Traditional Healing Practices among the Indigenous People of Kumarghat, Unakoti District, Tripura

Abstract

Aim: Tripura is a state with a rich biodiversity. Many rural and tribal communities of the Unakoti district of Tripura are depending on traditional systems for the treatment of ailments. The present work has been carried out to document the local health traditions (LHTs) with the help of traditional healers and uses of locally available medicinal plants. Materials and methods: Per- the Intramural Research (IMR) project (2018–19) allotted by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi, to Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, to conduct seasonal medico-ethno botanical survey (MEBS) in the forest subdivision of Kumarghat of Unakoti district, Tripura. The LHTs were documented by interviewing tribal healers of the rural area and collecting medicinal plant specimens and digital photograph of plants and healers have been carried out systematically and scientifically. Results and discussion: The MEBS team documented 50 folk claims with 13 compound and 37 single formulations of 53 plants from 13 tribal traditional healers in the study area. Single herbal formulations were validated for clinical importance with the classical Ayurvedic literature. Conclusion: The tribal and rural populace are benefiting from the home remedies in the management of ailments by using the plants available in the nearby forest area of their locality. Of the documented 50 traditional practices, few unique claims required further scientific validation for the benefit of humankind. Clinical significance: Of the documented 37 single herbal formulations, 7 claims vary in part use of the plant as generally mentioned in the classical text. It is noted that the use of different parts of the plant also having same indications as mentioned by the traditional healers, such as kokilaksha [Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine], apamarga (Achyranthes aspera L.), rama seethalika (Amaranthus tricolor L.), mathysakshi [Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC.], ulatkambal [Abroma augusta (L.) L.f.], and bimbee [Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt].