"The Old Countryman" and the philosophy of healthcare from the Vietnamese kitchen.

In the flow of modern medicine, as advanced treatment methods continue to develop, the values ​​of traditional herbal medicine remain enduring as a stream of indigenous knowledge.

The "Old Countryman" shared his experience on proactively caring for his health using medicinal herbs found around the home at the Institute of Traditional Medicine.

The healthcare philosophy of Mr. Nguyen Trong Hung - known as "Old Man from the Countryside" - stemming from the Vietnamese kitchen, is a vivid testament to the efforts to preserve, systematize, and spread the values ​​of traditional Vietnamese medicine within the community.

The philosophy of "using food as a means of maintaining health" in life.

Traditional Vietnamese medicine, from the time of the renowned physician Tuệ Tĩnh with his principle of "Southern medicine for Southern people" to Hải Thượng Lãn Ông, has always emphasized the harmony between humans and nature. Continuing that spirit, "Lão Nhà Quê" (Old Man of the Countryside) chooses a simple approach: maintaining health through diet.

Instead of elaborate remedies, his "weapons" lie right in the kitchen of every family. Ginger, garlic, and turmeric—familiar spices—are used in traditional medicine to help keep the body warm, boost immunity, and improve digestive function. Common herbs like perilla, Terminalia catappa leaves, and bamboo pineapple are elevated to become health-supporting products.

Medicinal herbs are easily found in familiar spices in the kitchen.

This approach is not intended to replace modern treatments, but rather to nourish the body, empowering individuals to be more proactive in taking care of their own health. When the body receives proper nutrition and maintains a balanced lifestyle, its natural resistance will be strengthened.

Traditional Vietnamese medicine - indigenous knowledge in modern life.

Traditional Vietnamese medicine, characterized by the use of fresh, native herbs suited to the Vietnamese constitution, has long been intertwined with the lives of the people. The folk remedies that "Old Man of the Countryside" collects and shares are not just oral traditions, but are gradually being systematized, making them easily accessible and applicable to the people.

Several products extracted from familiar ingredients such as ginger, salt, sugar, or garlic pickled in vinegar have been researched and evaluated by the Center for Clinical Pharmacology ( Hanoi Medical University) for their pharmacological effects in supporting health care, creating a bridge between folk experience and evidence-based medicine.

In the current context, re-evaluating and promoting the values ​​of traditional medicine is also consistent with the development orientation of traditional medicine as outlined in Directive No. 25/CT-TTg dated September 15, 2025, of the Prime Minister , which emphasizes the requirement to preserve, inherit, and develop traditional medicine in conjunction with people's health care.

The intersection of folk knowledge and modern life.

The philosophy of "Old Man from the Countryside" has contributed to raising community interest in indigenous medical values, creating a harmonious combination in family healthcare. In reality, folk knowledge, when applied correctly, can become a practical and supportive solution in daily life.

Nowadays, many families are proactively acquiring more knowledge about natural herbs to take care of their health. Common practices include preparing jars of ginger and rock sugar to help keep the body warm and prevent common respiratory problems during the cold season. Similarly, using boiled Terminalia catappa leaves to aid in hygiene and treat mild infections at home is also a popular practice.

Utilizing these simple ingredients not only provides people with more natural health care methods but also contributes to preserving the cultural beauty of Vietnamese kitchens. It's a selective inheritance, helping individuals be more proactive in caring for themselves and their families alongside existing medical practices.

Preserving and spreading values ​​from simple things.

The story of "people coming to him asking for medicine, and he giving them advice on how to eat" reflects a profound philosophy about healthcare: empowering people to take initiative, rather than relying entirely on medication.

The recording, systematization, and sharing of folk wisdom by "Old Countryman" not only contributes to preserving indigenous knowledge but also helps spread practical values ​​within the community. This approach is also in line with the trend of developing preventive medicine – one of the important aspects of current healthcare strategies.

Good health doesn't always come from complicated methods. Sometimes, it starts with simple things: a balanced diet, a regular lifestyle, and a proper understanding of what the body needs.

The image of "Old Countryman" is therefore not just that of an individual, but also a reminder of a treasure trove of readily available knowledge: the kitchen is the medicine shop, and a knowledgeable cook is the best doctor in the family.

This article responds to Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW dated September 9, 2025, of the Politburo, contributing to affirming the role of traditional medicine in protecting and improving people's health in the current period.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lao-nha-que-va-triet-ly-cham-soc-suc-khoe-tu-gian-bep-viet-post954019.html