 |
|
 |
|
|
| Thai Wildlife > Elephant |
Traditional Herbal Remedies for Thai Elephants
5. Comparing Herbal Medical Practices in the Northeast and the Northwest
As previously mentioned, differences in flora accounted for some of the variation between northeastern and northwestern remedies. However, cultural background also played a large role, as Karen mahouts had very different practices from northwestern Thai mahouts. For example, the Karen relied heavily upon spiritual rituals such as incantations in addition to the herbals. The Karen also divulged that they have used things such as human bones, bear gall bladders and opium. This perhaps reflects their insular lifestyle, for the most part removed from the rest of Thailand.
Another large difference between the Karen and Thai mahouts was the attitude towards herbal medicine. A reoccurring theme throughout most of Thailand was the rapid loss of herbal knowledge within this generation of mahouts. With the introduction of western medicine and the modernisation of rural villages, young mahouts are no longer interested in continuing herbal remedies. In the Karen villages, however, mahoutship is still a revered occupation and youths are eager to learn herbal medicine from their elders.
During this study, we also observed differences in general management and conditions of elephant camps in Chiang Mai versus Pattaya. In general, the northern environment surrounding Chiang Mai was better suited for elephant husbandry. Camps were situated in close proximity to forests and the climate was cooler. General foot and nail condition was better in the northern camps, probably due to the better footing (rugged terrain in the north versus soft dirt and dust around Pattaya). Unfortunately, as more elephants are moved out of forest environments and into tourist areas, their environment becomes less suitable, predisposing elephants to more ailments. Lack of forest also makes gathering herbals difficult, precluding treatment with herbal remedies. Although mahouts around Pattaya knew of herbal treatments, the plants needed to prepare the remedies are only found in the Northeast.
|
|
|
|
|
