In the verdant hills of Arunachal Pradesh, where forests have long been regarded as nature’s pharmacy, one woman has dedicated her life to preserving an age-old healing tradition. Padma Shri awardee Yanung Jamoh Lego fondly known as the “Adi Queen of Herbs,” has spent over three decades treating patients through indigenous herbal medicine while safeguarding the traditional wisdom of her community.
Born on 9 July 1963 in Sika Tode village of East Siang district, Yanung Jamoh Lego belongs to the Adi tribe. Her journey into herbal healing began early in life under the guidance of her father, a respected folk healer. Fascinated by medicinal plants and their healing properties, she devoted nearly fifteen years to learning traditional remedies before beginning her independent practice in 1995.
Yet, Lego did not stop with inherited wisdom alone. She pursued higher education in agriculture, earning both B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. In 1988, she joined the Agriculture Department of Arunachal Pradesh and served the state for more than three decades, eventually retiring in 2023 as a senior officer. Throughout her government service, she continued her parallel mission of healing people through traditional medicine. ([Padma Awards][1])
Over the years, Yanung Jamoh Lego has become one of the most recognized herbal practitioners in Northeast India. Official records associated with her Padma Shri citation state that she has treated more than **10,000 patients** suffering from illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension using herbal and traditional therapies. Other official and media reports credit her with helping several lakh patients over her lifetime, making her a beacon of hope for many who sought alternative healing approaches. ([Padma Awards][1]) ([Press Information Bureau][2])
Her work, however, extends far beyond treating patients. In 2009, she established **Indigenous Herbal Heritage**, an initiative dedicated to conserving medicinal plants and spreading awareness about traditional healing systems. Through this effort, she has educated thousands of people about herbal remedies, promoted medicinal kitchen gardens, and encouraged the cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants to ensure that this precious knowledge is not lost to future generations. ([Arunachal Times][3])
Lego also embraced modern platforms to preserve ancient wisdom. Through her public outreach and educational videos, she shares information about medicinal plants and traditional healing practices, inspiring younger generations to value the rich herbal heritage of the Eastern Himalayas. ([Arunachal Times][4])
Her lifelong dedication received national recognition in 2024 when she was conferred the **Padma Shri**, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by the President of India. The honour was not merely a tribute to one woman, but a recognition of the centuries-old indigenous healing traditions she represents and has tirelessly worked to revive. ([Press Information Bureau][2])
Today, Yanung Jamoh Lego stands as more than a healer. She is a guardian of indigenous knowledge, a bridge between tradition and modernity.
References:
https://www.muhsfist25.com/speakers/padma-shree-smt.-yanung-jamoh-lego–
