Ethnomedicine in Question: A Study among Rabhas of Assam

The term "ethnomedicine" denotes the traditional treatments used by indigenous healers, which use both material and non-material elements to cure, diagnose, and prevent diseases.Deeply ingrained in the distinct cultural, spiritual, and social contexts of indigenous communities, these practices include a variety of treatments, rituals, and therapies that frequently use natural herbs, animal products, and spiritual healing, which has been passed down through the generations.Indigenous healing serves as a vital healthcare option, especially for Indigenous populations who may have limited access to mainstream healthcare services.Even with the development of biomedicine and the growth of healthcare services, indigenous people still seek treatment from indigenous healers for emotional, psychological, and physical problems.However, there are growing concerns about the erosion of indigenous knowledge and the diminishing state of healing practices.As a result, ethnomedicine's usefulness, relevance, and continuity are now being questioned.This paper aims to explore the contributing factors that bring questions on continuities in the ethnomedicinal practices of the Rabha tribe of Assam.It also examines how deeply these healing practices are embedded in the health culture of that particular tribe.