Skip to main content
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines logoLink to African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines
. 2014 Aug 23;11(5):67–72. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v11i5.11

Medicinal Plants Used as Home Remedies: A Family Survey by First Year Medical Students

Constance R Sewani-Rusike 1,, Marykutty Mammen 2
PMCID: PMC4202520  PMID: 25395707

Abstract

Background

There is a hierarchical organisation of knowledge in the use of medicinal plants in communities. Medicinal use knowledge starts in the home and is passed on to family members. Next in the hierarchy are neighbours, village elders and finally, traditional healers being the most knowledgeable. For primary health care this hierarchy is actively followed in seeking remedies for ailments.

Materials and Methods

This study was a survey of medicinal plant knowledge from family members of 1st year medical students registered at Walter Sisulu University. A total of 206 first year medical students participated in this study in 2010 and 2011.

Results

Results revealed 47 species used as home remedies, 32% of which are food plants. Leaves and roots were reported as most commonly used. The top five ailments managed at home were gastrointestinal problems (25 plants), wounds (19 plants), respiratory tract problems (19 plants), infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (19 plants) and pain including headaches (19 plants). Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer and reproductive ailments also formed a large group of diseases self-managed at home (29 plants).

Conclusion

Family members hold knowledge of medicinal plant use. From this study, first year medical students were made aware of the relationship between common ailments and associated home remedies. This study forms a basis for further study of medicinal plants to validate their use as medicinal remedies.

Keywords: medicinal plants, home remedies, medical students, South Africa

Introduction

There is a long history of medicinal plant use in most developing countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that traditional healers constitute the main source of primary health care for at least 80% of rural populations in developing countries (WHO, 2001). Indeed, an estimated 80% of black South Africans, especially those from the more rural parts of the country, use traditional medicines (Jager et al., 1996; Mander, 1998). The Eastern Cape of South Africa is of low socioeconomic standing and predominantly rural and thus highly dependant on traditional methods of health care (Hirst, 1990). The demand for traditional medicines in the Eastern Cape and in other developing countries is evidenced by the huge multimillion rand industry as reported by Cunningham (1989), Dold and Cocks (2002) and Mander (1998). The distribution of traditional medicine knowledge, specifically concerning medicinal plants is hierarchically placed in the community (Yirga, 2010). Knowledge and services are obtained from family members, neighbours, village elders and finally, traditional healers. For primary health care this hierarchy is actively used even before seeking allopathic medicine (Akerele, 1988). To tap into this undocumented knowledge, we sought to use an “ethnobotanical survey in the classroom” approach (De Beer and van Wyk, 2011). The classroom constituted first year medical students registered at Walter Sisulu University. With the unprecedented explosion in the popularity of herbal preparations especially associated with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and chronic illnesses of lifestyle, patients self-medicate with or without informing their physicians (Erasto et al, 2005; Kaschula and Shackleton, 2012; WHO, 2002).

Therefore medical students are an ideal population for this study. As they prepare for their careers, they should be aware of common medicinal plants most likely used by their potential clients. We anticipated that the study will also reveal the common ailments for which home remedies are employed. Previous studies have demonstrated the desire by medical students to learn more about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) (Greiner et al, 2000) and medical schools are becoming aware of the need to provide CAM-related education (Astin et al, 2006). Indeed, there are schools of thought in support of incorporating traditional medicine into the National Health Care System of South Africa (Pinkoane et al, 2012). Ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants have been conducted in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, specifically for plants used in the treatment of diabetes (Erasto et al., 2005; Oyedemi et al., 2009), HIV/AIDS (Otangi et al, 2012), diarrhoea (Bisi-Johnson et al, 2010), cancer (Koduru et al, 2007) and obesity (Afolayan and Mbaebie, 2010). There is no study reported to determine plants used for self medication. 80% of our students are from the O.R Tambo District Municipality of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape of South Africa (Figure 1). This is a predominantly Xhosa speaking area and it is largely rural. Thus, the medical students involved in this study were representative of the O.R Tambo District Municipality population. This study was an ethnobotanical study of plants used for self medication in homes. The knowledge was obtained from family members of 1st year medical students registered at Walter Sisulu University. The information compiled was shared among classmates in the form of oral presentations and written projects.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Map showing O.R. Tambo District Municipality. Source: http://www.thinasinako.co.za/files/documents/290806175904.pdf

