. Nathap Bengali Leaf Cancer GrindandtaketheJuice

90. Wild

mango

tree

Magniferaindica Bengali Bark Jaundice Boilthebarkofwildmangotreeand

amlatreetogethertakethejuice1/2

timesinaday

91. Mirklung Karbi Leaf Highbloodpressure Itcanbecookedlikevegetablesoup

andtaken.Butitisprohibitedincase

oflowbloodpressure.

92. Little

Rubi

Alternathera

denata

Bengali Leaf Cut Crushandapplytheherbsinthe

affectedpart

93. Nayantara Catharanthus

roseus

Bengali Wholeplant,

roots,leaves

Menstruationpain,

cancer,dysentery,

urinaryproblem

Oneglassjuiceinaday

94. EndiRaja Jatropha

Gossypifolia

Boro Leaves SkinAllergy(itching) Takealeafandmakeapastewith

somesalt(1teaspoon)andapplyon

theaffectedskin.

95. Hatjora Vites

quadrangularis

Boro Wholeplant Fracturedhandsand

legs

Makeapasteofthewholeplantand

applyontheaffectedpartofthe

body.

96. Serja

biphang

Sansevieria

trifasciata

Boro Leaves Pain Makeapasteoftheleaves,addsome

mustardoilandapplyonthepain

area.

97. Chiretta Andrographis

paniculata

Boro Wholeplant Malaria Takeonewholeplantofchirettaand

boilinaglassofwater.Drinkitinan

emptystomachinthemorning.

Repeatitforaweek.

98. Kuntai

Gwka

Solanumferox Boro Floweror

seeds

Toothache Keepthedried�lowersorseedsin

mouth

99. Ram

Turupsi

Ocimum

sanctum

Boro Leaves Commonfever Boiltheleaveswith2glassesof

waterandreduceitto1glass.Drink

twiceinadayfor2to3days.

100. Guyonki Ageratum

canyzoides

Boro Leaves Minorcuts/wounds Makepasteoftheleavesandapply

onthewound.

101. Kamrenga Averrhoa

carambola

Boro Tender

Fruits

Jaundice Take3fruitsandmakecurryalong

withahandfulofsmall�ishesand

takeitwithfood3to4timesina

week.

102. Kanshisa Leucasaspera Boro Leaves Nosebleeding Makepasteoftheleavesandapply

thejuiceinthenose.

103. Daosa

Mwkreb

Mimosapudica Boro Wholeplant WoundsandFrequent

micturition

Mixfreshrootandleafextractandboil

withcow'smilk,takeoncedailyfor

twoweeksafterbreakfastforfrequent

micturition.Forwoundsdrythewhole

plant,powderitand,applythepowder

onthewounds.

104. Thaso Colocasia

esculenta

Boro Stemjuice Beebite/sting Applythejuicefromthestemonthe

affectedpart.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

19

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

74. Thankuni Centellaasiatica Bengali Leaf Diarrhoeaand

Dysentery

Takealeafeverymorninginempty

stomachorGrindtheleafandtake

thefreshjuicewithwarmwater

75. Shefalika Nyctanthes

arbortristis

Bengali Leaf/Bark Constipation,Intestinal

worm,Ringworm

Freshjuiceoftheleaf(10mlforadult

and5mlforchild)isgivenfor

Constipationandintestinalworm.

Thepasteofthebarkorleafused

overtheareaaffectedwithringworm

atleast3timesinaday

76. Lojjaboti Mimosapudica Bengali Rootor

wholeplant

Diarrhoea,dysentery,

bleedingdisorder

(Nasal,heavyperiods)

burning,skindisease,

wound

Grindtheleafandtake10-20ml

freshjuiceeveryday

77. Pharho

Pudina

Menthaarvensis Karbi Leaf Stomachache/Gastric Boiltheleafwithwaterandtakethe

juicefor2/3days

78. Neem Azadirachta

indica

Bengali Leaf Skindiseaseand

diabetes

TakeouttheJuiceandapplyin

affectedpart.

Eataleafeverymorninginempty

stomach

79. Amla Phyllanthus

emblica

Bengali Leaf/Fruit Jaundice/boost

immunity/reduceblood

sugar

Makejuiceoftheleaves,addsome

jaggeryanddrinkthejuice3timesa

day

80. Patharku

chi

Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Bengali Leaf Stone Crushtheleavesandtakethejuicein

emptystomach

81. Sajana

Pata

Moringaolifera Bengali Leaf Swelling,Bodyache,

lackofeyesight,

de�iciencyofIronin

Pregnantwomen

Makeamixtureofleaves,lemonand

honeyandtake1glassadayin

emptystomach

82. Pahbong

or

Lourobong

(Kuki)

Chromolaena

odorata

Kuki Leaf Wounds,burns,andskin

infections.

Crushandapplytheherbsinaffected

partofthebody

83. Saragoak

po

Cassiaalata Rongmei Leaf Ringwormandother

fungalinfectionsofthe

skin.

Scratchtheaffectedplace.mixthe

leafwithsaltandapply

84. LangBap Accoruscalamus Karbi Leaf Gastric,Stomachache AfterGrindingtheleafapplythejuice

ontheskin

85. Bangram

Bap

Sansevieria

trifasciata

Karbi Leaf Ringwormandfungal

diseases

Applytheleafsapdirectlyon

infectedsores,cutsandgrazes

86. Monosasi

(Beng)

Euphorbia

neriifolia

Bengali Leaf/stem Cough,Ear-ache • Juicefromfreshstemaddedwith

honeytotreatCough

• Crushtheleafandpouredinside

theearonceinaweektotreat

ear-ache

87. Rifuzilota Mikania

micrantha

Bengali Leaf Wounds,burns,andskin

infections.

Crushandapplytheherbsinthe

affectedpartofthebody

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

18

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

88. Guava Psidiumguajava Bengali Leaf Diarrhea,gastric,Cough Take10mlfreshjuiceoftheleaf

89. Nathap Bengali Leaf Cancer GrindandtaketheJuice

90. Wild

mango

tree

Magniferaindica Bengali Bark Jaundice Boilthebarkofwildmangotreeand

amlatreetogethertakethejuice1/2

timesinaday

91. Mirklung Karbi Leaf Highbloodpressure Itcanbecookedlikevegetablesoup

andtaken.Butitisprohibitedincase

oflowbloodpressure.

92. Little

Rubi

Alternathera

denata

Bengali Leaf Cut Crushandapplytheherbsinthe

affectedpart

93. Nayantara Catharanthus

roseus

Bengali Wholeplant,

roots,leaves

Menstruationpain,

cancer,dysentery,

urinaryproblem

Oneglassjuiceinaday

94. EndiRaja Jatropha

Gossypifolia

Boro Leaves SkinAllergy(itching) Takealeafandmakeapastewith

somesalt(1teaspoon)andapplyon

theaffectedskin.

95. Hatjora Vites

quadrangularis

Boro Wholeplant Fracturedhandsand

legs

Makeapasteofthewholeplantand

applyontheaffectedpartofthe

body.

96. Serja

biphang

Sansevieria

trifasciata

Boro Leaves Pain Makeapasteoftheleaves,addsome

mustardoilandapplyonthepain

area.

97. Chiretta Andrographis

paniculata

Boro Wholeplant Malaria Takeonewholeplantofchirettaand

boilinaglassofwater.Drinkitinan

emptystomachinthemorning.

Repeatitforaweek.

98. Kuntai

Gwka

Solanumferox Boro Floweror

seeds

Toothache Keepthedried�lowersorseedsin

mouth

99. Ram

Turupsi

Ocimum

sanctum

Boro Leaves Commonfever Boiltheleaveswith2glassesof

waterandreduceitto1glass.Drink

twiceinadayfor2to3days.

100. Guyonki Ageratum

canyzoides

Boro Leaves Minorcuts/wounds Makepasteoftheleavesandapply

onthewound.

101. Kamrenga Averrhoa

carambola

Boro Tender

Fruits

Jaundice Take3fruitsandmakecurryalong

withahandfulofsmall�ishesand

takeitwithfood3to4timesina

week.

102. Kanshisa Leucasaspera Boro Leaves Nosebleeding Makepasteoftheleavesandapply

thejuiceinthenose.

103. Daosa

Mwkreb

Mimosapudica Boro Wholeplant WoundsandFrequent

micturition

Mixfreshrootandleafextractandboil

withcow'smilk,takeoncedailyfor

twoweeksafterbreakfastforfrequent

micturition.Forwoundsdrythewhole

plant,powderitand,applythepowder

onthewounds.

104. Thaso Colocasia

esculenta

Boro Stemjuice Beebite/sting Applythejuicefromthestemonthe

affectedpart.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

19

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

74. Thankuni Centellaasiatica Bengali Leaf Diarrhoeaand

Dysentery

Takealeafeverymorninginempty

stomachorGrindtheleafandtake

thefreshjuicewithwarmwater

75. Shefalika Nyctanthes

arbortristis

Bengali Leaf/Bark Constipation,Intestinal

worm,Ringworm

Freshjuiceoftheleaf(10mlforadult

and5mlforchild)isgivenfor

Constipationandintestinalworm.

Thepasteofthebarkorleafused

overtheareaaffectedwithringworm

atleast3timesinaday

76. Lojjaboti Mimosapudica Bengali Rootor

wholeplant

Diarrhoea,dysentery,

bleedingdisorder

(Nasal,heavyperiods)

burning,skindisease,

wound

Grindtheleafandtake10-20ml

freshjuiceeveryday

77. Pharho

Pudina

Menthaarvensis Karbi Leaf Stomachache/Gastric Boiltheleafwithwaterandtakethe

juicefor2/3days

78. Neem Azadirachta

indica

Bengali Leaf Skindiseaseand

diabetes

TakeouttheJuiceandapplyin

affectedpart.

