. NEW DELHI: Traditional healing practices of an indigenous tribe in Assam may hold clues for future medicines. A new study has identified 39 plants used by the Sonowal Kachari community to treat ailments ranging from fever and cough to kidney stones and skin diseases.The remedies are used for conditions such as fever, dysentery, cough, skin diseases, stomach disorders and arthritis, according to the research conducted in Lakhimpur district of Assam.The study, conducted by Pramod Chandra Dihingia of Nagaland University and Deepika Borah of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dibrugarh, has been published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.Researchers documented the community’s herbal knowledge through face-to-face interviews with 180 tribal elders aged 50 years and above between April 2022 and November 2023.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Trump says Iran ‘afraid’ to admit it wants a deal, claims ‘they’ll be killed by their own people or us’Iran Limits Hormuz Passage: selective access for friendly nations; UN warns on global energy flowsToll system in Strait of Hormuz? Iran drafts bill to charge ships for safe passage amid warThe study identified several plants commonly used by the community for treatment, including Acorus calamus for cough and fever, Aegle marmelos (bael) for dysentery, Aloe vera for burns and skin diseases, Azadirachta indica (neem) for infections and Bryophyllum pinnatum for kidney stones.Other plants recorded include Bacopa monnieri (brahmi), Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh), Cassia tora and Cinnamomum tamala, which are traditionally used for digestive disorders, liver ailments and skin problems.Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, accounting for more than half of the remedies, followed by roots, fruits and flowers. Most of the medicinal plants were herbs, while others included trees, climbers and shrubs.Experts say such traditional knowledge could help scientists identify new treatments if studied systematically. Professor Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Ministry of Ayush, said India’s tribal communities have rich knowledge about using plants and natural resources to treat diseases, developed over generations through their close interaction with forests and biodiversity.“Documenting and studying these practices is important because they can help scientists discover new medicines. In fact, many modern drugs were first identified from plants used in traditional healing,” he said. However, Prajapati added that such remedies must undergo scientific evaluation before wider use. “Traditional knowledge needs to be studied with modern scientific methods to establish safety and effectiveness. This can lead to new treatments and also strengthen confidence in traditional medicine.”Researchers also noted that herbal medicine continues to meet the healthcare needs of nearly 80% of the world’s population, particularly in rural areas.However, the authors warn that traditional medicinal knowledge is gradually disappearing due to social change, deforestation and declining interest among younger generations. The study highlights the need to document and preserve indigenous medicinal practices, which have been passed down orally for generations.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUP CM Yogi Adityanath Warns Against LPG Hoarding As Global War Sparks Panic And Rumour SpreadEAM Jaishankar Highlights Israel’s Support In Wars, Calls It Vital For Defence TechnologyTharoor Warns West Asia War May Worsen, Flags LPG Shortage And Fuel Price RisksIndia Among Friendly Nations Iran Allows Safe Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid War Zone CrisisChina Bound LPG Tanker Diverted To India As Hormuz Crisis Forces Delhi To Tap Iran LPG AgainDelhi Crime Branch Busts Global Arms Racket With Pakistan, Bangladesh Links And Foreign WeaponsAt Least 14 Dead, 20 Injured After Private Bus Collides With Lorry In Andhra PradeshIranian Air And Space Forces Thank Kashmir For Aid, Vow Revenge After Khamenei’s DeathIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life Sentence123PhotostoriesHow to grow ketaki flower in your home gardenHyderabad petrol pump panic: Long queues seen across fuel stations for second day10 silly habits that can save you hours every week (Without feeling overwhelmed)‘Excuse me?’: Bengaluru professor’s proposal to student sparks rowPlayStation spring sale 2026: 10 game deals you should not missThese powerful traits of Lord Rama are hidden in your birth numberIn a sea of bling, Konkona Sen Sharma’s blue linen saree look feels like a breath of fresh airRohit Sharma’s ₹30 crore Mumbai home is a sea-facing luxury paradise; the 29th floor balcony is the real showstopper!Low magnesium levels: Doctor explains causes, warning signs, and the best treatment options5 small monthly rituals every couple needs for a happy, lasting marriage123Hot PicksKaroline LeavitTristan da Cunha8th Pay CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingOil Price TodayHyderabad MurderStrait of Hormuz Toll SystemDonald TrumpUAE Car InsuranceIndor Techie AccidentFlight Ticket Cancellation RulesWest Bengal ElectionLPG crisis reasonTransgender law
NEW DELHI: Traditional healing practices of an indigenous tribe in Assam may hold clues for future medicines. A new study has identified 39 plants used by the Sonowal Kachari community to treat ailments ranging from fever and cough to kidney stones and skin diseases.The remedies are used for conditions such as fever, dysentery, cough, skin diseases, stomach disorders and arthritis, according to the research conducted in Lakhimpur district of Assam.The study, conducted by Pramod Chandra Dihingia of Nagaland University and Deepika Borah of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dibrugarh, has been published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.Researchers documented the community’s herbal knowledge through face-to-face interviews with 180 tribal elders aged 50 years and above between April 2022 and November 2023.The study identified several plants commonly used by the community for treatment, including Acorus calamus for cough and fever, Aegle marmelos (bael) for dysentery, Aloe vera for burns and skin diseases, Azadirachta indica (neem) for infections and Bryophyllum pinnatum for kidney stones.Other plants recorded include Bacopa monnieri (brahmi), Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh), Cassia tora and Cinnamomum tamala, which are traditionally used for digestive disorders, liver ailments and skin problems.Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, accounting for more than half of the remedies, followed by roots, fruits and flowers. Most of the medicinal plants were herbs, while others included trees, climbers and shrubs.Experts say such traditional knowledge could help scientists identify new treatments if studied systematically. Professor Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Ministry of Ayush, said India’s tribal communities have rich knowledge about using plants and natural resources to treat diseases, developed over generations through their close interaction with forests and biodiversity.“Documenting and studying these practices is important because they can help scientists discover new medicines. In fact, many modern drugs were first identified from plants used in traditional healing,” he said. However, Prajapati added that such remedies must undergo scientific evaluation before wider use. “Traditional knowledge needs to be studied with modern scientific methods to establish safety and effectiveness. This can lead to new treatments and also strengthen confidence in traditional medicine.”Researchers also noted that herbal medicine continues to meet the healthcare needs of nearly 80% of the world’s population, particularly in rural areas.However, the authors warn that traditional medicinal knowledge is gradually disappearing due to social change, deforestation and declining interest among younger generations. The study highlights the need to document and preserve indigenous medicinal practices, which have been passed down orally for generations.
