Ethnomedicinal plants used by inhabitants of Naoboicha Sub-Division, Lakhimpur district, Assam

This study aimed to explore, enumerate, and document the ethnomedicinal plants utilised by the indigenous population of the Naoboicha Subdivision, Lakhimpur District, Assam, for the treatment of various physical ailments. A comprehensive field survey included personal interviews and group discussions. A total of 103 informants, comprising 57 females and 46 males, were interviewed. Furthermore, exclusive interviews were conducted with traditional healers, known as 'Bez', to obtain authentic information on ethnomedicines. This study enumerates 65 medicinal plants, belonging to 41 families, utilised to treat 77 types of ailments in the Naoboicha Subdivision. Herbs constitute the largest group of plants employed for medicinal purposes, with leaves being the most frequently harvested part utilised for preparing remedies. While traditional healers are generally reluctant to disclose their complete knowledge, the exploration and documentation of these ethnomedicinal plants are crucial for the conservation of indigenous and traditional knowledge.