Eataleafeverymorninginempty

stomach

79. Amla Phyllanthus

emblica

Bengali Leaf/Fruit Jaundice/boost

immunity/reduceblood

sugar

Makejuiceoftheleaves,addsome

jaggeryanddrinkthejuice3timesa

day

80. Patharku

chi

Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Bengali Leaf Stone Crushtheleavesandtakethejuicein

emptystomach

81. Sajana

Pata

Moringaolifera Bengali Leaf Swelling,Bodyache,

lackofeyesight,

de�iciencyofIronin

Pregnantwomen

Makeamixtureofleaves,lemonand

honeyandtake1glassadayin

emptystomach

82. Pahbong

or

Lourobong

(Kuki)

Chromolaena

odorata

Kuki Leaf Wounds,burns,andskin

infections.

Crushandapplytheherbsinaffected

partofthebody

83. Saragoak

po

Cassiaalata Rongmei Leaf Ringwormandother

fungalinfectionsofthe

skin.

Scratchtheaffectedplace.mixthe

leafwithsaltandapply

84. LangBap Accoruscalamus Karbi Leaf Gastric,Stomachache AfterGrindingtheleafapplythejuice

ontheskin

85. Bangram

Bap

Sansevieria

trifasciata

Karbi Leaf Ringwormandfungal

diseases

Applytheleafsapdirectlyon

infectedsores,cutsandgrazes

86. Monosasi

(Beng)

Euphorbia

neriifolia

Bengali Leaf/stem Cough,Ear-ache • Juicefromfreshstemaddedwith

honeytotreatCough

• Crushtheleafandpouredinside

theearonceinaweektotreat

ear-ache

87. Rifuzilota Mikania

micrantha

Bengali Leaf Wounds,burns,andskin

infections.

Crushandapplytheherbsinthe

affectedpartofthebody

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

18

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

126. Sohphirew Rubusellipticus Khasi Root Dysentery,Diabetes Grindtherootintopastemixitwith

wateranddrink

127. Sohniar PerseaSp. Khasi Barkof

tree

Diarrhoeaand

dysentery

Boilthebarkofthetreewithwater

anddrink

128. Batmotor Drymariacordata Khasi Leaves Dysentery Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixit

withwateranddrink

129. Batsaw ColeusSp. Khasi Leaves Dysentery Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

130. Jamyrdoh Houttuynia

cordata

Khasi Wholeplant Dysentery,diabetes,

anaemiaandasblood

puri�ier

Wholeplantistakenraw

131. Khliang

syiar

(wild

edible)

Centellaasiatica Khasi Wholeplant Blooddysentery,

diarrhoeaandforblood

puri�ication

Takethewholeplantpaste

132. Jyllang Allium

tuberosum

Khasi Wholeplant Puri�icationofblood,

skindiseases

Wholeplantistakenraw

133. Jaleikhlaw Crassocephalum

crepidiodes

Khasi Leaves Anaemia Grindtheleavesintopaste,squeeze

itanddrinkthejuice

134. Batstem Leucusciliata Khasi Leaves Snakebite Grindtheleavesintopaste,putitina

pieceofclothandapplyonthe

affectedarea

135. Shukariah HypericumSp. Khasi Leaves Snakebite,Fever,

Headache

Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrinkit

136. Sohpang

khlieh

Lantanacamara Khasi Flowers Headache Makeapasteofthe�lower,taken

orallyorapplyovertheforehead

137. Wang Calocasia

esculenta

Khasi Leaves Highfever Takeayoungcleanleafandcoverthe

headwithit

138. Rynsun Alliumsativum Khasi Bulb Cough Frythebulbinmustardoilanduse

theoiltomassagethechestandback

ortakeitorally

139. Batıong Dichrocephala

integrifolia

Khasi Leaves Injury Grindtheleavesintopasteandapply

totheaffectedarea

140. Bationg Prunellavulgaris Khasi Leaves Injury,bonefracture Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

141. Shynrai/

Shyrmit

Curcumalonga Khasi Rhizome Wounds,injuries,

sprains,naildiseases

Makeapasteoftherhizomeand

applyonwounds,injuries,sprains

anddiseasesofthenails

142. Bat

Langtana

Eupatorium

adenophorum

Khasi Leaves Minorinjury Grindtheleavesintopasteandapply

ontheaffectedarea

143. Shkor

blang

(wild

edible)

Plantogoerosa Khasi Leaves Cuts,woundsand

injuries.

Makeapasteofleaves,addsome

limeandapply

144. Jatyngkieh Aloevera Khasi Leaves Wounds,freshcuts,

burns

Makeapasteoftheleavesandapply

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

21

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

III.MEGHALAYA

105. Syntiew

Rapleng

Anemone Khasi Leaves Measles Grindtheleavesintopasteform,and

putitinapieceofclothandapplyon

theaffectedareas

106. Khmatsy

nriah

LiliumSp. Khasi Leavesand

Flowers

Measles,Arthritis Boiltheleavesand�lowersanddrink

thewater

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

20

107. Kynbat

turio

Brugmansia

suaveolens

Khasi Leaves Arthritis Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

108. Sla

Thynrait

Gaultheria

fragrantissima

Khasi Leaves Arthritis Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

109. Sying

Lakadong

CurcumaSp. Khasi Root Ulcer Grindtherootintopasteform,mix

withwateranddrinkit.

110. Shyrmi

tiong

Curcumacaesia Khasi Root Ulcer Grindtherootwithwateranddrink

111. Ksehblei Taxuswalliciana Khasi Leaves Cancer Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

112. Diengblei Podocarpus

nerifolius

Khasi Leaves Cancer Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

113. I-Maw Polygonatum

cantonensis

Khasi Leaves Cancer Grindtheleavesintopowder,mixthe

powderwithwateranddrinkit

114. Batshym

pet

Solanumnigrum Khasi Leaves Cancer,leprosy Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

115. Tiewbthi HibiscusSp. Khasi Leaves Gastric,MalariaandUTI Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

116. Jathud OsbeckiaSp. Khasi Leaves Gastric Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrinkit.

117. Batbet Acoruscalamus Khasi Leavesand

rhizome

Snakebite,body

swelling,gastric

Dryrhizomeinthesun,grindto

makepowder,boilthepowderin

wateranddrink.

118. Soh

byrthit

Bidenspilosa Khasi Leaves Gastricdisorder Makeapasteofleavesandtakethe

juice

119. Sohbrap Passi�loraedulis Khasi Leaves Malaria Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

120. Jajew Begoniapalmata Khasi Rootand

Leaves

Malaria Grindtherootandleavesintopaste,

mixwithwateranddrinkit.

121. Thu-iaw Artemesia

nilagaria

Khasi Leaves Malaria Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

122. Latyrpad Cinnamomum

tamala

Khasi Leaves Malaria Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

123. Bat

Tyrkhang

Nephrolepsis

cordata

Khasi Leaves UTI Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

124. Pudina Menthapiperita Khasi Wholeplant Dysentery,Diarrhoea Wholeplantistakenraw

125. Laphih HedychiumSp. Khasi Root Dysentery,Diabetes Grindtherootintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

126. Sohphirew Rubusellipticus Khasi Root Dysentery,Diabetes Grindtherootintopastemixitwith

wateranddrink

127. Sohniar PerseaSp. Khasi Barkof

tree

Diarrhoeaand

dysentery

Boilthebarkofthetreewithwater

anddrink

128. Batmotor Drymariacordata Khasi Leaves Dysentery Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixit

withwateranddrink

129. Batsaw ColeusSp. Khasi Leaves Dysentery Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

130. Jamyrdoh Houttuynia

cordata

Khasi Wholeplant Dysentery,diabetes,

anaemiaandasblood

puri�ier

Wholeplantistakenraw

131. Khliang

syiar

(wild

edible)

Centellaasiatica Khasi Wholeplant Blooddysentery,

diarrhoeaandforblood

puri�ication

Takethewholeplantpaste

132. Jyllang Allium

tuberosum

Khasi Wholeplant Puri�icationofblood,

skindiseases

Wholeplantistakenraw

133. Jaleikhlaw Crassocephalum

crepidiodes

Khasi Leaves Anaemia Grindtheleavesintopaste,squeeze

itanddrinkthejuice

134. Batstem Leucusciliata Khasi Leaves Snakebite Grindtheleavesintopaste,putitina

pieceofclothandapplyonthe

affectedarea

135. Shukariah HypericumSp. Khasi Leaves Snakebite,Fever,

Headache

Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrinkit

136. Sohpang

khlieh

Lantanacamara Khasi Flowers Headache Makeapasteofthe�lower,taken

orallyorapplyovertheforehead

137. Wang Calocasia

esculenta

Khasi Leaves Highfever Takeayoungcleanleafandcoverthe

headwithit

138. Rynsun Alliumsativum Khasi Bulb Cough Frythebulbinmustardoilanduse

theoiltomassagethechestandback

ortakeitorally

139. Batıong Dichrocephala

integrifolia

Khasi Leaves Injury Grindtheleavesintopasteandapply

totheaffectedarea

140. Bationg Prunellavulgaris Khasi Leaves Injury,bonefracture Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

141. Shynrai/

Shyrmit

Curcumalonga Khasi Rhizome Wounds,injuries,

sprains,naildiseases

Makeapasteoftherhizomeand

applyonwounds,injuries,sprains

anddiseasesofthenails

142. Bat

Langtana

Eupatorium

adenophorum

Khasi Leaves Minorinjury Grindtheleavesintopasteandapply

ontheaffectedarea

143. Shkor

blang

(wild

edible)

Plantogoerosa Khasi Leaves Cuts,woundsand

injuries.

Makeapasteofleaves,addsome

limeandapply

144. Jatyngkieh Aloevera Khasi Leaves Wounds,freshcuts,

burns

Makeapasteoftheleavesandapply

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

21

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

III.MEGHALAYA

105. Syntiew

Rapleng

Anemone Khasi Leaves Measles Grindtheleavesintopasteform,and

putitinapieceofclothandapplyon

theaffectedareas

106. Khmatsy

nriah

LiliumSp. Khasi Leavesand

Flowers

Measles,Arthritis Boiltheleavesand�lowersanddrink

thewater

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

20

107. Kynbat

turio

Brugmansia

suaveolens

Khasi Leaves Arthritis Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

108. Sla

Thynrait

Gaultheria

fragrantissima

Khasi Leaves Arthritis Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

109. Sying

Lakadong

CurcumaSp. Khasi Root Ulcer Grindtherootintopasteform,mix

withwateranddrinkit.

