Plant-based healthcare is used on a daily basis by women from all walks of life in Malaysia. Practiced to optimize everyday health and beauty, it comprises a vast body of herbal healing knowledge that is typically handed down from mother to daughter in the Malaysian household.

The Malays believe that inner health reflects outer beauty, so there are scores of practices for both internal and external maintenance. Those of Indian origin tend to veer towards a system that is based on Ayurveda, whilst Chinese Malaysians look to Traditional Chinese Medicine and ancient practices from the feudal courts for inspiration. Another source of healing comes from the local indigenous peoples known as orang asli or “original people”.

Where all these multifarious systems meet is in their use of the multitude of plants that are found in Malaysia’s rain forests. Similarly, the systems shun chemicals, preferring to garner results from 100 percent natural formulations.