Traditional Medicine and its role in Wildlife Use in Cambodia
Traditional Khmer Medicine has been practiced in Cambodia for centuries and continues to play an important role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to modern medical services can be limited.
A recent study led by Free the Bears’ Khmer Research Officer examined how this traditional medical system functions today and how wildlife products are used within certain remedies.
Through interviews with traditional medicine practitioners, researchers found that many treatments rely on ingredients sourced from plants, animals and minerals. In some cases, wildlife products, are used in an attempt to remedy a range of ailments.
The research also found that traditional medicine is often practiced informally, with knowledge passed down through generations or learned from experienced practitioners rather than through formal training.
While wildlife ingredients remain part of some treatments, researchers identified opportunities to reduce their use. In some cases, practitioners reported that wildlife products have become harder to obtain, which has encouraged the use of plant-based alternatives.
Understanding how traditional medicine systems operate is an important step in reducing demand for threatened wildlife.
For organisations like Free the Bears, this research helps guide conservation strategies aimed at ending the exploitation of bears for bile and other body parts.
By working with communities, practitioners and authorities, conservation groups can support culturally respectful solutions that protect wildlife while maintaining access to traditional healthcare practices.
Publication Authors: Thona Lim, Elizabeth Oneita Davis, Brian Crudge, Vichet Roth & Jenny Anne Glikman