110. Shyrmi

tiong

Curcumacaesia Khasi Root Ulcer Grindtherootwithwateranddrink

111. Ksehblei Taxuswalliciana Khasi Leaves Cancer Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

112. Diengblei Podocarpus

nerifolius

Khasi Leaves Cancer Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

113. I-Maw Polygonatum

cantonensis

Khasi Leaves Cancer Grindtheleavesintopowder,mixthe

powderwithwateranddrinkit

114. Batshym

pet

Solanumnigrum Khasi Leaves Cancer,leprosy Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

115. Tiewbthi HibiscusSp. Khasi Leaves Gastric,MalariaandUTI Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

116. Jathud OsbeckiaSp. Khasi Leaves Gastric Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrinkit.

117. Batbet Acoruscalamus Khasi Leavesand

rhizome

Snakebite,body

swelling,gastric

Dryrhizomeinthesun,grindto

makepowder,boilthepowderin

wateranddrink.

118. Soh

byrthit

Bidenspilosa Khasi Leaves Gastricdisorder Makeapasteofleavesandtakethe

juice

119. Sohbrap Passi�loraedulis Khasi Leaves Malaria Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

120. Jajew Begoniapalmata Khasi Rootand

Leaves

Malaria Grindtherootandleavesintopaste,

mixwithwateranddrinkit.

121. Thu-iaw Artemesia

nilagaria

Khasi Leaves Malaria Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

122. Latyrpad Cinnamomum

tamala

Khasi Leaves Malaria Boiltheleavesanddrinkthewater

123. Bat

Tyrkhang

Nephrolepsis

cordata

Khasi Leaves UTI Grindtheleavesintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

124. Pudina Menthapiperita Khasi Wholeplant Dysentery,Diarrhoea Wholeplantistakenraw

125. Laphih HedychiumSp. Khasi Root Dysentery,Diabetes Grindtherootintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrink

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

163. NgaWa

Rung

SmilaxSp. Tangsa Roots Jaundiceandbodypain Taketherootsoftheclimber,grindit

andtakeit

164. Nayan

Tara

Catheranthus

roseus

Tangsa Leaves LiverTreatment,

indigestion,Highblood

pressure

Takealeafoftheplant,grinditand

takeitonceaday

165. Wakk

Nakpu

Mangiferaindica Tangsa Barkoftree Nailproblemand

treatmentofpigs

Takethebarkofthetree,grinditand

applyitonthenail.Forpigs,grind

thebarkandfeedthepigs

166. Ganmen

Chi

Tangsa Roots Jaundice Taketherootsoftheshrub,grindit

andtakeitemptystomachinthe

morning

167. PeChi CoelogyneSp. Tangsa Leaves Stomachache Taketheleaves,grindittakeinthe

morningbeforemeal

168. Chapan

Yack

Micania

micrantha

Tangsa Leaves burn&cuts Makeapasteofleaves,slightlyheatit

onthe�ireandapplythepasteonthe

burn

169. Treat

Kumari

Bulbophyllum

pinnata

Tangsa Leaves Feverandheadache Taketheleaves,heatonthe�ireand

wrapontheheadandfoot

170. Maharna Tangsa Leaves Wounds Makeapasteofleavesandapplyon

thewounds

171. Bhuamla Phyllanthus

fraternus

Tangsa Leaves Jaundice Taketheleaves,grinditthoroughly

andmaketabletsanddryit.Itcanbe

takenwithwaterormilk

172. Makong AbelmoschusSp. Tangsa Tender

leaves

JointpainandJaundice Takeahandfulofleaves,boilitfor

20to30minutesanddrinkitbefore

foodandtheoilfromtheseedcanbe

usedforjointpain

173. Kannchi Leucas

plukenetii

Tangsa Leaves&

Roots

SinusandMigraine Taketheleaves,grinditandputthe

extractedjuiceinthenose.

Taketherootsboilitwithwater

thoroughly,addsomecoconutoilin

thewaterandapplyonhead

174. Khuthop

Jouk

PinangaSp. Tangsa Roots Cuts Taketheroot,grinditandapplyon

thecut

175. Tangpann

yok

(Tulsi)

Ocimum

sanctum

Tangsa Leaves Fever&Cough Takeahandfulofleaves,boilitwith

mixtureofblackpepper,gingerand

honeyanddrinkitafterfood

176. Ngingkhoi Centellaasiatica Tangsa Leaves Gastriculcer

Tuberculosis

Taketheleaves,smashitproperlyto

extractthejuice,andmixitwithone

spoonofgooseberryjuiceanddrink

itonemptystomachinthemorning.

ItisalsogoodforthetreatmentofTB

177. Thing

Jalbal

Mimosapudica. Tangsa Roots,

Leaves

kidneyproblem,boil

andwhitedischargeand

bleedingofwomen

ForKidneyProblem,taketheroots,

grinditproperlyandtakeit.For

whitedischargeandbleedingamong

women,taketheleaves,boilitfor

halfanhourwithwateranddrinkit

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

23

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

145. Tympew/

pathi

Piperbetel Khasi Leaves cutsandwounds Makeapasteoftheleavesandapply

146. Khyrdop Cinnamomum

obtmifolium

Khasi Stembark Bodyswellingsand

bonefractures

GrindtheStembarkintopasteand

applyontheaffectedarea.

147. Khurthlong Aristolochiacath

cartii

Khasi Root Stomachpainand

poison

Grindtherootintopowder,mixwith

wateranddrink.

148. Jatira

(wild

edible)

Oenanthe

javanica

Khasi Leaves Stomachpain,

constipation

Takerawleaves

149. Sohphie

heh

Myrica

esculenta

Khasi Fruits Stomachdisorder Crushripefruits,strainthesamewith

apieceofcleanwhitecloth,storethe

juiceinbottlesandtakeorally.

150. Biskot Sechiumedule Khasi Young

shoots

Gallstones,Kidney

stones

Boilthetendershoots,letitcooloff

andtakethejuice

151. Batshynri

ah

Rhaphidophora

Sp.

Khasi Leaves Boil Grindtheleavesintopasteandapply

itontheaffectedarea

152. Jarain

(wild

edible)

Fagopyrum

cymosum

Khasi Leaves Boil Grindtheyoungleavesintopaste

applyontheaffectedarea

153. Krot Smilax Khasi Root Indigestionandstomach

troublestypicalfornew

bornandinfants

Grindtherootintopaste,mixwith

waterandgivethechildtodrinkit.

154. Bat

Langning

PotentillaSp. Khasi Root Chestpain Grindtherootsintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrinkit

155. Sohphlang Flemingia

procumbens

Khasi Tubers Deworming Takethetubersskinraw

IV.ARUNACHALPRADESH

156. PulRung DioscoreaSp. Tangsa Roots Snakebite,spiderbite,

scorpionbiteand

indigestion

Grindtherootsofandtakeitwith

warmwater

157. Hot–hot Clerodendrum

viscosum

Tangsa Branchof

leaves

Scabiesondomestic

animals

Justneedtotouchtheanimalwith

theleavesoftheplantandleaveit.

Afterthreeto�ivedaystheanimal

willbehealed

158. Wurma

Yack

Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Tangsa Leaves Fireburn,hotwater

burn,stomachburning

(Gastric)

Takeahandfulofleaves,grinditand

applyitontheburn.Forstomach

burningtaketwotothreeleaves,

grinditandtakeitwithcoldwater

159. Rura

Phum

Tinospora

cordifolia

Tangsa Stems Gastric Takethestemoftheclimber,boilit

andtakeittwiceadayaftermeal

160. Seng–

Seng

Tangsa Leaves Skindiseaseslike

ringworm,itchesetc.

Takeahandfulofleaves,grinditand

applyitontheaffectedarea

161. Wajung

Naam

Spilanthes

acmella

Tangsa Flowers Toothache Taketwotothreepiecesof�lower

andputitonthetooth

162. Zangzot PsychotriaSp. Tangsa Leaves Allkindofcuts Taketheleaves,grinditandapplyit

onthecuts

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

22

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

163. NgaWa

Rung

SmilaxSp. Tangsa Roots Jaundiceandbodypain Taketherootsoftheclimber,grindit

andtakeit

164. Nayan

Tara

Catheranthus

roseus

Tangsa Leaves LiverTreatment,

indigestion,Highblood

pressure

Takealeafoftheplant,grinditand

takeitonceaday

165. Wakk

Nakpu

Mangiferaindica Tangsa Barkoftree Nailproblemand

treatmentofpigs

Takethebarkofthetree,grinditand

applyitonthenail.Forpigs,grind

thebarkandfeedthepigs

166. Ganmen

Chi

Tangsa Roots Jaundice Taketherootsoftheshrub,grindit

andtakeitemptystomachinthe

morning

167. PeChi CoelogyneSp. Tangsa Leaves Stomachache Taketheleaves,grindittakeinthe

morningbeforemeal

168. Chapan

Yack

Micania

micrantha

Tangsa Leaves burn&cuts Makeapasteofleaves,slightlyheatit

onthe�ireandapplythepasteonthe

burn

169. Treat

Kumari

Bulbophyllum

pinnata

Tangsa Leaves Feverandheadache Taketheleaves,heatonthe�ireand

wrapontheheadandfoot

170. Maharna Tangsa Leaves Wounds Makeapasteofleavesandapplyon

thewounds

171. Bhuamla Phyllanthus

fraternus

Tangsa Leaves Jaundice Taketheleaves,grinditthoroughly

andmaketabletsanddryit.Itcanbe

takenwithwaterormilk

172. Makong AbelmoschusSp. Tangsa Tender

leaves

JointpainandJaundice Takeahandfulofleaves,boilitfor

20to30minutesanddrinkitbefore

foodandtheoilfromtheseedcanbe

usedforjointpain

173. Kannchi Leucas

plukenetii

Tangsa Leaves&

Roots

SinusandMigraine Taketheleaves,grinditandputthe

extractedjuiceinthenose.

