Ethnomedicinal significance of some indigenous plant species of lakhimpur district, Assam and their conservation strategy

Abstract

Ethnomedicine embodies the rich and diverse traditional knowledge systems developed by indigenous communities worldwide. This study investigates the ethnomedicinal practices of the Lakhimpur district in Assam, India, with a focus on documenting indigenous uses of medicinal plants for healthcare. Between 2021 and 2024, extensive fieldwork and ethnobotanical surveys were conducted, recording 60 plant species used by ethnic communities like the Mising, Bodo, Karbi, Deori, Kosari, Rabha, Dimasa, Adibhasi etc. for treating ailments ranging from digestive disorders to neurological and metabolic conditions. Through structured interviews with traditional healers (Kabiraj), community elders, and market surveys, the study provides a comprehensive inventory of plants, their therapeutic applications, and methods of preparation. The findings underscore the indispensable role of traditional medicinal plants in sustaining community health and emphasise the urgent need for conservation strategies to safeguard this invaluable knowledge amidst rapid cultural and environmental changes.