This paper delves into the health-seeking behaviour of tribal mothers of Rüzazho village in the Phek district of Nagaland. In the course of a three-month study involving 89 mothers aged 23 to 70, selected via snowball sampling, data were collected using a structured interview schedule. The schedule covered demographic information, recent illnesses suffered and treatment preferences. Contrary to previous research, this study found that demographic factors like age, education, and income did not significantly influence health-seeking behaviour. Instead, the locally-used classification of illness and identifying its type on the basis of one’s perception, experience, interpretation, and severity played crucial roles in shaping this behaviour.