Method

The study was carried out over a two-year period by first year medical students registered at Walter Sisulu University in 2010 and 2011. Information on folkloric use of plants for management of common ailments was obtained by these students through conversational interviews of family members (Jovel et al, 1996). Students were instructed to obtain information on up to three plants. The information was collected over the April university vacation of both years. The common and scientific names of the plant were reported by the student. Each student was requested to bring a sample of the plant(s) as a “potted” live specimen. Thus where the scientific name was unknown, the plant sample was taken to a botanist for identification and authentication. In addition, botanical names were also searched in literature especially relying on the work of Dold and Cocks (1999) and botanist expert knowledge. Information on the plant part used, what diseases it was used to manage, medication preparation and dosing were also obtained by the student for each plant. Where information was missing for any plant, the result was not reported. A consent form was signed by each of the relatives who participated in this study.

Data Analysis

Data collected was descriptive and therefore information is presented to show plant botanical and local name, part used and preparation for medicament and frequency of reporting by students. Information on a total of 47 plant species and one animal product (hyraceum) are listed in Table 2.

Table 2.

Medicinal plants used for home remedies in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Plant Species Local name Part(s) used and preparation Uses No.
Acacia karroo
(Fabaceae)
Umnga Leaves: crush, boil and drink infusion Headache 2
Agathosma apiculata
(Rutaceae)
Ibuchu Leaves and roots: chew or make an infusion
and drink
Abdominal pain, fever, tiredness, chest
congestion, urinary infections
5
Alcea rosea
(Malvaceae)
Inqwabeba Leaves: infusion taken orally respiratory ailments, mental retardation 4
Alepidea amatymbica
(Apiaceae)
Iqwili Rhizome roots: cut into pieces and chewed or
decoction or infusion taken orally
flu, asthma, good luck charm, coughs 54
Allium cepa
(Lilliaceae)
Onion Root bulb: cooked whole or decoction taken
orally
colds, flu, coughs, cardiovascular
conditions, lower cholesterol, prevents
tooth decay
16
Allium sativum
(Lilliaceae)
Garlic; ivimbampunzi Root cloves: In food, or take raw orally grated or whole Hypertension, antibiotic, expectorant,
diabetes, heartburn, lower cholesterol
6
Aloe ferox
(Aloaceae)
Aloe vera; Ikhala Leaves - the leaf gel for topical application or
crushed leaf in water and taken orally.
sunburns, wounds, nausea, diabetes, acne,
obesity, abdominal pain, arthritis, sinus
congestion, diarrhea, peptic ulcers
40
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
(Ericaceae)
Bearberry Stem and leaves: Boil and decoction taken
orally
diarrhea, kidney problems 3
Artemisia afra
(Asteraceae)
Umhlonyane Roots, leaves: Decoction taken orally fever, colds and flu, nasal congestion,
coughs, respiratory problems, blood
purifier, earaches, asthma, sweaty feet,
headaches, sore throat,
51
Aspalatus linearis
(Fabaceae)
Rooibos, inkanga Leaves: boil and drink as tea insomnia, headaches, nervous tension,
hypertension, eczema, stomach cramps,
cervical cancer, anti-oxidant, asthma
6
Calendula officinalis
(Asteraceae)
Marigold, ibhosisi Flower: dried and mixed with body creams,
infusion taken orally
anti-inflammatory, heals wounds,
antiseptic, cleanse blood, stomach cramps,
gastric ulcers, blood stained urine,
2
Centella eriantha
(Apiaceae)
Iphuzi Roots: Decoction taken orally or grind and
mix with water then apply topically
Sexually transmitted infections (STI's),
erectile dysfunction, burning urination,
male infertility wound healing
2
Cinnamomum verum
(Lauraceae)
True cinnamon Bark: infusion taken orally or apply topically
for bee sting
indigestion, nausea, colds and flu, bee
stings
5
Crinum bulbispermum
(Amaryllidaceae)
Ibhucu Bulb: Crush and mix with bath water pimples and rashes 1
Curcuma langa
(Zingiberaceae)
Tumeric Roots: infusion taken orally or topical
application
antiseptic, arthritis, allergies, asthma,
cancer, gastric ulcers, acne, to lower
cholesterol levels
12
Cynodon dactylon
(Poaceae)
Uqaqaqa Leaves and roots: decoction taken orally or
applied topically
sterilise open wounds, anti-inflammatory,
nausea
2
Cyrtanthus obliquus
(Amaryllidaceae)
Umathunga Leaves: Topical application or infusion taken
orally
wound healing, flu, stomach ache 6
Elephantorrhiza elephantine
(Fabaceae or Leguminosae)
Intolwane Root infusion taken orally Stomach ache and other gastrointestinal
problems
Eucalyptus regnans
(Myrtaceae)
Gumtree Leaves: Add boiling water and breath in the
steam or drink hot infusion
Cold and flu, tonsillitis, cough 5
Euclea species
(Ebenaceae)
Umtshekesane Root: decoction taken orally. Stem chewed
