Ethnomedicinal Plants in the Treatment of Gynaecological Disorders: Traditional Knowledge and Contemporary Relevance

Abstract

Traditional herbal medicine has been the cornerstone of healthcare for centuries, especially in rural India where modern medical facilities are often scarce. Nearly 65–90% of rural women continue to rely on ethnomedicinal knowledge for treating reproductive and gynaecological disorders, including menstrual irregularities, infertility, leucorrhea, pregnancy complications and postpartum issues. This study highlights the ethnobotanical practices of Indian communities in addressing gynaecological health concerns using medicinal plants. Data from existing literature and ethnomedicinal surveys reveal that leaves, roots, seeds and decoctions form the basis of therapeutic remedies, often administered by midwives and local healers. Plants belonging to families such as Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae are widely used for fertility regulation, treatment of infections, pregnancy-related problems and postpartum recovery. However, the decline of traditional knowledge due to urbanisation, limited transmission of oral traditions and dependence on allopathic medicine poses a significant risk of knowledge loss. This study underscores the urgent need for documentation, scientific validation and sustainable utilisation of ethnomedicinal plants to preserve indigenous knowledge while exploring novel phytotherapeutics for women’s health.