Traditional medicine practices in Khonglah village, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

AbstractTraditional medicine has been an integral part of healthcare for thousands of years, with roots in many different cultures across the globe. This study documents the traditional medicine practices and medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Khonglah village, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. The study aims to identify and document the medicinal herbs used by traditional healers, their therapeutic use, diseases treated, and challenges faced in their practice. A mixed-method research design was used to collect data from respondents who were selected using the purposive sampling method. Through interviews and field observations, a total of 79 medicinal plant species were identified, and documented. Aspects and experience of deep cultural and spiritual facets of healing, oral traditions, family inheritance, and experiential learning of handing down the knowledge in the traditional medicinal practice was discussed. Findings indicate that 94-95% of patients shared that traditional medicine are highly effective with no adverse effects. However, challenges such as the loss of indigenous knowledge, lack of documentation, and environmental threats to medicinal plants pose risks to the continuity of these ethno-practices. The study stresses about important and immediate action to protect biodiversity. Some of these actions are sustainable harvesting, documenting traditional knowledge, and combining traditional and modern medicine for a more complete natural health care system. By preserving these practices, communities can ensure the continuity of cultural heritage and alternative healthcare solutions in Meghalaya.