CHASKA, Minnesota — It’s a story that spans decades, from Laos to Minnesota, but a new exhibit is helping everyone learn more about Hmong medicine and culture.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum presents a Hmong herb garden in the exhibit “Seeds of Knowledge and Healing.” It tells the story of Zongxee Lee’s journey with herbal medicine.
Lee comes from a long line of Hmong herbalists and healers.
Her daughters have worked with researchers at the University of Minnesota to classify the species and say they are of great importance to the Hmong community.
“I had someone say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know you had a postpartum diet, or that you could use it when you’re just sick. And that you do the research and this actually works.’ It’s like this network where grandma would tell the next grandma,” said organizer Mhonpaj Lee.
Their goal is to let science continue the tradition.
Researchers are working with the sisters to determine the genetic properties of each herb for use in hospitals.
During the festival on Sunday, guided tours of the gardens were also organised.
According to the university’s website, the exhibit will be on display through the 2024 growing season and replanted in 2025.
The garden features 12 of the most important herbs for Hmong chicken soup, along with other plants Lee selected to represent Hmong culture.
WCCO Staff
