Knowledge and use of traditional herbal home remedies among rural households in Paniv and surrounding areas, Maharashtra

• Author Details:   
• Pankaj Khuspe
• Sujit Desai
• Abhijeet Survase
• Kiran Ingole
• Vinay Gaikwad ^*

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Traditional herbal home remedies continue to play a significant role in primary healthcare practices among rural communities in India. This review investigates the knowledge, use, and transmission patterns of herbal home remedies among households in Paniv and nearby villages in Maharashtra. India, home to one of the world's oldest medicinal traditions, sees over 70% of its rural population relying on traditional medicine for their health needs, often due to limited access to modern healthcare. The review explores the commonly used medicinal plants, their therapeutic applications, and the sociocultural factors influencing their use. Data were gathered through structured interviews, household surveys, and focus group discussions conducted in Paniv and its adjacent villages, ensuring a diverse representation of the community. Notably, herbs such as Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Adulsa (Justicia Adhatoda), and Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) emerged as frequently utilized for treating respiratory ailments, skin infections, digestive issues, and minor wounds. The transmission of this knowledge predominantly occurs through oral traditions, with elderly women acting as primary custodians of ethnomedicinal practices. Despite the benefits, challenges such as inconsistent dosing, potential toxicity, and lack of scientific validation present limitations to widespread adoption. This article emphasizes the importance of integrating ethnobotanical wisdom with modern healthcare systems and the need for further pharmacological validation of these remedies. It advocates for policy frameworks that protect indigenous knowledge while promoting safe, effective, and culturally sensitive healthcare practices in rural India.