and used as toothbrush
Respiratory problems, dental hygiene 11
Eugenia caryophyllata
(Myrtaceae)
Clove Flower buds: infusion taken orally nausea, toothache, indigestion, viral
infections, flatulence
4
Helichrysum ordoratissimum
(Asteraceae)
Impepho Leaves, stems: boil and steam in it or burn
and inhale the smoke, infusion taken orally
fever, cough, insomnia, stomach ache,
toothache, headache
18
Helichrysum pedunculatum/ nudifolium
(Asteraceae)
Isicwe Leaves: boil and drink; prepare paste and
apply topically
Used during male circumcision to heal
wound, anti-inflammatory, viral infections,
treat allergies, remove stretch marks, skin
treatments,
50
Hypoxis hemerocallidea
(Hypoxidaceae)
African potato, Ilabatheka Root corm: infusion taken orally, cooked and
taken with food, paste applied topically
immune booster in HIV/AIDS infection,
blood purification, sunburns, antibiotic,
septic sores, headaches, purgative, antioxidant,
flu, cancer, acne, diarrhea, urinary
tract infections, testicular tumors, arthritis,
diabetes, prostate gland enlargement, treat
infertility
48
Hyraceum Umchamo wenfene Fossilized rock rabbit urine infusion taken
orally
Taken in pregnancy to ease pregnancy
complications. Diabetes, prostate problems
66
Kniphofia drepanophylla
(Aloaceae)
Ixonya Roots: Decoction taken orally stomach ache, loss of appetite, gastric
worms/parasites
2
Lauridia tetragonia
(Celastaceae)
Umdlavuza Leaves: prepare paste with water and apply
topically
healing of wounds and blisters 2
Lavandula spp Lavender Leaves: boil to form paste and apply topically
on painful area.
headaches, abdominal cramps,
dysmenorrhea
3
Lantana rugosa
(Verbenaceae)
Utywala bentaka Leaves infusion taken orally; crushed leaves
applied topically
Diabetes, stomach ache, insect repellant 2
Malva parviflora
(Malvaceae)
umajikanelanga, Leaves: infusion taken orally; paste applied
topically
Stomach aches, wound healing 2
Mentha longifolia
(Lamiaceae)
Inxina Leaves Flatulence, stomach ache, wound healing 2
Mentha piperita
(Lamiaceae)
peppermint Leaves and stem: infusion with boiling water
taken orally
anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic,
aromatic, anti-emetic, calm nervousness,
antimicrobial, analgesic, stimulant,
3
Nigella sativa
(Ranunculaceae)
Black cumin Leaves and fruit: infusion taken orally stomach ache, lactogogue, diuretic,
antipyretic, diabetes, gastric ulcers,
jaundice
2
Ocimum tenuiflorum
(Lamiaceae)
Basil Stem and leaves: fresh crushed or dried - in
food or as an infusion taken orally
anti-inflammatory, night blindness, cough,
hypertension, migraines
2
Opuntia aurantiaca
(Cactaceae)
Itolofiya Leaves: burn to ashes and mix with petroleum
jelly for topical application; Infusion taken
orally
Wound and sore healing, diabetes,
Hypertension
2
Pentanisia prunelloides
(Rubiaceae)
Sicimamlilo Leaves: grind to form paste and apply on
affected area
Healing burns, shingles 2
Portulaca oleracea
(Portulacaceae)
Udywangudywangu Leaves: as an infusion taken orally increase production of breast milk, stomach
aches, relieve blisters and corns on feet,
sore throats, mouth sores, TB, diarrhea,
8
Ptaeroxylon obliquum
(Rutaceae)
Umthathi Leaves: chewed and juice swallowed Toothaches, headaches, Hypertension 4
Punica granatum
(Lythraceae)
Pomegranate Bark, roots, fruit peel, seed: Decoction taken
orally or applied topically
diarrhea, hoarseness or loss of voice,
stomach ache, hyperactivity, indigestion,
poor appetite, nausea, morning sickness,
intestinal worms, fever, skin irritation,
bleeding piles
3
Rapanea melanophloeos
(Myrsinaceae)
Itshongwe; umaphipha Leaves: infusion/decoction of dried leaves
taken orally
diarrhea, stomach ache, headache, anti-emetic,
nausea
6
Rumex obtusifolius
(Polygonaceae)
Idolo lenkonyane Leaves and roots - infusion taken orally or
topical application
Astringent, blood purifier 1
Solanum aculeastrum
(Solanaceae)
Umthuma Fruit: burn and inhale the smoke through the
mouth
relief of toothache 3
Sutherlandia frutescens
(Fabaceae)
Umnwele Leaves and flower petals - Infusion or
decoction taken orally
Cancer, inflammation, immune booster in
HIV/AIDS infections, antibiotic, stomach
ache, fungal infections,
15
Talinum caffrum
(Portulacaceae)
Umhlabelo Root: infusion taken orally Heal fractured/painful bones, nervousness 1
Teedia lucida
(Scrophulariaceae)
uvhete Root: infusion taken orally Hypertension, diabetes 3
Tetradenia riparia
(Lamiaceae)
Iboza Leaves: infusion taken orally stomach ache, diarrhea, coughs, colds,
gastric ulcers, respiratory ailments
6
Tulbaghia acutiloba
(Alliaceae)
Isivumbampuzi Roots and leaves: Boil and drink the
decoction
stomach ache, cough and fever, chest pain,
constipation, cramps, headache, colds and
flu, detoxification agent
2
Zingiber officinale
(Zingiberaceae)
Ginger; Ujinja Root: in food or as an infusion taken orally antibacterial, period pains, muscle cramps,
cold and flu, cough
3

