Unit 11f –
Somewhere in this forest, maybe in this plant or that herb, there could be a cure for an illness like diabetes,
malaria, or even common fevers and colds. But as the plants disappear, the potential cures disappear with
them.
The rainforest of Paraguay has been a source of medicinal cures for a long time. Traditional folks healers
often show us where to find the plants that provide the medicines. Paraguay’s famous healers, called
“shamans”, have a deep knowledge of local medicine plants – the equivalent of the knowledge contained in
an entire medical library. But Paraguay has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world. That’s why
researchers believe it’s a priority to record the shamans’ extensive knowledge before the forest disappears.
The journey begins in Paraguay’s isolated Mbaracayu Forest Nature Reserve and the nearby native
community of Tekoha Ryapu, where shaman Gervasio lives. To reach Gervasio, a group of researchers set
out on a long journey through the reserve. Meanwhile, at the village, Gervasio is using chants and prayers,
perhaps to make a spiritual connection with the forest. When he feels ready, Gervasio and his wife take the
group on the search. They are looking for a plant called Suruvi, also known as Jatropha Isabelli, which is
used to treat and cure various illnesses. Scientists are very interested in this family of plants for cancer
research.
Gervasio brings the root back to the village, where his wife puts it in a pot of water to prepare tea. Scientists
have published a book to help record and transmit Gervasio’s forest knowledge. The book helps people to
easily identify and study local plants.
Recording and studying Paraguayan plants for possible medical cures is urgent business, some may even
call it an emergency. Medicinal plants that were once healthy and multiplying are now disappearing – and
the possibility of finding new medical cures is disappearing with them.