Indigenous knowledge of using herbal and animal products as medicinal treatments among ethnic minorities in Lac Duong district, Lam Dong province

Abstract

The objectives of this paper are to explore issues relating to indigenous knowledge of using flora and fauna in healthcare and factors affecting their actual use among ethnic groups in Lac Duong district in the Lang Biang biosphere reserve's core area. The research was conducted quantitatively and qualitatively among 308 respondents in Lac Duong district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Structured questionnaires focus on the respondents’ background and their knowledge of using plant and animal products for medicinal purposes. In-depth interviews, on the other hand, give an insight into factors affecting the use of such knowledge. The results show that ethnic groups in Lac Duong district currently use both the Western sector (using medicine from the local health center or hospitals) and the Folk sector (using herbal and animal products) for the prevention and treatment of different diseases. However, the rate of using plants and animals as medicinal treatments has changed due to various factors such as changes in the public’s beliefs about diseases, about characteristics and efficiency of using plant and animal treatments, and stricter forest protection policy.

Keywords

• lạc dương
• động thực vật
• tộc người thiểu số
• tri thức bản địa