Common traditional medicinal seaweeds used by Indigenous Fijians in Viti Levu, Fiji Islands

Abstract

Indigenous Fijians have a long history of using medicinal resources from both land and ocean. Terrestrial medicinal plants have been documented in numerous studies carried out across the islands of Fiji but there is a dearth of research regarding marine resources. Ten marine medicinal seaweeds were documented in this study derived from information provided by villagers. Usage of these seaweeds varied depending on the type of illness and availability of resources. Common preparation methods of extracting medicinal properties from these resources include boiling the plant, raw consumption or simply using it as an ingredient in meals. Traditional healers are a crucial component of a traditional Fijian community as villagers depend on them for guidance to cure illnesses. The information collected for this study reveals an erosion of traditional knowledge occurring in Indigenous societies and highlights the need for documentation of this wealth of knowledge as well as an awareness of the importance of medicinal plants in Pacific Islands.