Taketherootsboilitwithwater

thoroughly,addsomecoconutoilin

thewaterandapplyonhead

174. Khuthop

Jouk

PinangaSp. Tangsa Roots Cuts Taketheroot,grinditandapplyon

thecut

175. Tangpann

yok

(Tulsi)

Ocimum

sanctum

Tangsa Leaves Fever&Cough Takeahandfulofleaves,boilitwith

mixtureofblackpepper,gingerand

honeyanddrinkitafterfood

176. Ngingkhoi Centellaasiatica Tangsa Leaves Gastriculcer

Tuberculosis

Taketheleaves,smashitproperlyto

extractthejuice,andmixitwithone

spoonofgooseberryjuiceanddrink

itonemptystomachinthemorning.

ItisalsogoodforthetreatmentofTB

177. Thing

Jalbal

Mimosapudica. Tangsa Roots,

Leaves

kidneyproblem,boil

andwhitedischargeand

bleedingofwomen

ForKidneyProblem,taketheroots,

grinditproperlyandtakeit.For

whitedischargeandbleedingamong

women,taketheleaves,boilitfor

halfanhourwithwateranddrinkit

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

23

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

145. Tympew/

pathi

Piperbetel Khasi Leaves cutsandwounds Makeapasteoftheleavesandapply

146. Khyrdop Cinnamomum

obtmifolium

Khasi Stembark Bodyswellingsand

bonefractures

GrindtheStembarkintopasteand

applyontheaffectedarea.

147. Khurthlong Aristolochiacath

cartii

Khasi Root Stomachpainand

poison

Grindtherootintopowder,mixwith

wateranddrink.

148. Jatira

(wild

edible)

Oenanthe

javanica

Khasi Leaves Stomachpain,

constipation

Takerawleaves

149. Sohphie

heh

Myrica

esculenta

Khasi Fruits Stomachdisorder Crushripefruits,strainthesamewith

apieceofcleanwhitecloth,storethe

juiceinbottlesandtakeorally.

150. Biskot Sechiumedule Khasi Young

shoots

Gallstones,Kidney

stones

Boilthetendershoots,letitcooloff

andtakethejuice

151. Batshynri

ah

Rhaphidophora

Sp.

Khasi Leaves Boil Grindtheleavesintopasteandapply

itontheaffectedarea

152. Jarain

(wild

edible)

Fagopyrum

cymosum

Khasi Leaves Boil Grindtheyoungleavesintopaste

applyontheaffectedarea

153. Krot Smilax Khasi Root Indigestionandstomach

troublestypicalfornew

bornandinfants

Grindtherootintopaste,mixwith

waterandgivethechildtodrinkit.

154. Bat

Langning

PotentillaSp. Khasi Root Chestpain Grindtherootsintopaste,mixwith

wateranddrinkit

155. Sohphlang Flemingia

procumbens

Khasi Tubers Deworming Takethetubersskinraw

IV.ARUNACHALPRADESH

156. PulRung DioscoreaSp. Tangsa Roots Snakebite,spiderbite,

scorpionbiteand

indigestion

Grindtherootsofandtakeitwith

warmwater

157. Hot–hot Clerodendrum

viscosum

Tangsa Branchof

leaves

Scabiesondomestic

animals

Justneedtotouchtheanimalwith

theleavesoftheplantandleaveit.

Afterthreeto�ivedaystheanimal

willbehealed

158. Wurma

Yack

Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Tangsa Leaves Fireburn,hotwater

burn,stomachburning

(Gastric)

Takeahandfulofleaves,grinditand

applyitontheburn.Forstomach

burningtaketwotothreeleaves,

grinditandtakeitwithcoldwater

159. Rura

Phum

Tinospora

cordifolia

Tangsa Stems Gastric Takethestemoftheclimber,boilit

andtakeittwiceadayaftermeal

160. Seng–

Seng

Tangsa Leaves Skindiseaseslike

ringworm,itchesetc.

Takeahandfulofleaves,grinditand

applyitontheaffectedarea

161. Wajung

Naam

Spilanthes

acmella

Tangsa Flowers Toothache Taketwotothreepiecesof�lower

andputitonthetooth

162. Zangzot PsychotriaSp. Tangsa Leaves Allkindofcuts Taketheleaves,grinditandapplyit

onthecuts

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

22

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

191. Fu Saccharum

of�icinarum

Mizo Rootand

stem

Promote�lowofurine,

strengthenthegums.

Decoctionoftherootandextraction

ofthejuicefromthestem.

192. Hlonuar Mimosapudica Mizo Thewhole

plant

Liverdisease,dysentery,

kidneyproblems,ulcers,

skindiseases,urinary

complaints,mumps

Infusionoftheleaves,decoctionof

theroot,crushingtheleaves,etc.

193. Kangtek Albizialebbek Mizo Barkand

leaves

Dysenteryand

diarrhoea

Decoctionofthebarkandleaves

194. Kawldai Adhatodavasica Mizo Roots,leaves,

�lowersand

fruits

Bronchitis,fever,

vomitingandlossof

memory,forabortion

Decoctionoftheroot,leaves,�lowers,

extractionofthejuicefromthe

leaves,etc.

195. Kumtluan

gpar

Vincarosea,

catharanthus

roseus

Mizo Rootsand

theleaves

Cancer,diabetes,

diarrhoea,toothache.

Extractionofthefreshleaf,infusion

oftheleavesanddecoctionofthe

root

196. Lamkhua

ng

Artocarpus

heterophyllus

Mizo Allpartsof

thetree

Diarrhoea,fever,

asthma,ulcers,wounds,

insectbites

Decoctionoftheroot,milkylatexof

thetree,roastorboiltheseeds.

197. Makpazan

gkang

Cassia�istula Mizo Leaves,root

andpulpof

fruits

Rheumatism,paralysis,

eczema,ringworms,

swellings

Extractionofthejuicefromthe

leaves,pulpofthefruit,decoctionof

theroot.

198. Midumpar Hibiscusrosa

sinensis

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Coughsandcolds,

externalwoundsand

sores,in�lammation.

Decoctionoftheroots,crushingthe

�lowers,applicationoftheraw

leaves,infusionofthe�lowers.

199. Mutih Ricinus

communis

Mizo Leavesand

seedsused

externally,

theoil

Ulcersandsores,skin

diseasesandboils,

Rheumatismand

headache,warts.

Poundingtheleaves,extractionofthe

oiloftheseeds,anduseboth

externallyandinternally

200. Sunhlu Phyllanthus

emblica

Mizo Fruitsand

seeds

Asthma,bronchitis,

leucorrhoea,skin

diseases,piles,anaemia,

diseasesofheartand

liver.

Thefruitiseateninanyform,the

decoctionoftheseeds.

201. Tawtawra

wtpar

Daturainnoxia Mizo Leaves Piles,rheumaticpains,

swellings,eyediseases

andear-ache.

Addtheboiledleavesinwateror

coconutoil,localapplicationofthe

crushedleaves,extractionofthejuice

oftheleaves.(externaluseonly)

202. Theibuhf

ai

Punicagranatum Mizo Thewhole

plant

Dysenteryandchronic

diarrhoea,fevers,

leucorrhoea,malaria,

kidneystones

Extractionofthejuiceofthefresh

leaves,therindorpeel,thedecoction

ofthebarkoftherootandthestem,

thefruiteateninanyform,infusion

oftheseeds.

203. Thingfang

hma

Caricapapaya Mizo Thewhole

plant

Excessivebleedingof

thekidneys,worms,

cornsandwarts,

woundsandfreshcuts,

ulcer,eczema,in�luenza

andcough,cancer

Decoctionoftheroot,extractionof

thelatexfromthefruit,juiceofthe

leaves,infusionofthe�lowers,eaten

rawfruitinanyform,thefruit

appliedexternally.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

25

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

178. Purphak Urenalobata Tangsa Dogbite Grindtheleavesproperlyandtakeit

179. Rutse AmaranthusSp. Tangsa Leaves Puri�icationofblood Taketheleaves,washincleanwater

andboilitfor10to15minutesand

drink

180. Titapata Clerodendrum

colebrokianum.

Tangsa Leaves Highbloodpressure Taketheleaves,boilitfor20to30

minutesandeatit

181. Guava

Leaves

Psidiumguajava Tangsa Leaves Stomachacheandloose

motion

Takethetenderleaves,washitand

eatitraw

182. Night

Queen

CestrumSp. Tangsa Leaves Liverproblem Taketheleaves,boilitfor15to20

minutesanddrinkthejuice

183. Aieng Curcuma

domestica

Mizo Rhizome Bronchitis,diarrhoea,

jaundice,liverproblems,

sprainsandwounds

Decoctionofdriedrhizome,

preparationofrhizomeasapaste,

powder,lotionoroil

V.MIZORAM

184. Alaichi Elettaria

cardamomum

Maton

Mizo Seeds Forindigestion,removal

ofgasinthestomach

andintestines,stimulate

appetite.

Chewtheseedsoruseitbyinfusing

inwater(20gramsfor1litreof

water).Take3or4cupsdaily.

185. Hmarcha

pui

Capsicum

frutescens

Mizo Leavesand

fruits

Rheumatism,arthritis,

chestpain,toothaches,

throatdiseases

Decoctionofleaves,extractionofthe

juicefromthefruit

186. Archang

kawm

Oroxylum

indicum

Mizo Roots,fruits

andseeds

Appetizer,fevers,

intestinalworms,

vomiting,asthmaand

in�lammation.Diseases

oftheheart,thethroat,

pilesandbronchitis.

