VIETNAMESE HERBS – NATURAL TREASURE FOR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND LOCAL ECONOMY
Vietnam is a country located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, possessing a rich and diverse ecosystem. This is a favorable condition for the development of many rare herbs , which have long been used by people in health care and beauty, and today are becoming a potential economic sector, contributing to the sustainable development of many localities across the country.
1. Health value
Vietnamese herbs have long been associated with traditional medicine. Many precious medicinal plants such as Ngoc Linh ginseng (Quang Nam, Kon Tum) , Morinda officinalis (Quang Ninh) , Polyscias fruticosa, Tea tree, Ganoderma lucidum, Turmeric , etc. have been studied and proven to be highly effective in preventing and treating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stomach ulcers, immune support, liver detoxification, etc.
In addition, traditional medicine combined with modern medicine has increasingly affirmed the position of Vietnamese medicinal herbs in the community health care system, especially in the trend of returning to natural, safe and benign therapies .
2. Uses in beauty
Many modern beauty products have used extracts from native herbs such as:
- Turmeric and turmeric starch : brighten skin, treat acne, anti-inflammatory.
- Green tea and betel leaves : anti-aging, skin cleansing.
- Aloe vera, rose, ginger, cinnamon : moisturize, firm skin, support natural weight loss.
The application of medicinal herbs in natural cosmetics not only brings high efficiency but also creates a green - clean - sustainable beauty trend, attracting a large number of domestic and international consumers.
3. Economic value for the locality
Many regions in Vietnam such as the Northwest, Central Highlands, Quang Nam, Lao Cai, Ha Giang… are becoming key medicinal herb growing areas thanks to special soil and climate conditions.
The development of herbal cultivation and processing models has:
- Create jobs for thousands of rural workers.
- Increase income for people in highlands.
- Contribute to forest protection, ecological agriculture development and community tourism.
For example, the Ngoc Linh ginseng growing model can bring in billions of dong per hectare per year, helping Kon Tum and Quang Nam orient themselves to become the "ginseng capital of Vietnam" , competing with Korean and Japanese ginseng.
4. Development orientation of rare medicinal herbs industry
To effectively exploit the potential of medicinal herbs, Vietnam needs to focus on:
- Preserve rare genetic resources and prevent spontaneous exploitation that causes depletion.
- Invest in deep processing technology to increase product value.
- Production - consumption link between people, businesses and scientists.
- Developing national medicinal herbs brands , promoting exports.
In addition, it is necessary to issue policies to support medicinal plant growing areas , standardize raw material areas, and build growing areas that meet GACP-WHO standards (Good agricultural and harvesting practices according to World Health Organization standards).
