Taitung Publishes Book on Traditional Indigenous Herbal Remedies | TaiwanPlus News

Why It Matters

Preserving indigenous herbal knowledge protects cultural heritage and creates potential for new health‑related enterprises in Taiwan.

Key Takeaways

• Taiwan publishes book documenting 50 indigenous medicinal plants.
• Book includes identification guides and traditional usage instructions.
• Research involved years of fieldwork and community interviews.
• Copies will be distributed to libraries and indigenous groups nationwide.
• Initiative aims to preserve and share traditional herbal knowledge.

Summary

Taiwan’s Taitung government has released a new book, “Healing Plants Here All Along,” cataloguing traditional herbal remedies used by the island’s indigenous peoples.

The volume documents 50 plant species, detailing their medicinal applications, proper identification, and preparation methods. The content stems from years of field research and extensive interviews with tribal elders, ensuring both scientific accuracy and cultural authenticity.

The book will be distributed to public libraries and indigenous community centers across Taiwan, providing a tangible resource for knowledge transmission. Officials highlighted that the guide bridges generational gaps, allowing younger members to learn from ancestral practices.

By codifying this ethnobotanical knowledge, the project safeguards intangible cultural heritage, opens avenues for sustainable health products, and reinforces Taiwan’s commitment to preserving indigenous contributions to biodiversity.

Original Description

Authorities in Taitung in southeastern Taiwan have published a new book titled “Healing Plants: Here All Along,” which documents how Taiwan’s Indigenous communities cultivate and use traditional medicinal plants. The guide compiles years of field research by National Taitung University researchers, who interviewed over 100 elders across 16 Indigenous communities. Cataloging 50 plant species, it offers practical advice for everyday wellness and provides guidance on identifying plants and preventing accidental poisoning.

📹 Reporter(s): Kris Ma/Laurel Stewart/Ted Chen

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