Chhattisgarh Forest Department Promotes Medicinal Plants and Traditional Healers

Aligned with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s traditional medicine systems, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department has taken effective steps to promote the indigenous medical knowledge embedded within its forest-rich tribal communities. Recognizing the holistic value of Ayurveda and other traditional practices, these initiatives aim to preserve ancient wisdom that supports physical, mental, social, and environmental health.

The Forest Department, in collaboration with the Department of AYUSH and other stakeholders, has embarked on certifying Traditional Community Health Practitioners (TCHPs, or traditional healers)—including Baiga, Guniya, Sirha, and Vaidya—while documenting, assessing, and scientifically validating various medicinal plant formulations.

PCCF & HoFF Shri V. Sreenivasa Rao, IFS, said, “Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department, under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Forest Minister, is committed to preserving and promoting traditional medicinal knowledge for the well-being of our communities.”

The Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation, with European Commission support, conducted an ethnobotanical survey across 21 districts, interviewing 418 traditional healers and documenting 3,399 medicinal plant formulations. These formulations were scientifically evaluated by a team from the Government Ayurveda College, Raipur, led by Dr. Rakshpal Gupta, Dr. P.K. Joshi, Dr. R.N. Tripathi, and Dr. P.K. Baghel, who recommended 86 formulations for direct preparation and use.

Traditional healers are a critical healthcare resource for rural and tribal populations, providing local plant-based remedies without formal recognition. Certifying these practitioners acknowledges their invaluable contribution to the health needs of tribal and marginalized communities, enhancing respect for their work and fostering greater awareness of traditional practices. In collaboration with the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) and The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, the Forest Department has certified 500 traditional healers, recognizing their role in upholding the cultural and healthcare heritage of the state.

One prominent example is Vaidyaraj Hemchand Manjhi from Narayanpur district, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri for his commitment to providing traditional and affordable healthcare to villagers for over five decades. Another experienced healer, 62-year-old Santosh Kumar Patel from Malhari village in Dhamtari district, has been practicing for more than four decades. He highlights the effectiveness of traditional medicine in treating severe ailments, saying, “Traditional medicine systems should not be underestimated; they are highly effective in curing ailments, including cancer. I thank the CG Forest Department for recognizing the efforts of Vaidyas across the state. Certain herbs, like dahiman and asthikand, are threatened, and I appeal to the department to plant these species in large numbers to protect them for future generations.” His formulations have garnered national recognition, with patents filed by Sagar University and Mysore University, and received wide appreciation during the recent Rajyotsava ceremony in Naya Raipur.

According to Dr. Neetu Harmukh, Senior Scientist at the CG State Biodiversity Board, the state’s medicinal plants are documented in the Public Biodiversity Register (PBR), providing an invaluable resource for ongoing conservation efforts.

Further measures by the Forest Department include establishing 50 Vanoushadhalays (Herbal Dispensaries) across the state and preparing a directory of 500 traditional healers through the CG State Medicinal Plant Board. Additionally, the Department of Tribal and Scheduled Castes, in collaboration with the Forest Department, will host a Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, celebrating tribal healers through seminars, workshops, and exhibitions of medicinal plants. This event will create a platform for healers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore pathways for integrating traditional practices into the modern healthcare system.

In its commitment to preserving traditional healthcare practices, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department is fostering a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern health needs, honoring the legacy and essential role of traditional healers in community well-being.