A Study of the Use of Honey and Ethno-biological Components in Nigerian Trado-medical Practices
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Date
2014
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Abstract
Trado-medical practice variously referred to as ethno-medicine, folk medicine, native
healing, and alternative medicine, is an ancient and culture-bound method of healing
used against various diseases threatening human existence and survival. The aim of this
study was to investigate the use of honey and other ethno-biological components in the
treatment of different ailments in Kwara State, North central Nigeria. Structured
questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect information from 280
respondents (120 herb sellers and 160 trado-medical practitioners). The result revealed
methods of remedies’ preparation such as infusion, decoction, maceration, extraction,
squeezing, soaking, shredding, grinding/pounding, and drying while the mode of use
include: drinking, chewing, licking, eating, and topical application. It was also observed
that 20 plants and 6 animal products distributed across 18 and 5 families respectively
were being used in combination with honey for the treatment of arthritis, toothache, cold,
chronic cough, stomach ulcer, diabetes, wounds, hypertension, low sperm count, ear
defect, rheumatism, malaria and infertility among others. The knowledge of trado-medical
practices elicited could serve as a basis for further drug discovery, pharmacological
research and bio-prospecting.