A Study of the Use of Honey and Ethno-biological Components in Nigerian Trado-medical Practices

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.