Traditional and Ancestral Medicine in Europe and Central Asia

Traditional and ancestral medicine in the WHO European Region, which spans Europe and Central Asia, reflects a complex history shaped by local customs, Indigenous practices, and cultural exchanges across regions. Though often overshadowed by conventional medical systems, traditional medicine remains an integral part of healthcare in several countries, particularly in rural and remote areas. The region is home to diverse healing traditions, from the herbal remedies of Eastern Europe and the Baltic States to the Turkic medicine of Central Asia. These practices focus on balancing the body and mind, often utilizing herbalism, manual therapies, and spiritual healing. Plants such as St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), which are native to Europe and Central Asia, are used to treat conditions like anxiety, digestive disorders, and inflammation.

In Eastern Europe and Russia, Slavic herbal medicine has long relied on the medicinal properties of local plants, with healers known as znakhari or travniki playing a vital role in communities. Remedies made from herbs like nettle (Urtica dioica), birch leaves (Betula pendula), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) are commonly used to treat colds, skin conditions, and joint pain. In Central Asia, Tibetan medicine and Turkic traditions heavily influence health practices, particularly in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Here, healers use native plants such as roseroot (Rhodiola rosea), known for its adaptogenic properties, to improve mental and physical resilience, as well as licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), used to treat respiratory and digestive disorders.

The role of traditional medicine is evolving in many EURO countries, with a growing interest in integrating these practices into national healthcare systems. However, traditional medicine often remains on the margins due to concerns over safety, efficacy, and the perceived gap between conventional healthcare and ancestral knowledge. Countries like Germany and Switzerland have pioneered efforts to incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including homeopathy, phytotherapy, and manual therapies, into their national health strategies. The Two-Eyed Seeing approach—recognizing the intrinsic value of both conventional and traditional knowledge—has started to influence healthcare policies in Europe and Central Asia. Collaborative efforts to better understand the effects of traditional remedies and protect the intellectual property of local healers are key to promoting sustainable, inclusive healthcare systems that respect the region’s rich heritage.