Checkscoughs,acute

rheumatism

Decoctionoftherootbark,thefruit

andtheseeds.

187. Artukkhu

an

Mirabilisjalapa Mizo Roottubers,

leaves,

�lowersand

seeds

Probleminpassing

Urine,Boils,wounds,

bruises,allergy,earaches,

frecklesontheskin

Decoctionoftheroottuber,

extractionofthejuiceofthefresh

leaves,thepowderedseeds.

188. Athlo Solanum

xanthocarpum

Mizo Roots,seeds,

fruitorberry

andleaves

Lowappetite,,boilsand

scabies,sorethroat,

toothache,rheumatism.

Decoctionoftheroots,seeds,and

extractionofthejuiceoftheberry

andleaves.

189. Balhla Musaparadisiacal Mizo Thewhole

plant

Liverproblem,scurvy,

glandulardisease,

venerealdisease,

anaemia,disordersof

thebloodanddiarrhoea,

diabetes,dysentery.

Extractionofthejuiceandinfusionof

theroot,theashofthebananaplant

andstem,etc.

190. Fartuah Buteafrondosa Mizo Root,bark,

gum,leaves,

�lowersand

seeds

Nightblindness,

elephantiasis,worms,

fracturesofbones,

dysentery,cough

Decoctionoftheroot,leaves,bark,

�lowers,extractionofthegumofthe

tree,poundingtheseedswithlemon

juice,etc.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

24

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

191. Fu Saccharum

of�icinarum

Mizo Rootand

stem

Promote�lowofurine,

strengthenthegums.

Decoctionoftherootandextraction

ofthejuicefromthestem.

192. Hlonuar Mimosapudica Mizo Thewhole

plant

Liverdisease,dysentery,

kidneyproblems,ulcers,

skindiseases,urinary

complaints,mumps

Infusionoftheleaves,decoctionof

theroot,crushingtheleaves,etc.

193. Kangtek Albizialebbek Mizo Barkand

leaves

Dysenteryand

diarrhoea

Decoctionofthebarkandleaves

194. Kawldai Adhatodavasica Mizo Roots,leaves,

�lowersand

fruits

Bronchitis,fever,

vomitingandlossof

memory,forabortion

Decoctionoftheroot,leaves,�lowers,

extractionofthejuicefromthe

leaves,etc.

195. Kumtluan

gpar

Vincarosea,

catharanthus

roseus

Mizo Rootsand

theleaves

Cancer,diabetes,

diarrhoea,toothache.

Extractionofthefreshleaf,infusion

oftheleavesanddecoctionofthe

root

196. Lamkhua

ng

Artocarpus

heterophyllus

Mizo Allpartsof

thetree

Diarrhoea,fever,

asthma,ulcers,wounds,

insectbites

Decoctionoftheroot,milkylatexof

thetree,roastorboiltheseeds.

197. Makpazan

gkang

Cassia�istula Mizo Leaves,root

andpulpof

fruits

Rheumatism,paralysis,

eczema,ringworms,

swellings

Extractionofthejuicefromthe

leaves,pulpofthefruit,decoctionof

theroot.

198. Midumpar Hibiscusrosa

sinensis

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Coughsandcolds,

externalwoundsand

sores,in�lammation.

Decoctionoftheroots,crushingthe

�lowers,applicationoftheraw

leaves,infusionofthe�lowers.

199. Mutih Ricinus

communis

Mizo Leavesand

seedsused

externally,

theoil

Ulcersandsores,skin

diseasesandboils,

Rheumatismand

headache,warts.

Poundingtheleaves,extractionofthe

oiloftheseeds,anduseboth

externallyandinternally

200. Sunhlu Phyllanthus

emblica

Mizo Fruitsand

seeds

Asthma,bronchitis,

leucorrhoea,skin

diseases,piles,anaemia,

diseasesofheartand

liver.

Thefruitiseateninanyform,the

decoctionoftheseeds.

201. Tawtawra

wtpar

Daturainnoxia Mizo Leaves Piles,rheumaticpains,

swellings,eyediseases

andear-ache.

Addtheboiledleavesinwateror

coconutoil,localapplicationofthe

crushedleaves,extractionofthejuice

oftheleaves.(externaluseonly)

202. Theibuhf

ai

Punicagranatum Mizo Thewhole

plant

Dysenteryandchronic

diarrhoea,fevers,

leucorrhoea,malaria,

kidneystones

Extractionofthejuiceofthefresh

leaves,therindorpeel,thedecoction

ofthebarkoftherootandthestem,

thefruiteateninanyform,infusion

oftheseeds.

203. Thingfang

hma

Caricapapaya Mizo Thewhole

plant

Excessivebleedingof

thekidneys,worms,

cornsandwarts,

woundsandfreshcuts,

ulcer,eczema,in�luenza

andcough,cancer

Decoctionoftheroot,extractionof

thelatexfromthefruit,juiceofthe

leaves,infusionofthe�lowers,eaten

rawfruitinanyform,thefruit

appliedexternally.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

25

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

178. Purphak Urenalobata Tangsa Dogbite Grindtheleavesproperlyandtakeit

179. Rutse AmaranthusSp. Tangsa Leaves Puri�icationofblood Taketheleaves,washincleanwater

andboilitfor10to15minutesand

drink

180. Titapata Clerodendrum

colebrokianum.

Tangsa Leaves Highbloodpressure Taketheleaves,boilitfor20to30

minutesandeatit

181. Guava

Leaves

Psidiumguajava Tangsa Leaves Stomachacheandloose

motion

Takethetenderleaves,washitand

eatitraw

182. Night

Queen

CestrumSp. Tangsa Leaves Liverproblem Taketheleaves,boilitfor15to20

minutesanddrinkthejuice

183. Aieng Curcuma

domestica

Mizo Rhizome Bronchitis,diarrhoea,

jaundice,liverproblems,

sprainsandwounds

Decoctionofdriedrhizome,

preparationofrhizomeasapaste,

powder,lotionoroil

V.MIZORAM

184. Alaichi Elettaria

cardamomum

Maton

Mizo Seeds Forindigestion,removal

ofgasinthestomach

andintestines,stimulate

appetite.

Chewtheseedsoruseitbyinfusing

inwater(20gramsfor1litreof

water).Take3or4cupsdaily.

185. Hmarcha

pui

Capsicum

frutescens

Mizo Leavesand

fruits

Rheumatism,arthritis,

chestpain,toothaches,

throatdiseases

Decoctionofleaves,extractionofthe

juicefromthefruit

186. Archang

kawm

Oroxylum

indicum

Mizo Roots,fruits

andseeds

Appetizer,fevers,

intestinalworms,

vomiting,asthmaand

in�lammation.Diseases

oftheheart,thethroat,

pilesandbronchitis.

Checkscoughs,acute

rheumatism

Decoctionoftherootbark,thefruit

andtheseeds.

187. Artukkhu

an

Mirabilisjalapa Mizo Roottubers,

leaves,

�lowersand

seeds

Probleminpassing

Urine,Boils,wounds,

bruises,allergy,earaches,

frecklesontheskin

Decoctionoftheroottuber,

extractionofthejuiceofthefresh

leaves,thepowderedseeds.

188. Athlo Solanum

xanthocarpum

Mizo Roots,seeds,

fruitorberry

andleaves

Lowappetite,,boilsand

scabies,sorethroat,

toothache,rheumatism.

Decoctionoftheroots,seeds,and

extractionofthejuiceoftheberry

andleaves.

189. Balhla Musaparadisiacal Mizo Thewhole

plant

Liverproblem,scurvy,

glandulardisease,

venerealdisease,

anaemia,disordersof

thebloodanddiarrhoea,

diabetes,dysentery.

Extractionofthejuiceandinfusionof

theroot,theashofthebananaplant

andstem,etc.

190. Fartuah Buteafrondosa Mizo Root,bark,

gum,leaves,

�lowersand

seeds

Nightblindness,

elephantiasis,worms,

fracturesofbones,

dysentery,cough

Decoctionoftheroot,leaves,bark,

�lowers,extractionofthegumofthe

tree,poundingtheseedswithlemon

juice,etc.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

24

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

217. Zapanhlo Mikeniascanden Mizo Thewhole

plantexcept

theroot

Diarrhoea Extractionofthejuiceoftheplant

218. Kaihzawl Dillenia

pentagyna

Mizo Leaves,bark

andthe

youngshoot

Cancer,sores

(domesticatedanimals)

Decoctionofthedriedorfreshbark,

eatentheraworboiledyoungshoot,

Pastingthecrushedcreamofthe

leaves

219. Kangdai/

kangdam

dawi

Jatropuscurcas Mizo Leavesand

thelatex

Burn Decoctionoftheleaves,applythe

latexintheaffectedarea

220. Khuangth

li

Bischo�ia

javanica

Mizo Youngshoot Tonsilpain,throat

problem

Thecreamofthecrushedyoung

shoot

221. Lambak Centellaasiatica,

Hydrocotyle

asiatica

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Urinaryproblem,brain,

eosinophilia,diabetes

Extractionofthejuiceoftheplant

andtheleaves

222. Mitthi-

sunhlu

Phyllanthus

neruri

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Stonedkidney,liver

problem,diabetes

Decoctionoftheplant,extractionof

thejuiceofthestem,Crushingthe

plantandmixitwithmilk.

223. Mualhawih Saracaindica Mizo Barkand

�lower

Diabetes,Menses

problem,skinproblem

ofminors

Decoctionofthebark,crushingthe

�lowerandmixitwithcoconutoil,

decoctionofthe�lowermixedwith

milk.

224. Nawalhth

ing

Eucalyptus

globulus

Mizo Leavesand

oil

Asthma,rheumatism,

arthritis,swelling

Bathingwiththedecoctionofthe

leaves,applytheoil

225. Nuaithang Impatiens

balsamina

Mizo Flower,and

leaves

Mensesproblem,

eczema,scabies

ThecreamofthecrushedDecoction

ofthe�lower,extractionofthejuice

oftheleaves

226. Phuihnam Clerodendron

seretta

Mizo Leavesand

root

HighBloodPressure Theleavesasfooditem,Decoctionof

thecrushedroot

227. Pudina Menthaviridis Mizo Thewhole

plantexcept

theroot

Ulcer,Asthma,Vomit,

headache,stomach

problem

Thepowderofthedriedstem,

extractionofthejuiceoftheplant,

crushingtheleavesforpasting.

