A Case Study of Orang Asli Indigenous Knowledge in Traditional Medicine

Abstract

The practice of traditional healing is a continuous experience that has been part of national healthcare systems of Orang Asli (OA) societies for many years. Traditional medicine (TM) is part of OA Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and they use it from generation to generation for spirituality, health and longevity. However, these traditional medicinal specifically herbs and plants known to OA have become lessen due to the impact of deforestation, urbanization and modernization. In response to the issue, this case study, therefore, seeks to explore and document the existing IK regarding the OA’s medicinal plants. In collecting qualitative data, this case study conducted in-depth interviews and field observations in a village of Mah Meri’s tribe. The interviews were carried out with tribal elders in Mah Meri settlement in Selangor involving three informants aged 30 and above. The interviews were video and audio-taped, verbatim transcribed, analyzed and imported into Atlas.ti software for data processing. The key findings of the study indicated that the reported medicinal plants are generally used locally in TM to treat various health problems such as fever, coughs and cold ailments. It is also important to ensure that the plants grow in wild nature and have not been “poisoned” with pesticides. The contribution of the OA IK in TM to the corpus knowledge could be used for medical treatment, education and further research in indigenous medicine.