Indigenous Knowledge of Herbal Medicine and Healing Practice Among the Gamo People: The Case of Dorze Dere Southern Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2016-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The oral nature of indigenous herbal medicinal knowledge and practice poses a challenge
that the knowledge is at risk of extinction after some generations unless otherwise
documented. The aim of the present study was to investigate and document the indigenous
knowledge of herbal medicine and healing practice among the Gamo people in Dorze dere,
southern Ethiopia. Secondary data were reviewed for conceptual framework. The primary
data were gathered through in-depth interview, focus group discussion and observation.
Fieldwork was conducted between February and March, 2016. The data were thematically
organized and analyzed through systematic interpretation. The findings of this study revealed
that herbal medicinal practitioners in Dorze were both males and females. The indigenous
knowledge is acquired either from the herbalist parent or from other places by providing
gifts. The knowledge is transferred through orally either to the family members or trusted
person that heir herbal medicinal knowledge based on good personality and dedication to
serve the community. Medicinal plant collection, drug preparation, preservation, and
prescription are directed by the local culture in which the efficacy of medicines is believed to
be the result of the natural content of the plants. The herbal medicine and healing is broad in
scope in the study area which is practiced for healthcare and healing for illnesses of natural,
supernatural, and personal etiology. Both the indigenous herbal medicine and the biomedical
healing systems exist together and shifts from one healthcare option to the other and resorts
are common among the community. There was no interaction between herbalists and the
biomedical workers. In general, indigenous herbal medicine in Dorze occupies major place as
part of their cultural beliefs and practices.
Keywords/phrases: Dorze, Gamo people, healing, indigenous herbal medicine, indigenous knowledge
Description
Keywords
Gamo people, Indigenous herbal medicine, Healing