Language extinction threatens cultural and traditional medicinal heritage

Plants are full of medicinal virtues. Properties that many indigenous peoples of America, Asia or Africa know well, as they largely depend on plants for food, shelter and treatment. Photo: AFP

Could knowledge of natural plant-based remedies disappear along with indigenous languages? So suggests Swiss research conducted among more than 50 communities in America and Oceania.

From relieving stomach aches, to treating fungal or respiratory infections, plants are full of medicinal virtues. These are properties that many indigenous peoples of America, Asia or Africa know well, as they largely depend on plants for food, shelter and treatment.