Makassar, Indonesia July 08 2026/PMN-RG/ – In a small village in West Sulawesi, a woman gently applies a mixture of turmeric and honey to a wound on her foot. She learned this from her mother, who learned it from her grandmother. For generations, this has been the way wounds are treated. But today, this tradition sits at a crossroads between cultural wisdom and modern medical science.
A recent study titled “Indigenous knowledge in diabetic foot ulcer management: a qualitative study among the Mandar tribe of West Sulawesi, Indonesia” reveals a powerful story behind these practices. The research shows that people in the Mandar community rely heavily on natural remedies such as turmeric, honey, guava leaves, and coconut oil to treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), a serious complication that can lead to infection or even amputation.
The findings, described on page 1 and 3 of the study, highlight that turmeric is the most commonly used ingredient, often applied twice daily in raw form. While some patients reported early improvements such as reduced pain and faster wound healing others experienced worsening conditions, including infection and delayed recovery.
Why do people continue to rely on traditional medicine? The answer is simple: access and belief. In rural areas, healthcare facilities are limited, and treatment costs can be high. Traditional remedies are affordable, accessible, and deeply trusted. As shown in the network visualization on page 6, knowledge about these treatments is mostly passed down through family members, neighbors, and even spiritual beliefs.
However, this raises an important concern. Most of these remedies are used without standardized doses or medical supervision. According to the study, this lack of regulation can lead to inconsistent outcomes and potential health risks. What starts as a hopeful remedy may end in serious complications.
This issue strongly connects with SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-being. Ensuring healthy lives means not only providing access to modern healthcare but also understanding and integrating local knowledge safely. Ignoring traditional practices is not the solution but neither is blindly trusting them.
The real opportunity lies in collaboration. Healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities must work together to bridge the gap between tradition and science. Education plays a key role here—teaching communities how to use traditional remedies safely while encouraging timely medical consultation.
This is where SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals becomes equally important. Sustainable health solutions cannot be achieved alone. They require partnerships that respect cultural values while promoting evidence-based care.
In the end, this is not just a story about wounds it is a story about people, culture, and survival. Tradition holds wisdom, but science provides safety. When both are combined thoughtfully, they can create a powerful path toward better health for all.
Reference:
DOI. 10.33235/wpr.34.1.14-22
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