228. Saihniak Elephantos

scaber

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Diarrhoea,stoppageof

urine,dysentery,

poisonousinsectbites

Decoctionofthestem,crushingthe

stem,extractionofthejuiceofthe

plant

229. Saisu Musamizora,

ensis

Mizo Stemand

seeds

Convulsion Extractionofthecrushedstem,

wearingthenecklaceoftheseeds.

230. Samtawkte Solanum

indicum

Mizo Fruitand

root

HighBloodPressure,

Snakeandother

poisonousinsectbites

Crushingthefruit,Decoctionofthe

root

231. Sarzuk Elaegnus

parrifolia

Mizo Root Wombstuck Decoctionoftheroot

232. Sekhupth

ur

Begonia

lushaiensis,

B.roxburghii

Mizo Leaves Dysentery,toothache Extractionofthejuiceoftheleaves,

Eatenorchewedtheleaves

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

27

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

204. Thinghma

rcha

Pipernigrum Mizo Berriesand

theleaves

Indigestion,�latulence,

toothaches,throat

diseases,itching,

in�lammationofjoints,

diarrhoea,cholera,

giddiness,constipation.

Decoctionorinfusionofunripe

berries,extractionofthejuiceofthe

leaves,groundpeppermixedwith

castor.

205. Thuamriat Alstonia

scholaris

Mizo Bark,latex

andleaves

Worms,fever,chronic

diarrhoeaand

dysentery,asthmaand

cardiacproblems,boils,

ulcers,earaches,

de�iciencyofvitaminB1,

skindiseases.

Decoctionofthebarkofthetree,

poulticeofthelatex,decoctionofthe

youngleaves,thedriedleavesin

powder.

206. Bawrhsaia

be

Albelmoschus

esculentus

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Flatulence,griping

pains,spasms,

pneumonia,bronchitis,

urinaryproblems,heart

diseasesand

tuberculosisoflungs.

Decoctionofleaves,root.Roasted

seedspreparedastea.Unripefruit

taking.

207. Purunsen Alliumcepa Mizo Theonion

bulb

Stimulant,insectbites,

typhoidfever,cough,

asthma.

Eatenraw,mixwithalittlehoney

208. Purunvar Alliumsativum Mizo Bulb,and

thewhole

plant

Worms,spasms,

swellings,bronchitis,

hypertension,

hoarsenessand

tonsillitis.

Rawgarlic,decoctionofgarlicmixed

withcoconutoil,teaofgarlic,

extractionofgarlicjuice.

209. Dawnfawh Citrullusvulgaris Mizo Fruitand

seeds.

Rheumatism,kidney

problems

Goodquantityofthefruiteaten,the

juiceoftheripenfruit,roastedofthe

seeds.

210. Rawbar Ficuselastic Mizo Rootlets,

barkand

latex

Wounds,cutsandsores Crushingaerialoradventitious

rootletsandbarks,decoctionofthe

bark.

211. Anhling Solanumnigrum Mizo Leaves,

unripefruits

Kidneystone,high

BloodPressure,

Stoppageofurine

Decoctionoftheleaves,extractionof

thejuiceofthefruitandmixitwitha

littlewater.

212. Builukham Melastoma

malabatricum

Mizo Root Kidneyproblem,

stoppageofurine

Decoctionoftheroot,soakingthe

rootwithwater.

213. Changkal

rit

Elodea Mizo Thewhole

plantexcept

theroot

HighBloodPressure,

Jointpains

Decoctionoftheplant

214. Chengkek Garciniacowa Mizo Leavesand

fruit

Dysentery,diarrhoea Decoctionoftheleavesoreatenthe

rawfruitinanyform.

215. Chhawnt

ual

Aporosa

roxburghii

Mizo Bark Stomachache,ulcer Extractionofthejuiceofthebark,

decoctionofthebark

216. Hnahkhat Pogoniaplicata Mizo Root Burn,diarrhoea,

stomachache,heart

disease

Pastingthecreammadeoutofthe

crushingroot,Extractionofthejuice

oftheroot

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

26

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

217. Zapanhlo Mikeniascanden Mizo Thewhole

plantexcept

theroot

Diarrhoea Extractionofthejuiceoftheplant

218. Kaihzawl Dillenia

pentagyna

Mizo Leaves,bark

andthe

youngshoot

Cancer,sores

(domesticatedanimals)

Decoctionofthedriedorfreshbark,

eatentheraworboiledyoungshoot,

Pastingthecrushedcreamofthe

leaves

219. Kangdai/

kangdam

dawi

Jatropuscurcas Mizo Leavesand

thelatex

Burn Decoctionoftheleaves,applythe

latexintheaffectedarea

220. Khuangth

li

Bischo�ia

javanica

Mizo Youngshoot Tonsilpain,throat

problem

Thecreamofthecrushedyoung

shoot

221. Lambak Centellaasiatica,

Hydrocotyle

asiatica

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Urinaryproblem,brain,

eosinophilia,diabetes

Extractionofthejuiceoftheplant

andtheleaves

222. Mitthi-

sunhlu

Phyllanthus

neruri

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Stonedkidney,liver

problem,diabetes

Decoctionoftheplant,extractionof

thejuiceofthestem,Crushingthe

plantandmixitwithmilk.

223. Mualhawih Saracaindica Mizo Barkand

�lower

Diabetes,Menses

problem,skinproblem

ofminors

Decoctionofthebark,crushingthe

�lowerandmixitwithcoconutoil,

decoctionofthe�lowermixedwith

milk.

224. Nawalhth

ing

Eucalyptus

globulus

Mizo Leavesand

oil

Asthma,rheumatism,

arthritis,swelling

Bathingwiththedecoctionofthe

leaves,applytheoil

225. Nuaithang Impatiens

balsamina

Mizo Flower,and

leaves

Mensesproblem,

eczema,scabies

ThecreamofthecrushedDecoction

ofthe�lower,extractionofthejuice

oftheleaves

226. Phuihnam Clerodendron

seretta

Mizo Leavesand

root

HighBloodPressure Theleavesasfooditem,Decoctionof

thecrushedroot

227. Pudina Menthaviridis Mizo Thewhole

plantexcept

theroot

Ulcer,Asthma,Vomit,

headache,stomach

problem

Thepowderofthedriedstem,

extractionofthejuiceoftheplant,

crushingtheleavesforpasting.

228. Saihniak Elephantos

scaber

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Diarrhoea,stoppageof

urine,dysentery,

poisonousinsectbites

Decoctionofthestem,crushingthe

stem,extractionofthejuiceofthe

plant

229. Saisu Musamizora,

ensis

Mizo Stemand

seeds

Convulsion Extractionofthecrushedstem,

wearingthenecklaceoftheseeds.

230. Samtawkte Solanum

indicum

Mizo Fruitand

root

HighBloodPressure,

Snakeandother

poisonousinsectbites

Crushingthefruit,Decoctionofthe

root

231. Sarzuk Elaegnus

parrifolia

Mizo Root Wombstuck Decoctionoftheroot

232. Sekhupth

ur

Begonia

lushaiensis,

B.roxburghii

Mizo Leaves Dysentery,toothache Extractionofthejuiceoftheleaves,

Eatenorchewedtheleaves

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

27

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

204. Thinghma

rcha

Pipernigrum Mizo Berriesand

theleaves

Indigestion,�latulence,

toothaches,throat

diseases,itching,

in�lammationofjoints,

diarrhoea,cholera,

giddiness,constipation.

Decoctionorinfusionofunripe

berries,extractionofthejuiceofthe

leaves,groundpeppermixedwith

castor.

205. Thuamriat Alstonia

scholaris

Mizo Bark,latex

andleaves

Worms,fever,chronic

diarrhoeaand

dysentery,asthmaand

cardiacproblems,boils,

ulcers,earaches,

de�iciencyofvitaminB1,

skindiseases.

Decoctionofthebarkofthetree,

poulticeofthelatex,decoctionofthe

youngleaves,thedriedleavesin

powder.

206. Bawrhsaia

be

Albelmoschus

esculentus

Mizo Thewhole

plant

Flatulence,griping

pains,spasms,

pneumonia,bronchitis,

urinaryproblems,heart

diseasesand

tuberculosisoflungs.

Decoctionofleaves,root.Roasted

seedspreparedastea.Unripefruit

taking.

207. Purunsen Alliumcepa Mizo Theonion

bulb

Stimulant,insectbites,

typhoidfever,cough,

asthma.

Eatenraw,mixwithalittlehoney

208. Purunvar Alliumsativum Mizo Bulb,and

thewhole

plant

Worms,spasms,

swellings,bronchitis,

hypertension,

hoarsenessand

tonsillitis.

Rawgarlic,decoctionofgarlicmixed

withcoconutoil,teaofgarlic,

extractionofgarlicjuice.

209. Dawnfawh Citrullusvulgaris Mizo Fruitand

seeds.

Rheumatism,kidney

problems

Goodquantityofthefruiteaten,the

juiceoftheripenfruit,roastedofthe

seeds.

210. Rawbar Ficuselastic Mizo Rootlets,

barkand

latex

Wounds,cutsandsores Crushingaerialoradventitious

rootletsandbarks,decoctionofthe

bark.

211. Anhling Solanumnigrum Mizo Leaves,

unripefruits

Kidneystone,high

BloodPressure,

Stoppageofurine

Decoctionoftheleaves,extractionof

thejuiceofthefruitandmixitwitha

littlewater.

212. Builukham Melastoma

malabatricum

Mizo Root Kidneyproblem,

stoppageofurine

Decoctionoftheroot,soakingthe

rootwithwater.

