Why Some Tribes And Communities Around The World Heal Faster Than Others

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 18:20 IST

Many tribes in Assam, Arunachal and Northeast India use more than 800 herbal plants for wound healing, many of which are scientifically proven to have skin-repairing properties

The Bajau community, sea nomads from Southeast Asia, also displays remarkable healing properties. (News18 Hindi)

A recent release on Netflix, ‘The Old Guard 2‘, has sparked interest not just for its storyline but for its depiction of characters with extraordinary healing abilities. While the movie is fictional, real-life cases do exist where individuals exhibit rapid wound healing. Certain tribes and communities around the world are known to heal faster than average, thanks to a combination of genetic traits, environmental conditions, and lifestyle habits.

Himba Tribe Of Namibia

In Africa, the Himba tribe of Namibia is renowned for their impressive skin repair ability. They utilise natural ointments made from red clay and animal fat, which help to heal wounds rapidly and reduce infection. Their diet, rich in high-protein and low-processed foods, also contributes to their swift recovery from injuries. The Himba tribe, a semi-nomadic pastoral community living in northern Namibia and parts of southern Angola, is estimated to number around 50,000 people and is easily recognisable by their red-hued skin and hair.

Bajau Community In South-East Asia

The Bajau community, sea nomads from Southeast Asia, also displays remarkable healing properties. Despite spending extended periods in water, their skin wounds heal quickly. Scientists attribute this to genetic adaptations that enhance skin elasticity and repair capabilities.

The Bajau community, also known as the ‘Sea Nomads’, is an indigenous tribe in Southeast Asia, primarily found in the coastal regions of Indonesia, Malaysia (especially Sabah), and the Philippines. They are renowned for their sea-centric lifestyle, living in houses built on or near the water, known as ‘lepa-lepa’ (boat-houses).

The Bajau people are renowned for their exceptional diving abilities. Traditional healing rituals such as Magombo and Ngalai are common within the community and are rooted in the use of herbs, marine plants, and spiritual practices.

Sherpa Community Of Nepal And Tibet

In the high altitudes of the Himalayas, the Sherpa community of Nepal and Tibet showcases unique abilities in blood circulation and oxygen utilisation, enabling faster injury recovery. Studies have revealed that the Sherpas possess a special variant of the EPAS1 gene, which aids in efficient body function despite low oxygen levels. Their nutrient-rich diet and physically active lifestyle further enhance their health and stamina.

The Sherpa community is an indigenous group residing in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, primarily in Nepal and Tibet. They are world-renowned for their exceptional physical stamina, mountaineering expertise, and ability to thrive in extreme altitudes. Sherpas often serve as guides and porters for climbers on peaks like Mount Everest. Their distinct lifestyle and genetic adaptations set them apart from other communities, and they are regarded as one of the healthiest populations in the world.

According to experts sherpas have a metabolism uniquely adapted to conserve energy at high altitudes. They utilise mitochondria—the energy-producing centers of cells—more efficiently, which enhances their stamina. Their physically active lifestyle helps maintain strong heart and muscle function, contributing to their overall excellent health.

The Sherpa diet is largely natural and nutritious, consisting mainly of barley, potatoes, yak milk, butter, and meat. Their traditional drink, butter tea—made with yak butter and salt—provides both energy and warmth in high-altitude conditions. Rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, this diet effectively meets their energy needs and supports tissue repair.

The People Of Sardinia, Italy

On the Italian island of Sardinia, certain communities are noted for their longevity and rapid wound healing, attributed to specific genetic markers like the M26.

Tribal Communities In India And Amazon

Some tribal communities in India and the Amazon, such as the Yanomami, rely on natural herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that accelerate the healing process. These groups also tend to have stronger immune systems. Certain genes, like EPAS1 and TGFB1, are more active in some of these populations, aiding faster wound repair. This ability is believed to have evolved in communities that live in challenging environments and depend on natural remedies.

Cholanaikkan Adivasis In Kerala

In the forests of Wayanad and Nilambur in Kerala, the Cholanaikkan Adivasis use a paste made from the leaves of the plant Neurocalyx calycinus to treat wounds, burns, and swelling. Passed down through generations, this traditional remedy has been scientifically proven to aid in faster healing.

Kuruma Tribe In Kerala

In Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Kuruma tribal community has traditionally used over 34 plant species to treat wounds and cuts. These plants are applied directly to the affected area in the form of pastes, ointments, or decoctions, promoting faster healing.

Tribal Communities Of Northeast And Central India

Many tribal groups in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states rely on traditional herbal medicines for wound healing. Over 800 plant species are used to treat wounds and skin ailments, with many of them scientifically proven to possess healing properties.

Similarly, tribal communities in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and other parts of central India also use medicinal plants and herbs for treating wounds. These practices are preserved and passed down through generations by traditional healers, known as hakims or vaidyas.

Why Do Some People Naturally Heal Faster?

Certain individuals heal from wounds or injuries more quickly than others due to genetic variations. People with the so-called “fast healers" gene variant tend to have a naturally higher capacity for cell regeneration and collagen production, both of which play a crucial role in speeding up the healing process.

Age also influences healing speed—children and adolescents typically experience faster cell turnover, enabling quicker recovery. However, this regenerative ability tends to slow down with age.

Wounds tend to heal faster in individuals who follow a nutrient-rich diet, especially one high in protein, vitamin C, zinc, and other essential nutrients. Regular exercise boosts blood circulation, which supports the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Smoking, on the other hand, reduces blood flow and slows down healing, whereas non-smokers generally experience faster recovery.

Some individuals may develop conditions like hypertrophic scarring or keloids, where the wound heals rapidly but results in excessive scar tissue.

Lower stress levels also contribute to quicker healing, as the body’s repair processes function more effectively in a relaxed state. Additionally, quality sleep plays a key role—since much of the body’s healing occurs during rest, those who sleep well tend to recover faster.

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