Self-Supply of Mongolian Nomadic Pastoralists in Modern Conditions: Environmental Food and Herbal Medicine Resources

Abstract

In Mongolia, the problems of medical care for nomadic livestock breeders, veterinary services for livestock have always been relevant enough. Medical service of cattle breeders was one of the weak links in the health care system of Mongolia in the 1980s. At the same time, this period is characterized by the highest indicators in the field of medical services in the country. In subsequent years, the deepening economic crisis led to a deterioration in the level of medical care, especially in rural areas. At present, this situation has only become more complicated, contributing to the growing migration of villagers to cities. The author’s field research also allows talking about the reduction of medical posts, shortage of medical personnel in rural areas, equipment and medicines as such. Against this background, the urgency of knowledge of nomads about the herbal medicinal and poisonous properties of plants is growing. The field materials collected by the author in different regions of Mongolia between 2006 and 2013 show that knowledge of plant properties was an important component of the experience of the nomadic way of life, which is still in demand today. The range of application of plants in the life of the villagers is quite wide. The experience of ancestors helps to treat a number of common diseases among the rural population ― catarrhal diseases, diseases of the digestive and endocrine systems, skin, etc. Medicinal plants are also used for the treatment of livestock. Poisonous plants are used to combat predators. Many useful plants of the Mongolian flora complement the diet of nomads.
Preservation of such knowledge is necessary for the continuation of phytochemical, pharmacological studies of the Mongolian flora and clinical trials of medicinal plants. The current rise of Mongolian medicine industry and pharmaceuticals in neighboring China determines the prospects for exploring the Mongolian flora. The service industry of Mongolian medicine and pharmaceuticals has become one of the most important projects (‘Belts and Ways’). It is well possible that this direction of medicine will enter the list of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage in the near future.