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Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine Vol. 9 No. 1 January-August 2011 19
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Abstract
Folk Healers and Herbs in the Community Forest of Chachoengsao Province
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Sunantha Osiri , Somsook Matchacheep , Varangphorn Tritilanun , Pannarai Pithakcharoen ‡
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Warunee Phahanich , Narisara Lertsomboonsuk , Damrongsak Chusrithong §
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*Faculty of Abhaibhubejhr Thai Traditional Medicine, Burapha University, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sci-
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ence, Burapha University, Chachoengsao Provincial Public Health Office, Eastern Botanical Gardens (Khao Hin
Son), Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao
This survey study on folk healers and herbs in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, was carried out in the
period 2008-2009 by interviewing, collecting and identifying plant specimens. There was wide ranging folk
healer network, composed of old and new generation folk healers in each amphur. A total of 157 folk healers
from 10 districts were interviewed in depth. Most of them (103 or 67%) were male folk healers. Most of them
were herbalists; some had expertise in healing herpes zoster and herpes simplex, erysipelas and tan-sang
(fever in children). They felt very impressed when the patient’s symptoms were relieved, and wanted to help
more patients. Plant specimens were identified in the surveys of the three community forest areas: Nongprayote,
Lomphothong, and Thammaratnai in Amphur Tha Takiap. A large variety of herbs and 110 plant specimens
belonging to 34 families were identified. The local name, scientific name and the usage of herbs by folk healers
were compared with references. Many potential herbs should be studied further. This study is part of a
project on developing knowledge management, supporting networks and conserving local wisdom.
Key words: folk healer, herb survey, community forest, Chachoengsao Province