Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. – Frank Lloyd Wright
An exciting journey awaits to uncover the true identity of the Punan Ba. In Sarawak, there is often confusion with the Penan. The Punan Ba represents a sub-group of the Kajang community residing in the upper regions of the Rajang River in Sarawak. Their cultural uniqueness, particularly regarding death customs, has been passed down through generations. The distinctiveness of this tradition is evident in the presence of kelirieng surrounding their community today.
A few months ago, we made a journey to the Punan Ba village. The trip was challenging; we had to travel nearly four hours from Bintulu to Belaga and then take a three-hour speedboat ride to reach the village. The Punan Ba community, living in their secluded village, relies on the local herbs found in their environment to address or stave off various health issues due to their distance from healthcare services.
Here, we delve into the fascinating world of herbs cherished by the Punan Ba people in the remote interior of Borneo.
Munang:
The Munang Tree, scientifically known as Vitex pinnata, is a shrub that grows wild in the foothills of the Punan Ba village. For the Punan Ba ethnic group, the leaves of this tree are used to treat fevers. The method involves boiling water with the leaves and then drinking the infusion.
Langset:
The scientific name of this tree is Lansium domesticum. Several subvarieties exist that differ slightly in taste, size, and colour, yet one description can effectively encompass all of them. Many individuals encountering them for the first time may find it challenging to distinguish between the various varieties. For the Punan Ba people, the stem bark can be peeled, boiled, and consumed to stop bleeding during menstruation. This plant is also thought to treat digestive problems and bloody urine using the same method of consumption.
Bua ma:
The scientific name of this tree is Nephelium subfalcatum. The tree predominantly thrives in the moist regions of the forest in the Punan Ba area. Similar to the langset, the stem bark can be peeled, boiled, and ingested to halt bleeding during menstruation. This plant is also believed to address digestive issues and bloody urine using a similar method of consumption.
Guava:
Psidium guajava, commonly known as guava, is a plant used in traditional medicine, believed to possess active compounds that aid in the treatment and management of a range of ailments. Various components of the plant have found their place in traditional remedies aimed at addressing issues such as malaria, vomiting, diarrhoea, dysentery, wounds, ulcers, toothaches, coughs, sore throats, and inflamed gums.
Way forward
The forest-dependent communities of Punan Ba rely on medicinal plants for their traditional healthcare practices, as these plant-based remedies are readily accessible and economical. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise the protection and sharing of traditional knowledge within communities to effectively support conservation efforts. With the increasing demand for pharmaceuticals driven by a growing population and a rise in diverse diseases, researchers are tirelessly exploring novel possibilities for developing more effective medications. Medicinal plants rank among the top priorities in the quest for natural products within the pharmaceutical industry.
We are currently compiling the rich traditional knowledge of medicinal plants among ethnic minorities in Sarawak. Scientific research is underway in laboratories to discover the active components and validate the medicinal benefits of these plants. A PhD student from Nigeria, Jibrin Isa Mangwa, who is working on this project, emphasised that exploring the benefits of these plants can bridge traditional knowledge with modern healthcare.
“Scientific validation of their efficacy could lead to their integration into eco-friendly, plant-based treatments, benefiting both indigenous communities and the broader medical field,” he said.
As such, empowering these communities through the sustainable harvesting and cultivation of Punan Ba medicinal plants can further promote Borneo’s biodiversity while fostering ethical development.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
