Ethnobotanical Study and Benefits of Malaysian Peranakan Chinese Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Malaysia's position as a mega-diversity country has encouraged the Peranakan Chinese community to use various types of plants in their medical culture. However, as a result of migration and modernisation, the knowledge of ethnobotany in medicine is becoming less and less practiced among the younger generation due to the difficulty of obtaining reference sources when many older people die without inheriting their traditional knowledge. Thus, this ethnobotany research will cover the knowledge gap by highlighting the concept of the use of various plants that exist around the settlement of the Peranakan Chinese community in the state of Kelantan for medical purposes. The main purpose of this research is to document the various types of plants along with their benefits in helping the treatment of various types of diseases. This research uses a qualitative method of phenomenology. Research data were obtained through interviews and observations involving five informants in selected Peranakan Chinese village. The findings of the research have successfully constructed an indicator of Peranakan Chinese medical methods that use plants as the main source. The use and benefits of each plant are also explained. This documentation is seen as necessary to ensure that the uniqueness of this medical practice is recorded and preserved in an effort to preserve the heritage treasures of the Peranakan Chinese community. Among other things, this research is important in creating alternative methods other than the use of modern medicine.