ABSTRACT
Medicinal plants have served as a primary component of health care in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR/Laos) for thousands of years. Knowledge of medicinal plants is documented on old palm leaf manuscripts kept in Buddhist temples, as well as in the National Library of Laos. Since 1975, the current government has recognized the importance of traditional medicine and medicinal plants as part of the health care system of the country. This chapter highlights some background and history of the use of medicinal plants through recorded history, and the role of medicinal plants in different eras reflects the tremendous knowledge of the people of Laos. As medicinal plants are one of the export commodities of the country, various measures have been taken by government-level authorities to protect this resource, with the goal of sustainable use for the future.