Results and Discussion

Table 1 shows a breakdown of first year Medical students who took part in this study. A total of 206 first year medical students participated in this study, 98 in 2010 and 108 in 2011 (Table 1). A total of 164 students (80%) have their homes in the Eastern Cape.

Table 1.

Characteristics of MBChB 1 students involved in medicinal plant survey in 2010 and 2011.

Parameter 2010 group 2011 Group
Number % Number %
Total 98 100 108 100
Male 44 44.9 53 49.1
Female 54 55.1 55 50.9
Age ≤ 19 yrs 49 54.4 68 63.2
Age >19 41 45.6 40 36.8
Black Africans 83 84.7 95 88
Indian 15 15.3 12 12
Eastern Cape 76 77.6 88 81.5
Other Provinces 22 22.4 20 18.5

The result of the present study revealed a total of 47 plant species and 1 animal product (hyraceum) used by members of families of medical students in the management of common ailments at home (Table 2). A total of 498 plant frequency reports were made. Out of the 47 plant species obtained in the present survey, 15 species (32%) are cultivated and used either for direct consumption as food or sold commercially and some are domesticated. These species included Zingiber officinale, Punica granatum, Opuntia aurantiaca, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Nigella sativa, Mentha piperita, Lavandula spp, Eugenia caryophyllata, Eucalyptus regnans, Curcuma langa, Cinnamomum verum, Calendula officinalis, Aspalatus linearis, Allium sativum and Allium cepa. Since these species are used on a day to day basis, they are therefore easily accessible for household self medications. The use of easily accessible plants for medicinal purposes is also reported in a study in Bangladesh by the Kavijares (Rahmatullah et al, 2010).

