Use of Herbal Medicine in Villages For Disease Management

Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of herbal medicine practices in rural India, with a particular focus on their role in community-based disease management. Field research was conducted in the ethnobotanically rich regions of Khekra, Basi, and Rataul (Uttar Pradesh), encompassing data from over 100 households and consultations with 30 traditional healers. The study documented the use of 10–15 medicinal plant species employed in the treatment of prevalent ailments such as malaria, diabetes, arthritis, and skin disorders.

Findings revealed that approximately 92% of rural households depend on herbal remedies either as a primary or complementary form of healthcare. This reliance is largely attributed to the accessibility, affordability, and deep-rooted cultural trust in traditional healing systems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across three age groups—(0–18 years), adult (18–30 years), and elderly (31-50 years) and geriatric (>51 years)—using structured questionnaires administered to patients and caregivers.

Despite widespread community acceptance, the study highlights pressing challenges, including the erosion of traditional knowledge, biodiversity loss, and the absence of scientific validation and standardization. The report emphasizes the urgent need for integrating herbal medicine into the formal primary healthcare system through targeted conservation efforts, clinical research, and policy interventions to support universal health coverage.