Xhosa traditional medicines.The use of animals and animal-derived materials in traditional medicine constitutes an important part of the belief systems of indigenous African cultures. It is believed to be rapidly expanding in South Africa, where traditional healers are estimated to outnumber western doctors by 2000:1 in some areas, with an overall clientele consisting of 60–80% of South African citizens. Despite concerns about the impact of the trade in traditional medicine on biodiversity, there has been only limited research on this topic in South Africa. Traditional Xhosa and Sotho healers operating from impoverished, rural communities in the Boland Region of the Western Cape Province were consulted to provide a comprehensive inventory of the number and frequency of animals used and sold. Species
What are the Xhosa medicinal uses?
The medicinal use of leaves is dominated over the roots, barks and stems. Stomach ailment was the one against which a high number of medicinal plants were prescribed, followed by skin , fever, purgative, anti-inflammation, nausea, snake bite, insecticide, TB, eye infection, rheumatism, cancer, etc.
The most commonly sold items were skin pieces, oil or fat, and bones. Results showed that leopard, chacma baboon, Cape porcupine, monitor lizard species, puff adder, African rock python, and black-backed jackal were the species most used in the traditional medicinal trade. But This study extends existing knowledge on the trade of animals in South African healing practices and provides the first attempt in the Western Cape to quantify wildlife use for cultural traditions.
What rituals do Xhosa practice?
Dances and food are a Xhosa way of connecting with the dead and paying homage to their spirits. Sacrificial offerings of goats, food offerings to the spirits of the departed, and also,dances with specific symbolism, are an important part of Xhosa traditions.
A sangoma is a practitioner of herbal medicine, divination and counselling in traditional Nguni (Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi) societies of Southern Africa (effectively an African shaman). But The philosophy is based on a belief in ancestral spirits.
What are Xhosa rituals?
Rites of passage of the Xhosa The rituals discussed include: i) efukwini (behind the door – birth rites); ii) tonjane (female puberty rites); and also, iii) ulwaluko(traditional male circumcision). Each rite follows one another in a sequence in three phases.
Chifumuro nebute zvinonzi hazvina kusiyana pamashandiro azvo sezvo zvose zvichifumura zvinhu zvakaipa zvingade kusangana nevanhu panzvimbo dzavanenge vari.
An African bitter herb that’s usually put in water and drunk as tea or mixed in with porridge. Inoshandiswa kurapwa zvirwere such as hypertension, pain, flatulence (mhepo) and upset stomach. But It boosts the immune system as well. Ndorani also warms up the body.
Imphepho is traditionally used as a wound dressing. The plant has proven anti microbial properties and appears to work effectively as pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory, probably due to various volatile oils and flavanoids.
It adds flavor to meals, and its nutrients may provide health benefits. But It acts principally on the digestive and nervous systems, easing flatulence, stomach cramps, colic and indigestion.
Koromiko’s astringent action reduces weeping and aids healing by gently constricting tissues to form a protective barrier. But This astringent action also makes it particularly useful to help reduce the inflammation associated with many skin conditions, as often experienced with nappy rash.
Koromiko is widespread throughout New Zealand. An infusion of the leaves was used as an astringent for dysentery. Poultices were used for ulcers. It was considered good for the kidneys and bladder, as well as for diarrhoea and as a tonic.
Kawakawa leaves contain a component called myristicin which helps trigger the release of nitric oxcide from cells.
What is the English name for kawakawa?
(noun) kawakawa, pepper tree, Macropiper excelsum – a small, densely-branched tree with heart-shaped leaves.
Harakeke (flax) can be used as rongoā to fight infection. But It can be used as a treatment for boils and wounds. A poultice of the root can be used to treat intestinal parasites. And also, The sticky gum in flax is used as an external treatment for boils and wounds
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