Ethnomedicine

Ethnomedicine is concerned with the cultural interpretations of health, disease and illness and also addresses the health care-seeking process and healing practices.

Ethnomedicine is a study or comparison of the traditional medicine based on bioactive compounds in plants and animals and practiced by various ethnic groups, especially those with little access to western medicines, e.g., indigenous peoples. The word ethnomedicine is sometimes used as a synonym for traditional medicine. 

Ethnomedicine deals with a field of anthropology that studies cultural interpretation, beliefs, and notions related to illness and health by the ethnic or indigenous communities around the world over centuries. It also involves understanding the healing practices for different diseases.

Healing Substances

Cultures use a variety of different substances for healing. Some cultures rely on drugs to induce a state of healing, while others put their lives in the hands of healers such as shamans to regain health. In many cases, people rely on both medical pluralism and medical syncretism. Medical pluralism refers to the integration of biomedicine and other forms of healthcare, while medical syncretism is the fusing of more than one medical practice, such as fusing spiritual practices with biomedical practice. 

Ethnobotany The study of native plants that is used by a particular culture to garner  accurate understanding of their medical potential and cultural usage. Ethnobotanists look for plants which effectively treat disease or relieve symptoms. 

These plants can then be synthesized into medication to provide treatment for other populations.

Some popular ones you may have heard of or made use of:

Ibogaine
  • Indigenous to Gabon.
  • Combat heroin and opiate and other unhealthy drug addictions.
The Candlenut Tree Nut & Sap

  • The Kukui or Candlenut tree from Hawaii.

  • Nut – Laxative properties.

  • Sap – Spread on cuts and cold sores to speed up healing.

The Cure-All Herb Kinkiliba

  • The “Cure All Herb” / Combretum micranthum or Kinkiliba from Senegal.

  • Herbal Tea for maintaining general health and well-being, prevent Malaria and lower blood pressure.

  • Aids in treatment of fevers, colds, aches, pains, flu, weight loss, sleep loss, cancer.

  • Used as antibacterial and Antispasmodic.  

The Detoxifying Herb Kelle

  • The Detoxifying Herb/Kelle (khaya senegalensis) – West Africa.

  • Bark – General detoxification, Intestinal cleanser, Fever, Headache, General fatigue, Energy booster, Treatment of mental illness, Aphrodisiac.

Acacia

  • From Senegal

  • Coughs, sore throat, and catarrh excessive discharge or build-up of mucus in the nose or throat, associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane.), diarrhoea, dysentery. Also used in food industry to give body and texture to products for bakers and a hard sheen coating on candies.

Marijuana

  • Inflammation, psychological problems, glaucoma, cataracts, haemorrhoids, muscle spasms, multiple sclerosis, reduction in epilepsy seizures.

  • Pain management – long term illnesses, such as cancer.

Echinacea
  • Boost immune function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects, colds  & flu.