Forest Remedies: Plant-based Health Practices of the Siddi Tribal in Karnataka

This study investigates the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Siddi tribal community inhabiting the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, India, a distinct Afro-Indian group with ancestral roots in East Africa. Field documentation across four settlements such as Kerehosalli, Bilki, Hunsemane and Kotemane in Yellapur taluk were conducted. Data were collected from 28 families using semi-structured interviews, participatory observations and focus group discussions. This resulted in the identification of 60 plant species, of which 56 were used for medicinal purposes and 11 as food. The leaves are the most commonly utilized plant part, with pastes, decoctions and juices being the primary methods of preparation. Remedies were administered either orally or externally, based on the type of ailment. The Siddi community exhibits a practical, non-ritualistic approach to healing, with knowledge widely shared and passed down orally. Many plants serve dual functions as food and medicine, illustrating a holistic understanding of health where diet and treatment are interconnected. This practice underscores a sustainable relationship with the surrounding forest ecosystem, promoting both biodiversity conservation and cultural resilience. However, threats such as environmental degradation, habitat loss and cultural assimilation pose risks to the preservation of this traditional knowledge. The study highlights the urgency of documenting and protecting such indigenous knowledge systems through collaborative efforts, ethical research practices and policy interventions guided by frameworks like the Nagoya Protocol. Overall, research underscores the significance of traditional ethnomedicinal and ethnofood practices in ensuring sustainable development, public health and the continuity of tribal heritage.