India is a nation enriched with diversity, spanning cultural, regional, and even herbal dimensions. In a country where flora and fauna play a major role in existence and development, many still rely on traditional healing methods over mechanical devices. Yanung Jamoh Lego is one such woman who learned the art of herbal medicine from her grandmother at a young age.
Born in 1963 in the Adi tribal community of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, Lego grew up in Sika Tode village, surrounded by the lush forests of the Eastern Himalayas. This environment fostered a deep connection with medicinal plants. What began as traditional knowledge passed through oral traditions evolved into an honest practice that has helped over 300,000 patients from India and beyond.
The Herbal Journey
In 1995, Lego launched her own treatment service. After years of witnessing her father, a respected folk healer, help people, she spent 15 years in intense learning and practice before formally beginning her journey. Over three decades, Lego has healed patients with chronic diseases including cancer, diabetes, skin disorders, kidney diseases, arthritis, and liver disorders. All medicines she prescribes are prepared fresh at her clinic using sustainably sourced local herbs. Powders, decoctions, pastes, and oils are all employed to assist the needy.
Over the years, the 60-year-old has been credited with reviving traditional healing practices of her community, even becoming deputy director in the state agriculture department. In 2009, she launched Indigenous Herbal Heritage, preserving age-old knowledge, training one lakh people, and planting more than 5,000 medicinal plants across the state. Lego is a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) under the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicine, affiliated with the Open International University for Complementary Medicines, established under the World Health Organisation. Additionally, she holds an MSc in Agriculture.
Not Just a Healer, But a Teacher
Her impact has reached across the globe, with researchers and fellows from London, America, and beyond coming to learn from her. "Everything is open -- learn by doing, learn by watching," she said.
The Recognition
Her first award came in 2007 from the SRISTI Samman, but over the years, patient testimonies have been a vocal applause for her wisdom. "I had severe eczema that didn't respond to any treatment. After 3 months of herbal therapy from the clinic, my skin has improved remarkably. Highly recommend!" wrote a woman on her website. "After struggling with diabetes for 15 years, Dr. Lego's herbal treatment has helped me reduce my dependency on insulin significantly. I'm grateful for this traditional healing approach," added another.
In 2013, she received the Paramparika Vaidya Ratna award, and in 2019, she was honoured with the Arunachal State Award. In 2024, the national government recognised her contribution with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours. "I have been treating patients for the last 30 years. I am very happy to be honoured with this prestigious award. At first, I could not believe it," Lego told PTI from Pasighat.
Beyond awards, she was appointed as a member of the State Medicinal Plants Board and featured in a National Geographic documentary on traditional healers of Northeast India.
Rooted in Her Hometown
While many would charge hefty fees due to popularity and efficiency, Lego remains grounded in her hometown. Her clinic still operates in Sikatode village, where she charges a minimal fee or nothing at all. "I didn't charge for treatment from 1995 to 2019. Now I do, because every month, Rs 8 lakh goes into salaries and supplies," she explained. About 10-20 patients visit her clinic daily, attended on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Moreover, she shares her knowledge globally through her YouTube channel 'Herbal Medicine by Yanung Jamoh Lego', which has 91.4K subscribers, where she uploads videos detailing natural remedies for diseases. She calls herself a student of the jungle, but for the people of Arunachal, she is the 'Adi Queen of Herbs'.