213. Changkal

rit

Elodea Mizo Thewhole

plantexcept

theroot

HighBloodPressure,

Jointpains

Decoctionoftheplant

214. Chengkek Garciniacowa Mizo Leavesand

fruit

Dysentery,diarrhoea Decoctionoftheleavesoreatenthe

rawfruitinanyform.

215. Chhawnt

ual

Aporosa

roxburghii

Mizo Bark Stomachache,ulcer Extractionofthejuiceofthebark,

decoctionofthebark

216. Hnahkhat Pogoniaplicata Mizo Root Burn,diarrhoea,

stomachache,heart

disease

Pastingthecreammadeoutofthe

crushingroot,Extractionofthejuice

oftheroot

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

26

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

245. Sutui Curcumalonga Tripuri Rhizome Headacheandwounds Pasteofdryturmericisappliedover

foreheadtorelieveheadacheand

appliedonwounds

246. Satarobo

ngo

Rauvol�ia

serpentina

Tripuri Rootsand

Leaves

Reptileandscorpion

bite

Rootsandleavesisdriedinshade

andpulverisedtogetpowder.1-gram

powderofrootcanbetaken3times

withmilkeveryday.

247. Har

bhanga

Cissus

quadrangularis

Tripuri Stem Obesity,gout,syphilis,

venerealdiseases,

leucorrhoea,worm

infestation,anorexia,

diabetes,pepticulcer,

haemorrhoidsandhigh

cholesterol.

Cookorboilthisstemandtheneatit.

248. Pung

Heitol

Psidiumguajava Maring Leaf Diarrhoea Eatenraw

VII.MANIPUR

249. Shamtrok Solanum

aethiopicum

Maring Fruit Cough Crushedandmixedwithhoneyand

drink

250. Lemon Citruslimon Maring Fruit Cough Mixwithhoneyanddrink

251. Ekai-

Khumbi

Mimosapudica Maring Leaf Pile Boilanddrink,alsositontheboiled

warmwater

252. Nongman

gkha

Phlogacanthus

thyrsiformis

Maring Leaf Cough Boilwithsaltanddrink

253. Mitshu Saccharum

of�icinarum

Maring Stem Jaundice Eateverymorningfor1month

254. Tapioca Manihot

esculenta

Maring Root Dysentery Burnandeat

255. Puklu-hei

(Goosebe

rry)

Phyllanthus

emblica

Maring Fruitand

bark

Cough,Diarrhoea,

Dysentery

Burn,mixwithhoneyanddrinkfor

coughrelief.Boilthebarkanddrink

tocureDiarrhoeaandDysentery.

256. Tamarind

&Kang

Tamarindus

indica

Maring Seedand

ricegrain

Dogbite,snakebite Crushtheseedandapplythepasteof

innerpartoftheseed(Whitecolour)

onthebitearea

257. Khadun Bambusa

vulgaris

Maring Shoot PoisonConsumption,

Excessivebleeding

Takerawbananashootas�irstaid

remedy,applythesmashedraw

shoottostopbleedingofwounds.

258. Ann-

laiphann

Centellaasiatica Maring Leaf Typhoid,Stomach

Problems

EatenasRaworBoiled.

259. Sampallei Pogostemon

parvi�lorus

Maring Leaf Pestproblemin

vegetables

DriedorRawleafpowdered,mixed

withwaterandsprayonthe

vegetables.Driedleafpowderedand

mixlittleamountwithanyseedand

stored.

260. Loutha Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Maring Leaf Legsprain Boiltheleavesandpasteonthe

sprainedbodypart.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

29

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

233. Sumbul Costusspeciosus Mizo Thewhole

plant

Asthma,kidney

problem

Decoctionoftheplant,decoctionof

thestemorroot

234. Mizo Thewhole

plant

Wound Extractionofthejuiceofthewhole

plant

236. Duti

Kanchon

Aloe

barbadensis

Tripuri Leaves Bloodpressure,Burns Takeoutthe�leshypartunderthe

leavesandmakeajuiceanddrinkit

everymorningemptystomachto

stabilisebloodpressure.

The�leshypartcanalsobeusedin

treatingburns.

VI.TRIPURA

235. Chumui

Kosom

Andrographis

paniculata

Tripuri Wholeplant Chronicfever,common

cold

Collectwholeplant.Cleanitanddry

inshade.Preparedecoctionby

boiling3-4gmofitinaglassofwater

tillwaterreducestoonefourth.

Drinkthisdecoctiontwiceaday.

Sinceitisbitterintasteyoumayadd

rocksugar(misri)orsugar.

237. Patharku

chi

Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Tripuri Leavesand

Roots

Highbloodpressure Takealeafandrootandgrinditand

takethefreshjuicewithwarmwater

everyday.

238. Tulsi Ocimum

tenui�lorum

Tripuri Leaves,Seed,

Flowerand

Fruit.

Cholesterolandheart ChewingTulsileafonadailybasis

bringsdownthecholesteroland

protectsheart.

239. Datura Datura

stramonium

Tripuri Leavesand

seeds

Pain,hairfalland

dandruff

Thejuiceofdaturaplantisapplied

overthescalptotreathairfalland

dandruff.

Thepasteofroastedleavesisapplied

overtheaffectedareatorelievepain

240. Basak

Blai

Adhatodavasica Tripuri Leaves,roots,

�lowers,bark

Painandrheumatoid Itsleavesaremadeintopasteand

appliedtorelievein�lammation,pain,

rheumatoidarthritis.

241. Shatavari Asparagus

racemosus

Tripuri Tuberous

Roots

Nervousdisorders,

dyspepsia,tumours

Takearoot,grinditandtakethe

freshjuicewithhoney.

242. Samsota Centellaasiatica Tripuri WholePlant Loosemotionor

stomachproblem.

Boilleaves&rootsandconsume.

243. Haching Zingiber

of�icinale

Tripuri Freshand

dried

rhizomes

Gastric,constipation&

fever

Ginger,blackpepperandcloveare

powderedtogether,andthepowder

ismixedwithhoneytomakeapaste.

Thispasteisdriedandconverted

intotabletsandadministeredagainst

gastric,constipationandfever.

244. Chirata Swertiachirayita Tripuri Leavesand

wholeplant

Fever Fortreatmentoffever,wholeplantis

driedinshadeandpulverisedtoget

powder.Thispowderhasfever

reducingfever

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

28

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

245. Sutui Curcumalonga Tripuri Rhizome Headacheandwounds Pasteofdryturmericisappliedover

foreheadtorelieveheadacheand

appliedonwounds

246. Satarobo

ngo

Rauvol�ia

serpentina

Tripuri Rootsand

Leaves

Reptileandscorpion

bite

Rootsandleavesisdriedinshade

andpulverisedtogetpowder.1-gram

powderofrootcanbetaken3times

withmilkeveryday.

247. Har

bhanga

Cissus

quadrangularis

Tripuri Stem Obesity,gout,syphilis,

venerealdiseases,

leucorrhoea,worm

infestation,anorexia,

diabetes,pepticulcer,

haemorrhoidsandhigh

cholesterol.

Cookorboilthisstemandtheneatit.

248. Pung

Heitol

Psidiumguajava Maring Leaf Diarrhoea Eatenraw

VII.MANIPUR

249. Shamtrok Solanum

aethiopicum

Maring Fruit Cough Crushedandmixedwithhoneyand

drink

250. Lemon Citruslimon Maring Fruit Cough Mixwithhoneyanddrink

251. Ekai-

Khumbi

Mimosapudica Maring Leaf Pile Boilanddrink,alsositontheboiled

warmwater

252. Nongman

gkha

Phlogacanthus

thyrsiformis

Maring Leaf Cough Boilwithsaltanddrink

253. Mitshu Saccharum

of�icinarum

Maring Stem Jaundice Eateverymorningfor1month

254. Tapioca Manihot

esculenta

Maring Root Dysentery Burnandeat

255. Puklu-hei

(Goosebe

rry)

Phyllanthus

emblica

Maring Fruitand

bark

Cough,Diarrhoea,

Dysentery

Burn,mixwithhoneyanddrinkfor

coughrelief.Boilthebarkanddrink

tocureDiarrhoeaandDysentery.

256. Tamarind

&Kang

Tamarindus

indica

Maring Seedand

ricegrain

Dogbite,snakebite Crushtheseedandapplythepasteof

innerpartoftheseed(Whitecolour)

onthebitearea

257. Khadun Bambusa

vulgaris

Maring Shoot PoisonConsumption,

Excessivebleeding

Takerawbananashootas�irstaid

remedy,applythesmashedraw

shoottostopbleedingofwounds.

258. Ann-

laiphann

Centellaasiatica Maring Leaf Typhoid,Stomach

Problems

EatenasRaworBoiled.

259. Sampallei Pogostemon

parvi�lorus

Maring Leaf Pestproblemin

vegetables

DriedorRawleafpowdered,mixed

withwaterandsprayonthe

vegetables.Driedleafpowderedand

mixlittleamountwithanyseedand

stored.

260. Loutha Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Maring Leaf Legsprain Boiltheleavesandpasteonthe

sprainedbodypart.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

29

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

233. Sumbul Costusspeciosus Mizo Thewhole

plant

Asthma,kidney

problem

Decoctionoftheplant,decoctionof

thestemorroot

234. Mizo Thewhole

plant

Wound Extractionofthejuiceofthewhole

plant

236. Duti

Kanchon

Aloe

barbadensis

Tripuri Leaves Bloodpressure,Burns Takeoutthe�leshypartunderthe

leavesandmakeajuiceanddrinkit

everymorningemptystomachto

stabilisebloodpressure.

The�leshypartcanalsobeusedin

treatingburns.

VI.TRIPURA

235. Chumui

Kosom

Andrographis

paniculata

Tripuri Wholeplant Chronicfever,common

cold

Collectwholeplant.Cleanitanddry

inshade.Preparedecoctionby

boiling3-4gmofitinaglassofwater

tillwaterreducestoonefourth.

