<p>This study explores the intricate relationship between community practices and health of the Poumai Naga tribe living in northeastern part of India, highlighting the significance of local medical lore as a knowledge system. The study highlights the interplay between formal healthcare systems and traditional medical practices, arguing for a more integrated approach to health that respects and incorporates community knowledge. The objective is to explore and understand the ways in which communities construct their own medical knowledge and health practices. The work delves into how local knowledge and cultural traditions shape health behaviors and perceptions, emphasizing the role of informal healthcare systems alongside formal medical institutions. Using an ethnographic approach, primary data was collected through unstructured interviews and observation of local informants, such as traditional herbalists, experienced village elders, and farmers among the indigenous population. The study advocates for participatory approaches that recognize and value diverse medical narratives, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes by bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare. The findings of this study indicate that most Poumai Nagas still depend on traditional remedies rather than modern pharmaceutical treatments. Numerous plants are used as everyday food sources, while others are specifically valued for their medicinal properties in addressing different illnesses and health conditions. The findings suggest that integrating traditional medical lore with formal healthcare systems can enhance health outcomes, promoting a more holistic approach to health care. Therefore, it suggests for policymakers to create culturally sensitive health interventions that respect and incorporate local practices.</p>