Abstract:
"In Sri Lanka, traditional medicine has been used for three thousand years. Ayurveda, Siddha,
Unani, and Deshiya Chikitsa (traditional Sri Lankan medicine) are the four traditional
medical systems now practiced in Sri Lanka. Ayurveda is the most significant of them all
and is included in the National Health Services offered by the Sri Lankan government, which
also has a distinct ministry for Indigenous Medicine. Ayurveda currently treats a sizable
section of the population, with one ayurveda doctor for every 3,000 persons in Sri Lanka.
Herbal medicines are crucial parts of Sri Lanka's traditional medical system because between 60% and 70% of the rural population relies on them for their basic healthcare. In Sri Lanka, herbal medicines are crucial elements of the traditional medical system. With 20% of its land covered in forest, Sri Lanka is one of the most biologically varied nations in Asia. The number of species per unit area is the highest in the world. Asia is one of the major hotspots for biodiversity. Therefore, using medicinal plants for treatment while maintaining
biodiversity is an important component of the health care system."