Traditional Medicine in India: Cultural Importance, Health Applications, and Insights from Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Traditional medicine (TM)—also known as ethno-medicine, folk medicine, native healing, or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—is the oldest form of healthcare system that has stood the test of time. The medical ethnobotany of India refers to the study of Indian medicinal plants and their traditional uses. For thousands of years, plants have been used across the Indian subcontinent for treating diseases and maintaining health, and they continue to play a vital role in the healthcare practices of millions. Even today, Indians use medicinal plants for both primary medical care—particularly in rural and underserved areas—and as a supplementary treatment alongside modern medical science. India has one of the richest traditions of plant-based medicine in the world, with an estimated 25,000 effective plant-based formulations used in folk medicine and passed down within rural communities. This study presents the current status of traditional medicine in India, with a specific focus on Chhattisgarh, highlighting its widespread use in rural healthcare. It identifies key challenges such as a lack of scientific validation, inadequate regulation, and the gradual loss of traditional knowledge. The study also outlines future directions, including promoting research, establishing certification systems for healers, encouraging sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants, and implementing supportive policy frameworks. Additionally, traditional medicine significantly contributes to rural employment and the preservation of cultural heritage, demonstrating its potential for both healthcare delivery and socio-economic development.