Let’s Cruise Around the Continents
How Different Cultures Use Herbs
Ethno Herbalism — Part I — Africa
For centuries, many cultures have used plants as a source of food and for healing. In Africa, holistic healthcare is available, even today. In fact, in many senses, herbal medicine and African traditional medicine can be synonymous terms because it is the widest method of healthcare. The use of divination, spiritual, and herbalism can be combined while treating a patient because a patient is viewed not only by the organs and cells they embody but also as a spiritual being.
The practices are often different amongst the various African countries because of the social and cultural norms, but because of the strong roots of intertwining spirituality and medicine, a healer must know the patient’s religious background. In fact, a traditional healer must experience the call to priesthood in order to be considered for training.
Culturally, many Africans believe that an illness has a reason, and the reason is important to acknowledge first before treatment can begin. In other words, many will often ask, “Why am I ill?” before venturing to ask “What is my treatment?”
The vast array of plants used for treatment make up their herbalist practices, and the plant parts utilized range from…
