Introduction:
In Gambia, traditional medicine is as much a part of
life as is farming. Many people rely on it more than
they rely on Western remedies. When possible, Western
medicine is used in conjunction with traditional medicines
to heal the sick.
The use of traditional remedies is not restricted to
particular doctors or healers. Most older Gambians,
particularly the leaders elders of a community, know
how to use certain plants or herbs to facilitate good
health. In fact, traditional remedies are usually the
first recourse. The average citizen will visit one of
the clinics that rely on Western medicine only after
individual efforts using traditional remedies has not
proven sufficient. Certain plant products can be purchased
at the pharmacy; others are found in the bush.
Many people feel that there is something that can be
gained medicinally from all plants. Therefore there
is an infinite bank of treatments for disease. Compiled
below is a partial list of some commonly used natural
products.
Gambia has official legislative / regulatory texts governing
the practice of traditional medicine. There is a licensing
process for traditional health practitioners and some
traditional medicine practitioners are involved in Gambia's
primary health care programme.
Alternative Plant Remedies in Gambia:
| Plant |
Used to treat |
| |
|
Kalkato roots with
Jambakatango |
Chest infection |
| |
|
Seno and Wonko
tree bark
|
Skin rashes |
| |
|
| Seno tree bark powder |
Pruritus vulvae |
| |
|
Seno tree leaves with
Seno root powder
|
Abdominal pain |
| |
|
Kunjunboro tree
bark
|
Polio |
| |
|
Bitter Kola nut
|
Male sexual dysfunction |
NOTE: Always seek the services of a fully-qualified
doctor before taking any alternative herbal or other
remedies, medicines or potions as they may have adverse
effects on your health and / or fail to give you the
desired benefit. |
