A Review of Ethno Medicinal Studies on Respiratory Disorders Management Among Tribal Communities of Gujarat

Gujarat state counts, fifth in the India’s tribal population. Tribal communities are known to preserve a rich heritage of traditional knowledge related to medicinal plants and their therapeutic uses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 80% of the global population continues to depend on traditional medicine for primary health care needs. The tribal people of Gujarat have long relied on wild medicinal plants for treating a wide range of ailments, reflecting deep understanding of their local biodiversity. Among these, respiratory disorders such as asthma, cough, bronchitis, cold, and other breathing difficulties are commonly managed with plant-based remedies. This review features various wild medicinal plants traditionally used by different tribal groups in Gujarat for the treatment of respiratory problems. The plants discussed are valued for their efficacy, accessibility, and safety, and are often prepared as decoctions, powders or pastes using leaves, roots, bark or seeds.  By documenting this indigenous knowledge, the review aims to emphasize the importance of conserving both medicinal plant resources and the cultural wisdom of tribal communities. Such information not only supports the preservation of traditional health practices but also provides a foundation for scientific research that may lead to the development of new drugs for respiratory diseases.