Every herb has a story to tell, a unique healing message that is waiting to be discovered
– Alchemy of Herbs
Bioprospecting for biodiversity
Major sectors such as energy, agriculture, and tourism, along with development planning, are experiencing significant transformations aimed at fostering nature-positive investments that enhance human security and bolster climate resilience. Prospecting, once regarded as the exclusive realm of tough miners, is experiencing a notable shift towards a more sustainable approach.
In today’s world, the focus has shifted from traditional mining for metals and minerals to bioprospecting, which involves the exploration of various plant and animal species. This practice aims to harness their genetic resources for applications in the pharmaceutical and biochemical sectors, as well as in the creation of a diverse range of commercially viable products.
Why is the use of medicinal plants increasing, and why does it matter?
A few months ago, we had the opportunity to visit a Penan longhouse located in Ulu Jelalong, Sebauh, Sarawak. The trip turned out to be pretty tough, as we drove along a bumpy gravel road, cruising past oil palm plantations for about four to five hours. The Penan here mostly rely on the natural biodiversity around them for treatments since they’re pretty far from any medical facilities.
Sarawak has an abundance of biodiversity, making it a great spot for bioprospecting. It includes a number of well-known native medicinal plants. There are many well-known species of medicinal plants native to Penan in this area. They include the Lesat (Lansium domesticum), Kerekep (Drynaria quercifolia), Kebibai (Clidermia hirta), Kebibas (Vitex vestita), Penawar (Fibraurea tinctoria Lour), Daun Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) and Tanduk Rusa (Platycerium coronarium).
Local Penan here claims that the medicinal herbs discovered in their area are mostly used to treat dysentery, diabetes, dizziness, gastric, fever, toothache, high blood pressure, bronchitis, wound healing, swelling and vaginal discharge as well as stomach ache and digestive problems.
The treatment of such a broad range of diseases with plants highlights the importance of these plants in the healthcare system of the local society. Nonetheless, the reliability of these plants for medical use usually depends on more scientific confirmation to prove their safety and efficiency.
Living in a remote environment far from health care, the native Penan people in Ulu Jelalong learnt to identify various plants by their look, scent and taste, and to use them sensibly and respectfully. Usually starting early in the morning, they go far into the forest close to the long home. The trip is difficult; you have to climb higher and will come across all sorts of wildlife, including stinging bees. According to folk healers, the best time to collect natural remedies from medicinal plants and trees is from morning until noon, as they believe these plants possess the greatest potency during this period.
Fading Away
We observed in this study that the local healing traditions are progressively disappearing due to the expansion of tourism and intercultural interaction, the death of traditional healers, and the rise of technology and contemporary medical facilities.
Maintaining the traditional wisdom, people would be able to keep their health knowledge and be proud of their culture while also empowered to safeguard the environment and natural resources. They will be aware that Mother Nature mostly provides what they need to keep their health and wellness.
