The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published and unpublished research
investigating the prevalence of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TMCAM) use in the general
population. Results found that use of a traditional and/or faith healer seemed to have decreased over the past 13 years
The importance of traditional medicine has been recorded throughout the world. It has also been practiced throughout Africa by more than 80 % of rural communities. Traditional medicine has since been imbedded in the culture of many rural communities. People of the world continues to use traditional medicine because of their accessibility and affordability.
Impaired inflammatory response could result in undesirable effects as seen in chronic diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and cancer. This study was based on an ethno-botanical survey of 6literature citations of medicinal plants used to treat inflammation-related conditions in Limpopo province of South Africa.
The medicinal flora of the Venda region consists of a variety of species, which may potentially provide therapeutic agents to treat different diseases. Bark use for medicinal purposes has been reported for approximately 30% of the woody species (153 species) in the Venda region in southern Africa.
Like other so-called ‘parallel’ practices in medicine, traditional medicine
(TM) does not avoid criticism or even rejection. Nyika’s article
‘Ethical and Regulatory Issues Surrounding African Traditional Medicine
in the Context of HIV/AIDS’ looks at some of the issues from
a traditional Western ethical perspective and suggests that it should
The Department of Health estimates that 80 percent of South Africans consult traditional
healers before consulting modern medicine. The aim of this study is to investigate the
extent of the use of traditional medicine in local communities in the Limpopo Province, and
add value to a draft policy that was introduced by the Minister of Health. (South Africa,
An earlier paper in this journal reported on the perception and experience of 77 allopathic
health practitioners (AHPs) and health managers about working together with South African
traditional health practitioners (THPs). The paper stated that the abolishment of the Witchcraft
Traditional healers are the first to be called for help when illness
strikes the majority of South Africans. Their communities have faith
in their ability to cure or alleviate conditions managed by doctors, and
much more. A visit to such practitioners’ websites (they are up with
the latest advertising technology!) shows that they promise help with