The use of plants in traditional medicine among the siamese community in kedah

Both traditional and modern medicine share the same objective, which is to cure diseases and illnesses through its own way and concept. Similar to other traditional societies, the Siamese community also depends on traditional medicine to overcome health-related problems. The penetration of the modern medicinal elements into the Siamese community, however, does not diminish their knowledge and belief of the traditional medicine system completely. This is partly because traditional medicinal practices are still in much demand and the Siamese people believe that such practices are able to cure and treat diseases that could not be treated through modern medicine and treatment. This article seeks to provide insights into the use of plants in traditional medicine among the Siamese community in the state of Kedah. Discussion will focus on the types of plants used, the treatment methods employed, and the types of diseases treated through the use of traditional medicine by the studied community. Information for this research was obtained through field work, chiefly in the forms of interviews and participant observation, and archive research. In most cases, the plant-based medicine used by the Siamese community has two main functions. Firstly, to cure diseases and secondly, to defend self from being infected/affected by diseases. The research shows that the beliefs, customs, values, knowledge, experiences, and skills inherited from their ancestors have led the Siamese community to the practices of using plants in their traditional medicine until today. The Siamese community's values, beliefs and heritage, where traditional medicine is concerned, are viewed as relevant and enduring irrespective of today's modern lifestyle. The Siamese community medicinal practice is a national cultural heritage that continues to be of great value to the Siamese community.