Drinkthisdecoctiontwiceaday.

Sinceitisbitterintasteyoumayadd

rocksugar(misri)orsugar.

237. Patharku

chi

Bryophyllum

pinnatum

Tripuri Leavesand

Roots

Highbloodpressure Takealeafandrootandgrinditand

takethefreshjuicewithwarmwater

everyday.

238. Tulsi Ocimum

tenui�lorum

Tripuri Leaves,Seed,

Flowerand

Fruit.

Cholesterolandheart ChewingTulsileafonadailybasis

bringsdownthecholesteroland

protectsheart.

239. Datura Datura

stramonium

Tripuri Leavesand

seeds

Pain,hairfalland

dandruff

Thejuiceofdaturaplantisapplied

overthescalptotreathairfalland

dandruff.

Thepasteofroastedleavesisapplied

overtheaffectedareatorelievepain

240. Basak

Blai

Adhatodavasica Tripuri Leaves,roots,

�lowers,bark

Painandrheumatoid Itsleavesaremadeintopasteand

appliedtorelievein�lammation,pain,

rheumatoidarthritis.

241. Shatavari Asparagus

racemosus

Tripuri Tuberous

Roots

Nervousdisorders,

dyspepsia,tumours

Takearoot,grinditandtakethe

freshjuicewithhoney.

242. Samsota Centellaasiatica Tripuri WholePlant Loosemotionor

stomachproblem.

Boilleaves&rootsandconsume.

243. Haching Zingiber

of�icinale

Tripuri Freshand

dried

rhizomes

Gastric,constipation&

fever

Ginger,blackpepperandcloveare

powderedtogether,andthepowder

ismixedwithhoneytomakeapaste.

Thispasteisdriedandconverted

intotabletsandadministeredagainst

gastric,constipationandfever.

244. Chirata Swertiachirayita Tripuri Leavesand

wholeplant

Fever Fortreatmentoffever,wholeplantis

driedinshadeandpulverisedtoget

powder.Thispowderhasfever

reducingfever

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

28

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

31

ANNEXURE - I : Photographs

Demonstartionofmedicinalplantsbyatraditionalmedicinespractitioner

Demonstartionofmedicinalplantsbyatraditionalmedicinespractitioner

Awarenessontraditionalmedicinalplantsbytheprogrammeteam

Promotionofcultivationofmedicinalplantsbychildren

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

262. Ann-saa Acmellaoleracea Maring Leavesand

Flower

LowBloodPressureand

Toothache

Eatenasraw.

261. Yangchan

gei

(Papaya)

Caricapapaya Maring Root Malaria SmashtherootandextractitsJuice.

Drink5-6timesaday.

263. Hilhakna

(Tobacco)

Nicotiana

tabacum

Maring Leaves Infection,Tetanus Crushleavesandapplyonthewound

tocontrolinfectionlikeTetanus.

264. Khenamm

dun

Sambucus

javanica

Maring Leaves Allergic/Scabies Maketheleaveswarmon�ireand

placeitontheaffectedbodypart.

265. Tiktar

(lomba)

Elsholtzia

blanda

Maring Leaf Throatpainand

Tonsillitis

Boiltheleavesanddrink.

266. Langthrei Blumea

balsamifera

Maring WholePlant Insomnia,Cough,High

bloodpressureand

Bodyache

Thewholeplantisusedininsomnia,

asexpectorantforcough.Leafextract

stabilizeshighbloodpressureand

relievesfrombodyache.

267. Shangkoi

rei

Lantanacamara Maring Leaf Dandruff Boiltheleavesandwashheadwith

waterfortreatingdandruff.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

30

5.0Conclusion

Promotionofrichknowledgeandhealthcarepracticesfromtraditionalmedicinalplantsusedbydifferentethnic

groupsofNorthEastIndiaisoneofthenobleeffortsofCaritasIndia.

ThishasbecomepossibleduetotheinterventionsmadeundertheaegisofFARMNortheastphaseIIthatfocussed

exclusivelyonthetraditionalmedicinalknowledgeoftheethniccommunitiesofNorthEastIndia.

Theprogrammepromotedmedicinalplantgardensinhouseholdsaswellasatthecommunitylevels.Asaresult,

morethan2500familiesaregrowingmedicinalplantsintheirbackyardsand18villageshaveinitiatedcultivation

ofmedicinalplantsinthecommonorcommunitylands.FARMNorthEastalsopromotedmedicinalgardensat

schoollevelsforthechildrentolearnandhelpthecauseoftransferringthistraditionalknowledgetoothers.

Itishearteningtoobservethateventheurbanpopulaceis�lockingintothevillagesfortreatment.Thishasalso

becomepossiblebecauseofoureffortstopromotetraditionalmedicinesinurbanareasofNorthEastIndiaas

well.Peopleintheruralareasseemtobelessdependentonmodernmedicinesnow.Theurbanpopulaceisalso

now trying the traditionalmeansof treatment becauseof the fact thatmodernmedicines costmore than

traditionalmedicinesandhaveside-effects.

In our intervention villages, we found that more than 4000 people are treating common sicknesses with

traditionalmedicinesattheirfamilylevel.Atotalof635traditionalherbalmedicinepractitionersareidenti�iedin

the project villages andmotivated forwidening their horizon of practices. The traditional herbalmedicine

practitionersofStateslikeMeghalaya&ArunachalPradesharealreadygettingpraisesandrecognitionsfromthe

peopleofnearbyareasfortheirtreatmentandquitehappyaboutit.

FARMNorth East has been the foundation of the PLD programmes and the journey is still on. Itwould be

interestingtoseehowthecommunitywillcarrythisforwardinthedaystocome.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

31

ANNEXURE - I : Photographs

Demonstartionofmedicinalplantsbyatraditionalmedicinespractitioner

Demonstartionofmedicinalplantsbyatraditionalmedicinespractitioner

Awarenessontraditionalmedicinalplantsbytheprogrammeteam

Promotionofcultivationofmedicinalplantsbychildren

S.No.

LocalName

BotanicalName

Usedby

Partsused Disease Usage

262. Ann-saa Acmellaoleracea Maring Leavesand

Flower

LowBloodPressureand

Toothache

Eatenasraw.

261. Yangchan

gei

(Papaya)

Caricapapaya Maring Root Malaria SmashtherootandextractitsJuice.

Drink5-6timesaday.

263. Hilhakna

(Tobacco)

Nicotiana

tabacum

Maring Leaves Infection,Tetanus Crushleavesandapplyonthewound

tocontrolinfectionlikeTetanus.

264. Khenamm

dun

Sambucus

javanica

Maring Leaves Allergic/Scabies Maketheleaveswarmon�ireand

placeitontheaffectedbodypart.

265. Tiktar

(lomba)

Elsholtzia

blanda

Maring Leaf Throatpainand

Tonsillitis

Boiltheleavesanddrink.

266. Langthrei Blumea

balsamifera

Maring WholePlant Insomnia,Cough,High

bloodpressureand

Bodyache

Thewholeplantisusedininsomnia,

asexpectorantforcough.Leafextract

stabilizeshighbloodpressureand

relievesfrombodyache.

267. Shangkoi

rei

Lantanacamara Maring Leaf Dandruff Boiltheleavesandwashheadwith

waterfortreatingdandruff.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

30

5.0Conclusion

Promotionofrichknowledgeandhealthcarepracticesfromtraditionalmedicinalplantsusedbydifferentethnic

groupsofNorthEastIndiaisoneofthenobleeffortsofCaritasIndia.

ThishasbecomepossibleduetotheinterventionsmadeundertheaegisofFARMNortheastphaseIIthatfocussed

exclusivelyonthetraditionalmedicinalknowledgeoftheethniccommunitiesofNorthEastIndia.

Theprogrammepromotedmedicinalplantgardensinhouseholdsaswellasatthecommunitylevels.Asaresult,

morethan2500familiesaregrowingmedicinalplantsintheirbackyardsand18villageshaveinitiatedcultivation

ofmedicinalplantsinthecommonorcommunitylands.FARMNorthEastalsopromotedmedicinalgardensat

schoollevelsforthechildrentolearnandhelpthecauseoftransferringthistraditionalknowledgetoothers.

Itishearteningtoobservethateventheurbanpopulaceis�lockingintothevillagesfortreatment.Thishasalso

becomepossiblebecauseofoureffortstopromotetraditionalmedicinesinurbanareasofNorthEastIndiaas

well.Peopleintheruralareasseemtobelessdependentonmodernmedicinesnow.Theurbanpopulaceisalso

now trying the traditionalmeansof treatment becauseof the fact thatmodernmedicines costmore than

traditionalmedicinesandhaveside-effects.

In our intervention villages, we found that more than 4000 people are treating common sicknesses with

traditionalmedicinesattheirfamilylevel.Atotalof635traditionalherbalmedicinepractitionersareidenti�iedin

the project villages andmotivated forwidening their horizon of practices. The traditional herbalmedicine

practitionersofStateslikeMeghalaya&ArunachalPradesharealreadygettingpraisesandrecognitionsfromthe

peopleofnearbyareasfortheirtreatmentandquitehappyaboutit.

FARMNorth East has been the foundation of the PLD programmes and the journey is still on. Itwould be

interestingtoseehowthecommunitywillcarrythisforwardinthedaystocome.

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

32

Awarenessontraditionalmedicinalplantsbytheprogrammeteam

Demonstrationofmedicinalplantsbyatraditionalmedicinespractitioner

Preparationoftraditionalmedicinefromplantsbyatraditionalpractitioner

MedicinalPlants-TraditionalKnowledgeandHealthcarePracticesofRuralCommunitiesinNorthEasternStatesofIndia

32

Awarenessontraditionalmedicinalplantsbytheprogrammeteam

Demonstrationofmedicinalplantsbyatraditionalmedicinespractitioner

Preparationoftraditionalmedicinefromplantsbyatraditionalpractitioner