The various plant parts used included leaves, stems, roots, barks, flowers and fruits (Table 3). Leaves and roots are most commonly used compared to the other parts. For some species, more than one part is used medicinally. This seems to be a common practice in other cultures too (Giday et al, 2003; Rahmatullah et al, 2010; Wondimu et al, 2007). The majority of plant preparations for oral treatments involve either chewing the plant part to extract the juice or preparation of an aqueous infusion. A few cases report preparation of decoctions which typically involves boiling the plant part (leaf, root, bark) in water. Rarely is a plant dedicated to the treatment of one ailment. In general a single plant is used to treat multiple ailments. Twenty eight (28) plants were used to treat gastro intestinal tract disorders, which included constipation, indigestion, stomach ache an diarrhoea. Nineteen (19) plants were used for treating wounds while eighteen (18) plants each were used for the treatment of respiratory tract problems and infections, especially urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Table 3.

Parts of medicinal plants used to treat various ailments

Part used Number of species
Leaf 28
Root 20
Stem 3
Flower 3
Fruit 3
Bark 2
Seed 1

This suggests that these first four are the main ailments afflicting communities of reporting medical students. Indeed, it was interesting to note the high number of plants associated with wound healing in a culture that incorporates circumcision as a coming of age ritual. Post-circumcision treatment may account for this high reporting of plants used for wound healing. Other ailments for which home remedies are used include general pain including toothache (11) and headaches (8); chronic illnesses such as diabetes (7), hypertension (5) and cancer (3); reproductive ailments including erectile dysfunction, prostate problems and infertility (6), dysmenorrhoea (5) and lactation problems (3). Thus pain, chronic diseases and “embarrassing” illnesses such as STI's and reproductive ailments seem to be managed at home. In an area with high HIV prevalence, only 2 plants are reported as immune boosters in HIV infection. This may be because treatments in the home are mostly associated with management of AIDS associated opportunistic infections which commonly affect the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, correlating with the high reporting of these ailments in our study. This study therefore, while primarily revealing plant species used as home remedies, it also highlights the common ailments for which home remedies are used. From this study, first year medical students were made aware of this relationship of common ailments and associated home remedies. It was, indeed, a fundamental lesson for the medical students, early in their careers, that their potential patients will most likely have taken a home remedy prior to presenting themselves to the hospital. Studies have shown that patients first seek medicinal plants before presenting to a primary health care clinic or practitioner. This study also forms a basis for further study of these plants to validate their use as medicinal remedies.

Conclusion

The results of the study revealed that there is rich diversity of medicinal plants used to treat various ailments in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Families and the local community in the study area possess diverse knowledge of medicinal plants used as home remedies for common ailments. It is interesting to note that domesticated plants are also used as home remedies, thus making the medicaments readily available without fears of sustainable harvesting methods. This study highlights the inherent knowledge in communities concerning medicinal plants - knowledge that is culturally passed down from generation to generation.

Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge WSU medical students, their parents and relatives who enthusiastically participated in this study. Without their willingness to participate, this study would not have been possible. We also wish to acknowledge NRF interns who were working with us in this study.

