Herbs used by the Kelabit ethnic group in Sarawak

Being in nature heals the soul.

Part II

The herbs found in the famous Bario Highland area are a “treasure” yet to be fully discovered. Lian Lungan, a local Kelabit, emphasised that in order to effectively utilise these resources, it is essential to promote the cultivation of herbs and provide support for various types.

Dr Ab Razak, a medicinal plant researcher from the University of Malaya, and his team have visited Bario several times to study the medicinal plants used by the Kelabit people.

“The forests in the Bario Highlands are a treasure trove, offering landscapes ripe for ecotourism and land suitable for cultivating medicinal herbs for the production of valuable food and medicine,” he stated.

In this second series, we delve into the fascinating world of herbs cherished by the Kelabit people in the breathtaking Bario Highlands of Sarawak.

Lian shows off some plant samples and their uses.

Pa Ramapuh area, a jungle known for its medicinal plants.

Dr Ab Razak (left, second row) and his team embark on an adventure in the Bario Asal forest, with Lian (right, second row) leading the way.

Wuduh Tukang

This herb thrives in wet forest floors and shaded areas, preferring spots with gentler sunlight. It grows in clusters of 50 to 100 stems, favouring companionship. This herb is only found in the Pa Lungan forests. Among the Kelabit people, it is used to heal fractured bones and sprains in the legs and hands. To use, heat the herbal leaf over a flame and apply it to the sprained or injured area.

The researchers venture into the thick jungle, navigating rough roads in search of healing plants.

Wuduh Tukang, as seen in Pa Lungan Forest.

Dore, from the Pa Ramapuh and Bario Asal villages.

Dore

This type of herb grows on hillsides and in shady areas. It thrives alone and requires a lot of water. The herb is used to treat fever and cough. Its leaves need to be cooked into porridge before being eaten.

Wuduh Tapeh

This attractive herb grows naturally on hillsides, particularly in humid conditions. It thrives quickly on its own in sunny, warm locations. This herb is commonly used to treat limb wounds and cool the body. The leaves are carefully crushed and applied to the injury, while the root is boiled and consumed for internal cooling.

Rumah Rerak

This unusual plant grows on a parent tree, known as kepala beruk by the Malay people. These parent trees thrive in lowlands and along riverbanks. Ant nests beautifully adorn the roots as they grow and intertwine with the tree. People in the Bario Highlands believe that this tree can treat cancer, syphilis, heart disease, and renal disease. The root is gently scraped, sliced into fine pieces, and dried. The dried root is then soaked in hot water and consumed.

Tapping nature, indigenous knowledge to advance modern medicine

Not everyone lives in a rural village, but it’s interesting to consider how our daily interactions with plants influence our health and environmental perspectives. What ecological and medicinal knowledge do we possess without realising it, and what motivates us to reduce our environmental impact? How can we rethink the notion that only humans have agency? For example, the question of whether the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced or increased the human environmental footprint is complex, but it may have heightened our appreciation for health and green spaces, such as the Bario Highlands.

The debated nature of medical legitimacy amid pandemic-related anxiety also prompts us to reconsider healthcare ethics. This group of traditional healers in Bario may be the last of their kind, but if we open our hearts and minds, they could share valuable lessons with us today.

Wuduh Tapeh, as seen in Pa Ramapuh and Bario Asal villages.

Rumah Rerak, gathered from Pa Ramapuh and Bario Asal villages.

The author enjoys a stunning green view of the paddy fields in the Bario Highlands.