Next time you break a bone, trust Khasi wisdom over plaster

Shillong, Mar 9: Forget steel braces and surgical interventions—Khasi bone healers have a different prescription. Their treatments revolve around herbal pastes, plant bandages, splints made of bamboo, and age-old massage techniques that coax fractured bones back into place.

A new study published in Plant Science Today has brought this fading knowledge to light, revealing that Khasi healers use 85 medicinal plant species to mend broken bones, dislocated joints, and sprained ligaments. Conducted by researchers from the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR), Arunachal Pradesh, the ethnobotanical survey spans five districts of Meghalaya, documenting how traditional bone setters blend plant-based treatments with manual healing techniques.

The researchers associated with the study are Lakhon M Hing, Risso Ana, Imlikumba, Duman Talom, Inubo Rochill, Amal Bawri & Robindra Teron.

The traditional healing system in India is one of the oldest in the country; traditional bone setters are one of the largest groups practising traditional medicine. Traditional bone setting (TBS) holds immense significance not just as a medical practice but also as a cultural heritage and a symbol of community resilience. In some rural places where modern healthcare facilities may not always be ready and accessible, it plays a vital role in providing immediate and effective care to those in need. Practitioners of this art believe in blending the body and mind and their treatments reflect this holistic understanding.

The Khasi tribe has long relied on their traditional medicine system to address various health concerns, particularly bone-related ailments and injuries. Their approach to healing is deeply rooted in the surrounding natural environment, where a diverse array of medicinal plants serves as the backbone of their traditional healthcare.

After examining the diversity of the habits of the medicinal plants used in traditional bone settings, it is found that the herbs (52) had the highest usage, at 61.17%, followed by trees (13) at 15.29%, shrubs (17) at 20% and ferns (3) at 3.52%.

Among the most frequently used plants are: Bambusa bamboos (Thorny Bamboo) – used for splints and bone realignment, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) – a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) – known for its pain-relieving properties, Betel Leaf and Wild Ginger Leaf) – wrapped around injuries like a natural bandage and Areca catechu (Betel Nut Palm) & Musa acuminata (Wild Banana) – used as splints to stabilize broken limbs.

Most treatments are external, but in severe cases of internal bleeding or unbearable pain, patients are given plant-based decoctions.

The study also notes that dietary restrictions are crucial—patients must avoid sour, spicy, and fermented foods, while milk, meat, soup, and green vegetables are recommended to speed up recovery.

The research surveyed 115 traditional bone setters, uncovering fascinating insights into the keepers of Khasi healing wisdom. 72.17% are male, 27.83% are female. 82.60% inherited the knowledge from family elders, while 17.40% learned it through self-interest and practice. 56.52% are full-time healers, while others work as farmers or labourers.

The craft is ageing—the majority of healers are over 50 years old, raising concerns about the survival of this practice in a rapidly modernizing world.

Using quantitative analysis, researchers ranked plants based on their effectiveness in healing bones. The most frequently used species, Bambusa bamboos and Curcuma longa scored the highest, signalling their potential for further pharmacological research and integration into modern medicine.

The researchers said the preparation methods, dosages and applications of the medicinal plants used by traditional healers can differ significantly, leading to potential inconsistencies in treatment effectiveness. Additionally, the therapeutic claims related to the identified medicinal plants have not been scientifically validated within the scope of this research. “To address these limitations, further investigations are necessary to systematically assess the pharmacological properties and efficacy of the medicinal plants employed in traditional bone setting practices,” the researchers said.

Also Read: Meghalaya celebrates women’s achievements on International Women’s Day

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