Local health traditions (LHTs) of Kailashahar subdivision, Unakoti district, Tripura

Abstract

AIM: Tripura is a state that covers wide valleys and plains that make up the vivid landscape. More than half of Tripura remains covered by green and moist deciduous forests. Many rural and tribal communities of the Kailashahar, Unakoti district of Tripura depend on traditional systems for the treatment of ailments. The present work has been conducted to document local health traditions (LHTs) from traditional healers and the utility of medicinal plants for treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As per the intramural project allocated by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, New Delhi to the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Itanagar has conducted a seasonal Medico Ethno Botanical Survey in the forest of Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district, Tripura during the year 2018–19. LHTs were documented according to the standard format provided by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India by interviewing local traditional healers; thereafter, a collection of medicinal plant specimens, as well as digital photography of plants were used for treatment in various health conditions and for healing purposes. The properties of all herbal formulations were compared and correlated with the Ayurvedic literature and presented systematically and scientifically following the standard protocol. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The Medico Ethno Botanical Survey team conducted a survey and documented 33 LHTs with 15 polyherbal and 18 single herbal formulations of 50 plants from traditional healers of the study area. Documented formulations have been used for the treatment of seven human body systems, namely locomotor, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, integumentary, endocrine, and urogenital. CONCLUSION: LHTs documentation throws light on the traditional practices for the treatment of human ailments of different body systems by using locally available plants and plant products. Procedures are economic, effective in treatment, and feasible for the rural and tribal populace in the management of health. Herbal formulations are validated with Ayurvedic fundamental principles to understand their high potential medicinal value.