References

  • 1.Afolayan AJ, Mbaebie BO. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used as anti-obesity remedies in Nkonkobe Municipality of South Africa. Pharmacog J. 2010;2(11):368–373. [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Akerele-Curare O. Medicinal plants and primary health care: An agenda for action. Fitoterapia. 1988;59:355–363. [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Astin JA, Soeken K, Sierpina VS, Clarridge BR. Barriers to the integration of psychosocial factors in medicine: results of a national survey of physicians. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2006;19(6):557–565. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.19.6.557. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Bisi-Johnson MA, Obi CL, Kambizi L, Nkomo M. A survey of indigenous herbal diarrhoeal remedies of O.R. Tambo district, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Afr J Biotechnol. 2010;9(8):1245–1254. [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Cunningham AB. Herbal medicine trade: a hidden economy. Indicator South Africa. 1989;6:51–54. [Google Scholar]
  • 6.De Beer J, van Wyk BE. Doing an ethnobotanical survey in the life sciences classroom. Am Biol Teach. 2011;73(2):90–97. [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Dold AP, Cocks ML. The trade in medicinal plants in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. SAJS. 2002;98:589–597. [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Dold AP, Cocks ML. Preliminary list of Xhosa plant names from the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Bothalia. 1999;29(2):267–292. [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Erasto P, Adebola PO, Grierson DS, Afolayan AJ. An ethnobotanical study of plants used for the treatment of diabetes in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Afr J Biotechnol. 2005;4:1458–1460. [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Giday M, Asfaw Z, Elmqvist T, Woldu Z. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Zay People in Ethiopia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;85:43–52. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00359-8. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Greiner KA, Murray JL, Kallail KJ. Medical student interest in alternative medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6(3):231–234. doi: 10.1089/acm.2000.6.231. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Hirst M. The healer's art: Cape Nguni diviners in the township of Grahamstown. Grahamstown: Rhodes University; 1990. PhD thesis. [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Jager AK, Hutchings A, Van Staden J. Screening of Zulu medicinal plants for prostaglandin-synthesis inhibitors. J Ethnopharmacol. 1996;52:95–100. doi: 10.1016/0378-8741(96)01395-5. Jovel E.M., Cabanillas J. and Towers G.H.N. (1996). An ethnobotanical study of the traditional medicine of the Metizo people of Suni Mira_o, Loreto, Peru. J Ethnopharmacol 53: 149–156. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Kaschula S, Shackleton CM. How do HIV and AIDS impact the use of natural resources by poor rural populations? The case of wild animal products. SAJS. 2012;108(1/2):1–9. [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Koduru S, Grierson DS, Afolayan AJ. Ethnobotanical information of medicinal plants used for treatment of cancer in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Curr Sci. 2007;92(7):906–908. [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Mander M. A Case Study in KwaZulu-Natal. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization; 1998. Marketing of Indigenous Medicinal Plants in South Africa. [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Otangi WM, Grierson DS, Ndip RN. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of opportunistic fungal infections in HIV/AIDS patients in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. J Med Plant Res. 2012;6(11):2071–2080. [Google Scholar]
  • 18.Oyedemi SO, Bradley G, Afolayan AJ. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the management of diabetes mellitus in the Nkonkobe municipality of South Africa. J Med Plant Res. 2009;3(12):1040–1044. [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Pinkoane MG, Greeff M, Koen MP. A model for the incorporation of the traditional healers into the National Health Care delivery system of South Africa. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2012;9(3S):12–18. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v9i3s.2. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Rahmatullah M, Ferdausi D, Mollik AH, Jahan R, Chowdhury MH, Haque WM. A survey of medicinal plants used by Kavirajes of Chalna area, Khulna district, Bangladesh. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2010;7(2):91–97. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v7i2.50859. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Wondimu T, Asfaw Z, Kelbessa E. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants around ‘Dheera’ town, Arsi zone, Ethiopia. J Ethnopharmacol. 2007;112:152–161. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.02.014. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.World Health Organization (WHO), author Legal Status of Traditional Medicine and Complementary/ Alternative Medicine: A Worldwide Review. Geneva: WHO; 2001. 2001. [Google Scholar]
  • 23.World Health Organization (WHO), author WHO traditional medicine strategy 2002–2005. Geneva: WHO; [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Yirga G. Assessment of indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants in Central Zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. African Journal of Plant Science. 2010;4(1):006–011. [Google Scholar]

Articles from African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines are provided here courtesy of African Traditional Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative

RESOURCES