Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and well-being (Better Health Channel, n.d).

Myanmar is a place of few rare plants, and the government is taking preventive measures to ensure the survival of its extinction. They believe in holistic treatment with the application of traditional medicine since Western medicine is not easily accessible and affordable for a large portion of their population. Herbal plants such as Asiatic pennywort, sweet flag, neem, tamarind, ginger, blue evergreen hydrangea, and sweet broomweed have been used for their specific therapeutic qualities in making medicines (Chan, 2015).

Better Health Channel, (n.d). Herbal medicine.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/herbal-medicine#what-is-herbal-medicine

Chan A. (2015 March 7). A glance of traditional medicine in Myanmar. Myanmar Insider. https://www.myanmarinsider.com/a-glance-at-traditional-medicine-in-myanmar/

For me, the significance of competency 1.1 in my learning is that everyone is responsible and encouraged to acknowledge the uniqueness and differences of each individual. It is essential to respect people regardless of their backgrounds and beliefs. I need to make sure that patients are part of informed decision-making because it's our duty and responsibility in the workplace to maintain integrity. I realised that I need to improve my ability to interact and understand each individual's differences. Having a positive attitude in the workplace not only shows good rapport but also shows you who you are as a person.

Culturally responsive clinical practice: Working with people (2019, January). Migrant’s & Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

During a retrospective study at an Australian teaching hospital, Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common infection conditions found in Burmese refugees settling in Australia (Biggs et al., 2009).

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach lining. It leads to inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis- that often makes it more acidic than usual. It can be detected and diagnosed through a breath test, blood test, stool sample, and endoscopy. Living with inadequate sanitation and insufficient hygiene are common causes of this condition. The best way to treat it is through the help of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medicines that's called eradication therapy (health direct, n.d).

Biggs, B. A., Chaves, N. J., Gibney, K. B., Leder, K., Marshall, C., & O'Brien, D. P. (2009). Screening practices for infectious diseases among Burmese refugees in Australia. Emerging infectious diseases, 15(11), 1769–1772. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1511.090777

health direct, (n.d). Helicobacter pylori.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/helicobacter-pylori

Cherian, S., Kay, M., & Schulz, T. (n.d). Helicobacter pylori. Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/helicobacter-pylori/

Burmese refugees who arrived in Australia have mental health issues where they suffer psychological distress, which includes post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Language barriers and being away from family are among their concerns (Asic-kobe et al., 2011).

The majority felt a welcoming atmosphere in Australia, while a low percentage faced prejudice (Queensland Health Multicultural Services, n.d.).

It is evident how they are limited in accessing hospitalization compared to the Australian-born population (De Maio et al., 2016).

Social inclusion and non-discrimination have a significant effect on refugees by giving them access to healthcare where they can avail the benefits of the system and receive fair treatment, a community network to express their true selves and treat them without prejudice, and deliver educational information about their overall well-being.

Asic-kobe, M., Brough, M., Schweitzer, R.D., & Vnomas, L. (2011, April 1). Mental health of newly arrived Burmese refugees in Australia: Contributions of pre-migration and post- migration experience. SageJournals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3109/00048674.2010.543412

De Maio, J., Edwards, B., Jenkinson, R., & Silbert, M. (2016). Settlement experiences of recently

arrived humanitarian migrants. Australian Institute of Family Studies. https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/bnla-fs1-settlement-experiences.pdf

Queensland Health Multicultural Services (n.d.). Burmese Australians. Queensland Government. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/155835/burmese2011.pdf

Discover the beauty of Myanmar (Burma). Enjoy watching.

[World in pictures HD]. (2022, November 20). Myanmar in 1 minute. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/SK6Wn_5ljog

"Burma" was first used in the 19th century during British colonization. To restore indigenous title, the military regime named Burma 'The Republic of the Union of Myanmar' in 1989. Ang San Suu Kyi was a pro-democracy activist who didn't acknowledge the legality of the unelected military regime in changing the country's name. Additionally, the name 'Myanmar' carries pure colonial meanings that suggest Bamar's people (the majority ethnic group) in governance. As a result, many Burmese from minority ethnic groups have a strong disagreement with the name and choose not to use it. Lastly, both "Burma" and "Myanmar" are recognized internationally (Evason, 2017).

Evason, N. (2017). Myanmar (Burmese) culture. Cultural Atlas.

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/myanmar-burmese-culture/burmese-myanmar-culture-other-considerations

Dancing is one way of expressing ourselves. It conveys different kinds of emotions. Burmese dance is more than just a performance. It represents cultural heritage and preserves its ancient traditions while adopting modern influences.

[Amazing Myanmar]. (2023, May 31). #Burmese Dance Tradition; Amazing #Myanmar. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/D7QBhJU9xmc