The Dao ethnic community in Tien Lam hamlet, Bac Phong commune, Cao Phong district is not only preserving their generations-old herbal remedies but also giving them a touch of professionalism. The Nam Ngoc Sang traditional medicine cooperative stands as a testament to this harmonious blend of ancestral knowledge and contemporary production techniques, creating quality herbal products that safeguard cultural heritage while generating tangible economic value.
Nam Ngoc Sang cooperative builds local herb-growing areas to support its
production.
Director of the cooperative Bui Thi Ngoc discovered her passion for herbal
medicine in 2018 when she began crafting remedies herself. Driven by a desire
to preserve and elevate this traditional craft, Ngoc rallied fellow villagers
to form the cooperative. Today, seven dedicated members are committed to
sustaining and expanding the rich legacy of Dao herbal medicine.
Since
its establishment, the cooperative has forged partnerships with local farmers
to source medicinal herbs and expanded its own plantation to over one ha. This
lush landscape nurtures valuable plants such as xa den (Celastrus hindsii),
khoi nhung (Ardisia silvestris), black turmeric, and thien nien kien (Homalomena
occulta).
With a steady inflow of resources, the cooperative has invested in machinery
and equipment to produce professional-grade herbal products. Their offerings
include topical balms and oral remedies designed to alleviate joint pain and
stomach ailments. Currently, the cooperative boasts eight products, with
standout items like stomach relief extracts and traditional Dao herbal bath
remedies.
To broaden its market reach, the cooperative has received invaluable support
from the Women’s Unions at various levels. Through networking and assistance
events, members attended training workshops, secured free product traceability
stamps, and joined trade fairs across the northern region. These helped
increase brand recognition and market outreach. Annually, the cooperative
produces around 300kg of herbal extracts and two tonnes of raw medicinal herbs,
primarily sold through trade fairs, at its workshop, and online.
Chairwoman
of the communal Women’s Union Bui Thi Dung underscored the cooperative’s role
in generating economic value and providing stable employment. Members earn an
average monthly income of 8-9 million VND, while an additional 20 local women
benefit from seasonal work, earning 5-6 million VND per month.
Beyond preserving Dao traditional medicine, the cooperative has contributed to
local employment and development. In recognition of its outstanding efforts,
the cooperative was honored by the provincial Women’s Union in 2023 as part of
the "Outstanding Grassroots Leaders and Community Role Models"
program.
The Hoa Binh provincial People’s Committee has issued an action plan to ensure food safety, promote processing, and develop the market for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in 2025.
In recent years, the development of rural handicrafts has not only helped preserve and promote the traditional values but it has also created jobs and improved incomes for the local residents.
By harmoniously combining traditional medicine with modern medical practices, the Hoa Binh Traditional Medicine Hospital is strengthening its role in the province’s healthcare system.
Every March, the spirit of volunteerism, dedication, and youthful enthusiasm surges across Vietnam. In Hoa Binh province, young people are actively taking on challenging tasks, contributing to meaningful projects, and upholding President Ho Chi Minh’s call: "where there is a need, there is youth; where there are difficulties, youth will be present."
