Medicinal plants with traditional use: Ethnobotany in the Indian subcontinent

Abstract

Traditional medicine uses cultural knowledge and practices to promote health maintenance as well as diagnose and treat disease. In developing countries, the majority of people rely on traditional medicines; however, many of these practices have not been rigorously and systematically studied or reported. We review the current understanding and research behind traditional therapies prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, including mind-body and energy-based healing, botanical medicine, and herbal remedies. Topics covered include Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, homeopathy, and medicinal plants such as neem, guggul, tulsi, amla, and turmeric.