Traditional Rice Beer of Assam, North East India: Traditionalism, Ethnobiology and its Pharmacomedicinal Trends

Abstract

Assam which is an integral part of the North East India, well recognized for its tribal
ethnicity. Several tribal communities reside in Assam and also in other parts of North East India.
The major ethnic groups and tribes are Ahom, Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Rabha etc. Among various
practices that are followed by the tribes, the preparation of traditional rice beer is considered as a
spiritual practice and plays an important role in their socio-economic development. Although
rice is the primary ingredient used in the preparation of the rice beer, the method of preparation,
the herbal components used during the preparation process vary among the various tribes. These
traditional rice beers that are prepared are reported to be possessed with diverse medicinal
properties and therapeutic values and hence, are considered as nutraceuticals. Owing to the
uniqueness in their preparation, the type of herbal components present and the subtle differences
that lie among the methods of preparation, traditional rice beer brewing techniques have gained
scientific attention. This review article focuses on documentation of the differential
methodologies and the type of the plant products that are used in the preparation of the rice beer.