Traditional healing practices and folk medicines in Thailand: A case study of Huai Yot District, Trang Province

Abstract

The entirety of knowledge, abilities, and practices derived from indigenous theories, beliefs, and experiences across various cultures is in part comprised of traditional and folk remedies. The study aims to document previously unreported folk knowledge of healers in the Huai Yot district of Trang province in Southern Thailand. The region is home to ten folk healers who on average are 71.6 years of age, living in four sub-districts, Na Wong, Huai Yot, Khao Pun, and Bang Di. These healers are adept in various techniques, combining herbal medicine with specialized physical therapies like bone setting and massage. They are exceptionally skilled in treating musculoskeletal disorders and conditions such as leucorrhea, bone fractures, typhoid fever, cancer, blood tonics, and myofascial pain, showcasing a wide range of indigenous medical knowledge. The study documented 37 medicinal plants used by these healers, with herbs and shrubs being the most common and stems being the preferred part of the plant for treatments. Notably, 27 of these plants are employed as blood tonics, highlighting a cultural emphasis on blood health. They are also recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic effects. These traditional healers of Huai Yot are pivotal to their community’s health, biodiversity preservation, and continuity of cultural heritage. Their practices provide valuable insights into natural remedies and the potential for novel medical breakthroughs, thus underscoring their significance to local and international health landscapes. This study underscores the critical need to preserve traditional medicine as a vital supplement to scientific progress in healthcare.