Folk medicine refers to the traditional system of health care developed and practised by communities on the basis of their accumulated knowledge of local plants, animals, minerals, cultural beliefs and experiences. Among the tribal communities of North and Northeast India, folk medicine has been an important part of everyday life because of their close relationship with forests and natural resources and the limited accessibility of modern medical facilities in many remote areas. The tribal communities of the region possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. Communities such as the Naga, Mizo, Khasi, Garo, Bodo, Karbi, Dimasa, Adi, Apatani and several other tribal groups have traditionally used locally available resources to treat common ailments. Leaves, roots, bark, fruits, seeds, flowers and stems of plants are used in different preparations. These remedies are employed for conditions such as fever, cough, cold, stomach disorders, wounds, skin diseases, headaches, body pain and