Authorities in Taitung County and researchers from National Taitung University have published a book documenting Indigenous Taiwanese herbal remedies.
The publication, titled “Healing Plants: Here All Along,” serves as a formal record of traditional ecological knowledge that has historically been passed down orally. By cataloging these practices, the project aims to prevent the loss of ancestral wellness wisdom and provide practical guidance for modern health.
Researchers compiled the data by interviewing more than 100 elders [1]. These contributors represent 16 different Indigenous communities [1] located across southeastern Taiwan. The resulting text provides a comprehensive look at how these groups utilize the local flora for various ailments.
The book catalogues 50 specific plant species [1]. Each entry details the properties of the plants, and their traditional applications in medicinal contexts. The collaboration between the university and local authorities ensures that the scientific naming of the plants aligns with the traditional knowledge provided by the elders.
This effort focuses on the intersection of biodiversity and cultural heritage. The researchers sought to create a resource that is accessible to the public while respecting the origins of the knowledge. The project highlights the role of the natural environment in Taitung as a living pharmacy, a source of both spiritual and physical healing for the region's original inhabitants.
“The book catalogues 50 specific plant species”
The formalization of oral traditions into a published volume represents a strategic shift toward the institutional preservation of Indigenous knowledge. By bridging the gap between academic research at National Taitung University and traditional elder wisdom, the project creates a permanent record that protects intellectual heritage against the erosion of time and cultural assimilation.
