Plain Language Summary: Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants provides important health benefits but requires recognition and valuing human-nature relations.

By Methee Phumthum, Varangrat Nguanchoo, Angkhana Inta, and Henrik Balslev.

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Mien people, also known as Yao, often live in mountainous areas with abundant natural resources. They can be found in China, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand. We studied how Mien people in three nearby villages use medicinal plants. We discovered 77 different plant species with unique traditional uses, especially for women’s health. Interestingly, each village had its own specific knowledge about medicinal plants, even though they share a similar culture and environment. The number of medicinal plants we found highlights a concerning trend: traditional knowledge about using plants for medicine is disappearing worldwide. Ancient wisdom about healing plants helps us understand the balance between humans and nature.