Title : Traditional Healing: Exploring the Ethnomedicine of the Poumai Nagas of Northeast India
Abstract:
This article seeks to examine and ascertain the ethnomedicinal plants utilised by the Poumai Nagas, an indigenous people residing in the North East region of India. This study also sheds light on the traditional medicinal practices employed by the Poumai Naga population, specifically focusing on the utilization of plant-based remedies for the treatment of human ailments, as documented by tribal and rural individuals. Nevertheless, this aspect has yet to be thoroughly investigated, and the lack of understanding of its conventional principles is contributing to its decline. Consequently, the present investigation is an attempt to documentation and conservation of these plants and animals for the preservation of the traditional knowledge of the resources which is endemic to this area. The primary data was obtained through unstructured interviews and observation approaches from local informants among indigenous people like traditional herbalists, experienced village elders, knowledgeable women and farmers. A variety of plants have been found that serve as common dietary staples, while others are employed for their specialized therapeutic properties in the treatment of various maladies and disorders. Furthermore, a considerable number of these plants has religious importance. It is found that 48 plant species from 30 families with 11 parts have been found to be utilized by these indigenous people for various health purposes. In the therapeutic intervention, a combination of individual plant species and botanical mixtures are employed. Further testing is required for the folk herbal mixtures. Additionally, 11 other species from 8 various parts were also utilized for treatment purposes. It is found that to cure 39 diseases and ailments the mode of utilization was mostly in the form of decoction, juice or paste. The majority of Poumai Nagas continue to rely on traditional remedies instead of pharmacological interventions, as evidenced by findings of this research.
