In a world in which technologies have been rapidly developing, the internet has become the most important information source in various industries including health promotion. Recognising the importance of technology and health benefits of Thai herbs, MFU has signed an agreement with the Department of Thai Traditional Medicine to develop the latest Thai Herbal Image Identification application “Herb ID”
The Herb ID application allows people to identify plants simply by photographing them with their smartphone. Also, this application is expected to educate and provide the general public with the accurate information about herbs, their health benefits, uses and warnings. People will be able to download this app on IOS and Andriod devices for free.
In order to integrate the knowledge of herbal medicine with technology, MFU entered an agreement at the Department of Thai traditional and Alternative Medicine, the Ministry of Public Health in Nonthaburi province on 27 June 2019. Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, Dr. Panom Winyayong signed the agreement for developing “Herb ID” application with the Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Dr. Marut Jirasetasiri; the Director-General of the Medical Sciences Department., Dr. Opas Karnwinpong; Acting President of Mahidol University, Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D.; the Deputy Director-General of the Royal Forest Department Mr. Poramin Wongsuwat; and Representative from the PTT Public Company Limited, Mr. Somnuek Phangwapee.
Under the agreement, the images of medicinal plants will be collected in six particular areas including:
1. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine’s garden in Nonthaburi
2. The HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden in Rayong
3. Mahidol University’s Sireeruckhachati Nature Learning Park in Nakornpathom
4. The Medical Sciences Department’s Chanthaburi Medicinal Plant Garden in Chanthaburi
5. The Royal Forest Department’s 11 community forests and
6. The MFU Botanical Garden in Chiang Rai.
The MFU Botanical Garden was established in 2007 on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary. It is divided into 12 subordinate gardens with 121,506 trees. The most significant cooperative development garden for MFU and Chiang Rai province is the MFU Herb Garden with a diverse collection of 330 various species of over 5,000 plants. This garden is the centre of natural learning and herbal research and has become a place for herbal medicine programmes and academic exhibitions.
All in all, the Herb ID was developed to provide the general public with convenient access to information about medicinal plants which will help promote good health practices by all the people.
Photo by Dailynews
