Healing Plants Used by the Baiku Yao People

Jenn Hoskins
22nd June, 2024

Healing Plants Used by the Baiku Yao People

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study, conducted in Baiku Yao villages in China from 2019 to 2023, documented 434 medicinal plant species, showing a deep cultural integration of traditional medicine
  • Significant geographical variations in plant knowledge were found among villages, with 85.48% of plants sourced from the wild, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats
  • The Baiku Yao use various plant parts, particularly whole plants, roots, and leaves, to treat common health issues like skin and infectious diseases, reflecting a holistic medicinal approach
The medicinal plant knowledge of the Baiku Yao, a unique ethnic group in China, has been explored in a recent study conducted by Jiangbin Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region[1]. Despite prior research into their ethnobotanical practices, a comprehensive understanding of their medicinal flora was previously lacking. This study aims to fill that gap by documenting and analyzing the species distribution, utilization, and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by the Baiku Yao. The study was conducted over several years, from 2019 to 2023, across various Baiku Yao villages and different seasons. Informants were interviewed, and plant specimens were collected and identified. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), a statistical measure, was employed to understand the importance of different plants in Baiku Yao culture. The findings revealed a remarkable diversity in medicinal plant use, with 434 species documented. This indicates a deep cultural integration of traditional medicinal practices among the Baiku Yao. The study found significant geographical variations in plant knowledge among villages, highlighting a strong reliance on wild plants, as 85.48% were sourced from the wild. This reliance on wild plants reflects unique local ethnobotanical knowledge and underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats. Herbs and shrubs were predominantly used due to their accessibility and abundance in the local environment. High RFC values for certain species underscored their importance for local health needs and additional economic value. The Baiku Yao utilize various plant parts, particularly whole plants, roots, and leaves, indicating a holistic approach to medicinal applications. This approach is adapted to combat prevalent health issues such as skin and infectious diseases. One of the most intriguing findings of the study was the Baiku Yao's cultural practices for countering "Gu" afflictions—a range of pathogenic conditions. The study identified 18 diverse antidote plants used for treating skin, digestive, and musculoskeletal disorders. This aspect of their medicinal knowledge highlights the depth of their understanding and the cultural significance of their practices. The study underscores the imperative of preserving this rich medicinal heritage through innovative models that engage youth and leverage new media, ensuring the inheritance and evolution of Baiku Yao's traditional knowledge. This is crucial for maintaining the cultural and ecological integrity of their practices. The findings of this study align with earlier research highlighting the importance of traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine, which have significantly contributed to modern medicine[2][3]. These systems have provided important drugs still in use today and have shown that natural products and traditional medicines offer unique advantages, such as abundant clinical experiences and diverse chemical structures and biological activities. Additionally, the study on Baiku Yao homegardens[4] complements the current research by demonstrating how traditional knowledge of plant use is maintained and adapted in different environments. The homegarden study showed that the diversity of plants in ancient villages is better preserved compared to relocated villages, emphasizing the importance of traditional practices in maintaining biodiversity. In conclusion, the Baiku Yao's medicinal plant use reflects a deep, culturally ingrained knowledge closely tied to local ecology. The study highlights the importance of preserving this unique ethnobotanical heritage and suggests interdisciplinary approaches for future research. By engaging youth and leveraging new media, the preservation and evolution of Baiku Yao's traditional knowledge can be ensured, contributing to the broader understanding and application of traditional medicine in modern contexts.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Medicinal flora of the baiku yao people - An ethnobotanical documentation in South China.

Published 21st June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04545-8

Related Studies

2) Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow.

Journal: Molecular aspects of medicine, Issue: Vol 27, Issue 1, Feb 2006

3) The Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine from Natural Products.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050559

4) Changes in homegardens in relocation villages, a case study in the Baiku Yao area in Southern China.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-023-00578-4


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