Treatment with traditional medicine during pregnancy is believed to prevent miscarriage, ensuring
proper growth of the foetus and to strengthen the womb against witchcraft and to prevent childhood illnesses. The
purpose of the study was to determine how Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) perceive their management of
Sangomas or inyangas are shamans, healers,
priests, and prophets that have been
the backbone of Bantu communities, especially
in the rural areas of Southern Africa
for eons. However, with rapid Westernization
and the increasing allure of the
commodity market, the old ways are rapidly
eroding. Indigenous knowledge has
The spread of plants from one country to another through intentional and unintentional human activities is a serious threat to the world’s biodiversity; second only to habitat destruction. However, a number of studies have shown that invasive alien plant species can positively contribute to rural economies.
Indigenous health practices have been in existence since the dawn of civilization, and the
inception of western medical practices has created a divide between these health systems.
This study focused on the development of a model that could facilitate the integration of
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (llZS) in managing HIV & AIDS within a primary
Thirty four traditional healers from 17 municipalities, covering three districts of the Limpopo Province, were interviewed during the first half of 2011.
The current study focussed on documenting the ethnobotanical knowledge of herbal medicines used by the Bapedi
traditional healers to treat reproductive ailments in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Fifty one healers from 17
municipalities covering Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Waterberg districts of the Limpopo Province were interviewed between
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published and unpublished research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
An inventory and analysis of the general uses of plants by the Vhavenḓa, a cultural group who historically occupied
the region knownas Venḓa, currently referred to as the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, are
presented. Information on plant uses was gathered through a literature review and interviews conducted
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.
Plants are universally recognised as a vital component of
the world’s biological diversity and an essential resource
for ecosystem functioning – goods and services. Additionally,
plants have great economic and cultural importance.
Plants play a key role in maintaining the planet’s basic
environmental balance, ensuring ecosystem stability, and