Wisdom of utilizing Zingiberaceae plants by traditional healers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Plants in the ginger family are globally utilized in diverse ways, varying from region to region. This study aims to compile the uses of ginger family plants by traditional healers in five districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. These districts include Thung Song, Na Bon, Lan Saka, Chang Klang, and Ron Phibun, which have not been previously studied. Ten traditional healers were selected based on specific criteria. This qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews combined with observations. The data were analyzed descriptively, including frequency, fidelity level (FL), and use value (UV). The study found that traditional healers use 16 species of ginger family plants, including Curcuma longa L., Zingiber ligulatum Roxb., Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., Amomum testaceum Ridl., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe, Curcuma comosa Roxb., Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe ex Sm., Kaempferia galanga L., Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex Baker, Amomum biflorum Jack, Curcuma mangga Valeton & Zijp, Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum., and Etlingera coccinea (Blume) S.Sakai & Nagam. The highest FL values (100%) were found for four species, including Amomum biflorum Jack, Curcuma mangga Valeton & Zijp, Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K.Schum. and Etlingera coccinea (Blume) S.Sakai & Nagam. The highest UV value was found for Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.4). Scientific evidence has identified 14 pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, gastroprotective, anthelmintic, anti-emetic, anti-platelet, antioxidant, analgesic, neuroprotective, renoprotective, aphrodisiac, anti-ulcer, antipyretic, and anti-asthma properties. These activities support the therapeutic effects used by traditional healers. Traditional healers use these ginger family plants as ingredients in polyherbal and monoherbal medicinal formulas. Ginger family plants play a crucial role in community healthcare and are employed in various ways. This constitutes a cultural heritage worthy of preservation and documentation for the benefit of global healthcare.