Indigenous Knowledge in Treating Diseases
Learn about traditional herbs for treating diseases located at the Museum of Environment.
Medecinal hornRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Traditional medicine is a key part of Africa's social and cultural heritage. This is because Africans share a common understanding of the world around them, including the visible and invisible realms, the role of spirits, and how these factors influence health and disease.
Museum of environmentRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Transmission and conservation of traditional knowledge
In Rwanda and across Africa, traditional medicine knowledge has been passed down through generations by word of mouth. A person who shows exceptional memory and a strong interest in their parents' practices becomes a potential heir to this knowledge.
Garden for medicinal plants by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Rwanda's natural heritage conservation
Deep respect from the community protected medicinal plants and their habitats, seen as a shared treasure. Harming them was unthinkable, fostering natural conservation.
Museum of environmentRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
An ethical and humanist philosophy
In the traditional medicine of Rwanda, healthcare services were provided through a traditional, cultural ethical, and humanist philosophy. Humanity was considered first and not profit-making. This philosophy has unfortunately changed over the years.
Garden for medicinal plants by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Museum of Environment's healing collection
Rwanda's Museum of Environment botanical garden located in Karongi District unveils a world of native healing plants, offering a glimpse into the deep wisdom passed down through generations.
Below are some medicinal plants and their uses:
Urtica Massaica by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Urtica Massaica - Igisura
The leaves or roots are used to treat dysentery, dropsy, madness, hepatitis, otitis, rheumatism, asthma, gonorrhea, stomach ache, back ache, and the kidney.
Tetradenia Riparia by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Tetradenia Riparia – Umuravumba
This is a traditional antibiotic. Its fresh leaf juice is used to treat cough, malaria, tooth aches, influenza, and angina disease.
Plectranthus Barbatus by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Plectranthus Barbatus – Igicunshu
The leaves are used to treat wounds, burns, colic, hepatitis, worms, cough, heart diseases, and stomach pains. The liquid produced by its leaves are also used by expectant mothers to ease labour pains.
Cyathula Cylindrica by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Cyathula Cylindrica Moq – Igifashi
Beyond its antibiotic properties, the plant's leaves are used for various ailments: regulating periods, counteracting poisoning, and treating dropsy (fluid buildup). Stems, fruits, and seeds, in ointment form, are believed to help cure leprosy.
Gomphocarpus Physocarpus by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Gomphocarpus Physocarpus – Gasaho, Umubya w’abasaza
The leaves are used to treat headaches, tuberculosis, and emetic. Latex is applied to warts. The plant is also used to make a gri-gri for men (imitsindo).
Cyphostemma Ukerewense by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Cyphostemma Ukerewense – Ikigenzanda
The leaves are used to treat intestinal worms, abdominal pain, and (ifumbi) poisoning.
Jasminum Fluminense by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Jasminum Fluminense – Umudasomwa
The leaves are used as an antidote against poisoning, as anti-abortion, and to treat kidney diseases.
Aloe Verra by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Aloe Secundiflora – Igikakarubamba
The leaves are used to treat otitis, malaria, wounds, skin soreness, and as a laxative.
Content development: Andre Ntagwabira and Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
Photography: Andre Ntagwabira.
Field trip: Museum of Environment
References: CULTURAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTEREST IN Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicine in Rwanda
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