Traditional Medicine

Bhutan is a biodiversity hotspot with several endangered species of flora and fauna and more than 7,000 species of vascular plants. More than 600 medicinal plant species are identified in Bhutan, around half of which are currently used in preparing medicines. The Bhutanese practice of traditional medicine dates back to the eighth century and still forms a significant part of basic health care, blending culture and healing tradition, in which Buddhism is the prevailing influence.

The Faculty of Traditional Medicine (FoTM) is the only training institute that offers education in gSo-ba Rig-pa, the traditional Bhutanese medicine, in Bhutan. The Bhutan Foundation supports FOTM programs that further research and expand knowledge on Bhutanese traditional medicine practices. We initially started by recreating the structure of the Tanadug Phodrang, the paradise of the medicinal Buddha, which is the basis on which traditional medicine references are formed. The Foundation has supported following traditional medicine programs.

Medicinal Herb Garden

FoTM trains and produces traditional health-care providers for the country. As part of the training, students must learn about the different types of medicinal trees and plants found across Bhutan. In order to learn how to identify these plants, students have to travel to far and hard-to-reach areas. The Foundation helped establish a medicinal herb garden at the FoTM in Thimphu, so that students can identify, grow, observe, and learn about medicinal plants.

High-Altitude Medicinal Plant Book

Traditional books from Tibet and Mongolia were used at the FoTM as resources and references since there were no textbooks published on high-altitude medicinal plants in Bhutan. In 2019, the Foundation supported the FoTM in researching, publishing, and printing the first resource book, Materia Medica on High Altitude Medicinal Plants in Bhutan. The book is currently published in the local language (Dzongkha) and is targeted to the FoTM’s students and local traditional medicine practitioners in Bhutan. We are currently raising funds to support the translation of the book from Dzongkha to English.

Capacity Building in Research and Curriculum Development

To further support the growth of Bhutanese traditional medicine, the Bhutan Foundation is enhancing research capacity within the Traditional Medicine (TM) sector. This includes providing targeted training in research methodology and data analysis to equip TM professionals with the skills needed to conduct evidence-based research and contribute to the advancement of gSo-ba Rig-pa.

The Foundation also facilitates access to competitive research grants, enabling practitioners to pursue independent research. In addition, The Foundation is working closely with the Faculty of Traditional Medicine (FoTM) to review and improve the curriculum of its two MD programs, ensuring they remain rigorous, relevant, and responsive to current healthcare needs.

THE TANADUG PHODRANG IS THE FIRST AND ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND TO BE BUILT IN BHUTAN

THERE ARE 83 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE UNITS IN ALL 20 DISTRICTS IN BHUTAN

Traditional medicine units

Traditional Medicine Services

Species of plants currently under use

Traditional medicine doctors

Menpas

Did you Know?

99,032 Traditional patients were seen in 2023

The FoTM was established in 1968 under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan

Our Partners

The Bhutan Foundation is partnering with the Faculty of Traditional Medicine (FOTM) under Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB). The FOTM was established in 1968 under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third king of Bhutan. The project was initiated not only to provide holistic health care to the people of Bhutan but also to preserve and promote this traditional system of health care in the country. Today, FOTM is the only training institute that offers education in gSo-ba Rig-pa, the traditional Bhutanese medicine. The Institute of Traditional Medicine aspires to become a center of excellence in traditional medical education and research.

Photos from the Field

How You Can Help

FOTM is the only training institute that offers education in gSo-ba Rig-pa, the traditional Bhutanese medicine. The Institute of Traditional Medicine aspires to become a center of excellence in traditional medical education and research.