Day 13: Traditional Therapy

Destiny Joseph
@josephdestiny597391
27 days ago

Before the advent and groundbreaking advancement in modern medicine, local herbs, foods, fluids and certain lifestyles have played crucial roles in handling ailments of diverse implications.

Such is the story of certain herbs and plants seen and used among the Igala people of Kogi state. These herbs and plants, some condiments in meals prepared locally, did not only serve the local people but was also used by other tribes. Let's explore some of these traditional medications used by the Igala people

1. Minth: Locally, minth is called Achefa or achafa while Mentha arvensis L, gives its scientific name. This plant is often cultivated and stem is used to treat or handle tooth decay

2. Bitter leaf:
-Local name: Ilo
-Scientific name: Vernonia amygdalina
-Traditional Remedy: Bitter leaf is believed by the Igala people to treat insomania, hypertension, fever & diabetes.

3. Sweet sop:
-Local name: Ukpokpo
-Scientific name: Annona senegalensis
-Traditional Remedy: The leaves, bark and root of Sweet sop is often used to address cough and induce fast labour. The roots and barks in conjunction with Uveria chamae is used as poison neutralizer.

4. Moringa:
Local name: Igeligedi
Scientific name: Moringa Olifera
Traditional remedy: The leaves and stem of Moringa is used in the treatment of
itching eye & sickle cell anaemia.

5. African black plum
Local name: Ejiji
Scientific name: Vitex doniana Sweet
Traditional remedy: The roots of the black plum is often used as anti-snake venom.

6. Hyptis sauvolens: Locally called "Egbe-imu" which when translated literally means "mosquito gun," is responsible for scaring away mosquitoes from homes.

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@josephdestiny597391