Community-Based Utilization of Herbal Medicine for Sustainable Disease Management in Rural Villages

Abstract

This report presents an in-depth analysis of herbal medicine practices in rural India, focusing on their role in disease management. Field research was conducted in two ethnobotanically rich regions villagers nearby Greater Noida (UP) covering almost 100 household or more and 30 traditional healers. The study document is 10-15 plant species used for treating ailments like malaria, diabetes, arthritis, and skin diseases. Key findings indicate that 92% of rural households rely on herbal remedies as primary or complementary healthcare, driven by accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and cultural trust. Despite high community acceptance, challenges include biodiversity loss, knowledge erosion, and lack of scientific standardization. The report recommends integrating traditional medicine into primary healthcare via conservation initiatives, clinical validation, and policy reforms to achieve universal health coverage.