Traditional Medicinal Plant Practices of the Bodo People
By Oinam Ranjit Singh, Bardwi Chila Narzary
Summary
The Bodo people of Northeast India have traditionally relied on medicinal plants for healthcare, with practices deeply rooted in their cultural and social connection to forests. Their traditional healers, known as Ojas, diagnose and treat ailments using plant-based remedies prepared through methods like crushing, boiling, and hand-made tablets. Common techniques include applying herbal pastes for skin diseases, consuming decoctions or juices for internal ailments, and using plant parts like roots, leaves, and fruits. Measurement of ingredients often relies on natural units like finger length or pinches. The Bodo system categorizes illnesses into natural and evil-induced, with Ojas playing a key role in addressing the latter through spiritual rituals alongside medicinal treatments. Key plants include Amlai (Phyllanthus emblica) for allergies and digestion, Dubri Bilai (Cynodon dectylon) for bleeding and wounds, Khangsisa (Leucas aspera) for fever and pain, Neem (Azadirachta indica) for skin and dental issues, Manimuni (Centella asiatica) for wounds and memory enhancement, Thaigir (Dillenia indica) for respiratory and hair problems, and Kamranga (Averrhoa carambola) for various ailments. Despite the system's historical significance, younger generations are increasingly neglecting these practices, leading to a need for preservation and awareness efforts to sustain this traditional knowledge.
Conclusion
This study highlights the rich traditional medicinal knowledge of the Bodo people, emphasizing their reliance on medicinal plants for healthcare in remote, economically underdeveloped regions. The research documents the Bodo's traditional healing practices, including plant preparation methods like decoctions, pastes, and pills, and identifies key plants like *Phyllanthus emblica* and *Azadirachta indica* with their medicinal uses. The findings underscore the cultural significance of this knowledge and the urgent need to preserve it, as younger generations increasingly neglect these practices. The study also reveals the Bodo's unique integration of spiritual beliefs with traditional medicine, where diseases are often attributed to deities or evil spirits, requiring specific rituals. By detailing these practices and their outcomes, the research contributes to the broader understanding of indigenous healthcare systems and their potential value in modern contexts.