Turning Traditional Herbs into 3-Star OCOP Products

Recognizing the significance of traditional Dao medicine in Ba Vi district, physicians Ly Thi Bich Phuong and Ly Thi Bich Hue initiated the formation of the Phuong Hue Cooperative of Dao Ethnic Herbal Medicine in 2016. Since its establishment, the cooperative has successfully developed and produced four distinct tea varieties that comply with Hanoi's 3-star One Commune One Product (OCOP) standards. These include Gurmar tea, Solanum trilobatum tea, Ardisia silvestris tea, and Gnetum montanum tea.

The OCOP point of sale in Ba Vi district offers a range of local herbal products

In Ba Vi district, nearly 2,000 Dao people have long relied on the abundant flora of Ba Vi Mountain for their traditional medicine practices. For centuries, the Dao community has expertly harnessed local plants to develop medicinal remedies, earning widespread trust and recognition for their time-honored knowledge.

According to Ms. Ly Bich Hue, Director of the Phuong Hue Cooperative of Dao Ethnic Herbal Medicine, the Dao people in Ba Vi often utilize their free time to forage for medicinal plants in the mountains, which they then store and sell to traditional medicine shops. Recognizing the benign nature of traditional medicine, she envisioned leveraging local resources to foster economic development. Transforming naturally grown plants into branded herbal products under the Phuong Hue Cooperative of Dao Ethnic Herbal Medicine has been a challenging journey, involving extensive research and effort. But despite many setbacks, the cooperative successfully developed a range of convenient and effective products for customers.

Leveraging a solid foundation in oriental medicine, along with the region’s rich raw materials and abundant local labor, Hue has advanced the integration of herbs into marketable products. These natural, safe products not only preserve and enhance national cultural values, but also offer health benefits, significantly contributing to the well-being and economic improvement of local communities.

According to Ms. Hue, the Dao people of Ba Vi traditionally used herbs by drying them and boiling them for bathing and drinking. Today, the cooperative has embraced scientific advancements in its manufacturing process to meet the pharmaceutical industry’s strict standards and continually improve product quality. The herbal processing facility is equipped with modern machinery and adheres to a closed production process to ensure high-quality and effective products. The cooperative is also preparing to submit its dossier to the Ministry of Health for appraisal to achieve GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification.

Leveraging precious herbal raw materials and traditional medicine, the Phuong Hue Cooperative of Dao Ethnic Herbal Medicine has successfully developed teas that meet 3-star OCOP standards. Notably, Ardisia silvestris tea, known for its efficacy in treating stomach ailments, has been validated by scientific studies for its benefits in alleviating sore throat, clearing heat, detoxifying, and cooling the body. Another unique offering, Gnetum montanum tea, is derived from a valuable medicinal herb with properties that alleviate wind, eliminate dampness, disperse cold, reduce inflammation and treat conditions such as rheumatism and gout.

These tea products not only preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Dao people but also enhance the income of local communities.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Oanh from Ha Dong district, a regular user of the cooperative’s teas, shared: "I am highly impressed with the OCOP-standard teas from Phuong Hue Cooperative of Dao Ethnic Herbal Medicine. These teas are more than just enjoyable; they also offer significant health benefits. Ardisia silvestris tea has helped alleviate my stomach pain, while Gnetum montanum tea has been effective in reducing the pain associated with rheumatism."

Mr. Duong Trung Phong, Vice Chairman of the Ba Vi Commune People’s Committee, commented: “The OCOP products, particularly the four types of tea from precious medicinal herbs produced by Phuong Hue Cooperative of Dao Ethnic Herbal Medicine, exemplify the skill and excellence of Dao traditional preparation. These products are a source of pride for Ba Vi commune. They not only preserve and promote traditional cultural values but also generate additional livelihoods for local residents, contributing significantly to the economic development of the Ba Vi mountainous region.”

By Dinh Bao, Vietnam Business Forum