The incredible healing power of nature: Medicinal plants in traditional medicine

He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.

What is herbal medicine?

Medicine is present in every aspect of our lives. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), traditional medicine encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in various cultures. It is used for promoting health, preventing and diagnosing illnesses, and improving physical and mental wellbeing.

Herbal medicines are formulated with active ingredients derived from various plant parts, such as leaves, roots, or flowers. These plants have been used for medicinal purposes and to enhance overall health and wellness.

Certain herbs contain potent ingredients and should be approached with the same caution as modern medicines. Herbal medicine has a rich history dating back to ancient civilisations. It is also worth noting that many modern medicines are derived from synthetic versions of naturally occurring compounds found in plants.

Among the rare and endangered medicinal plants found in Bario Highland is War Berar, locally known by the Kelabits, which is believed to treat high blood pressure and body fatigue.

People and herbs

For countless generations, indigenous communities have discovered the remedies they need right beneath their feet. They have successfully treated numerous diseases and disorders using the power of botanicals. Additionally, these plants offer a safer alternative to chemical drugs due to their lower risk of causing side effects. However, our knowledge of the various species in our natural environment remains limited.

Sarawak is blessed with a wealth of biodiversity and diverse cultural traditions. These traditions are connected to the use of wild plants for their medicinal properties. The use of medicinal herbs remains a longstanding practice among ethnic communities residing in rolling plains and the outskirts of lush forests.

In this context, one of the initiatives of the Pehin Sri Adenan Satem Research Chair, established at the UPM Bintulu Campus and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, focuses on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants among ethnic minorities in Sarawak. The initiative aims to support Sarawak’s herbal industry and ensure the preservation of these natural wonders.

Borneo’s medicinal plants, the ‘first aid’ for rural communities, and conservation tips

To explore this, we compiled several ideas from different perspectives.

Dr Rohaidah

Dr Rohaidah Haron, a senior lecturer from Malay Academic Studies at the University of Malaya, noted that medical herbs are a valuable resource for providing first aid relief to individuals residing in inland Borneo. She believes that relocating these herbs and incorporating scientific approaches to evaluate their medicinal value are crucial for ensuring their continued existence.

Currently, she and her team are documenting the traditional healing practices and ethnopharmacological knowledge of the Kelabit community in the Bario Highlands, Sarawak. The study has identified a total of 50 plant species used by traditional healers.

Speaking with Celeste Yang Qi, a naturopathy student at Endeavour College of Natural Health in Melbourne, it is clear that Borneo’s high biodiversity allows rural communities to utilise medicinal plants for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. She believes that working closely with indigenous people can help discover more medicinal plants with similar properties and integrate sustainable harvesting practices to prevent over-harvesting of any single plant.

“Thanks to Dr Fauziah and her team, we can look forward to more research on the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants and their introduction to urban communities,” Celeste added.

According to Karno B Batira from Hasanuddin University in Makassar, Indonesia, indigenous communities don’t have the same advanced health facilities as urban areas. For them, medicinal plants can be a reliable first choice. This has been demonstrated over time and has the potential to be a lifesaver.

“Conservation efforts are critical to preserving medicinal plants. These efforts should focus on identifying, validating (both in terms of content and use), and promoting medicinal plants as an alternative to modern chemical medicines. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that medicinal plants are scientifically validated,” he said.

Celeste

Karno

Traditional medicinal practices in Indonesia

Prof Dr Wasino

Meanwhile, Prof Dr Wasino, M Hum, from Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, noted that Asian countries like Indonesia have long utilised natural medicines. This practice is still in use and is believed to have the ability to treat various ailments.

“Despite modernisation, local individuals continue to adhere to traditional practices due to the absence of chemical blending. Indonesia is currently investing in the expansion of herbal compositions and actively promoting the practice of herbal medicine,” he added.

In a nutshell

The study of ethnomedicinal knowledge of medicinal plants among different ethnic communities in Sarawak is a complex and fascinating topic. The land in Sarawak has the potential to use its rich biodiversity to achieve Sustainable Development Goals in the field of health. However, it is crucial to ensure the conservation and responsible use of bioresources to avoid overexploitation.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.