Healing with Nature
Owing to their close proximity to nature, the Maasai rel on the flora in their nearby areas of settlements for various purposes. From using wood in the construction of their homes to using grass in their rituals and ceremonies. The community also prefers the use of herbal medicines to treat common ailments and wounds. This exhibit showcases 10 such herbal plants that Maasai traditionally use as a herb for medical purposes.
1. Acacia hockii
The bark and fibre of Acacia hockii are known for their nutritive properties. The inner bark of the tree is used as a famine food. Inner bark fibre is chewed for its juice, and has a sweet taste. The Maasai generally chew the white inner bark to quench thirst.
2. Aerava lanata
Aerava lanata is popularly known as Mountain Knotgrass. The leaves of this plant is used to treat illnesses like diabetes and kidney ailments.
3. Albizia anthelmintica
Albizia anthelmintica is traditionally used as a herbal additive and for its psychoactive effects. The Maasai sometimes use it to treat helminthiasis as well. It is also used as a substitute for salt in porridge. Apart from its medicinal properties, the roots of this plant are used as brushes to clean the inside of gourd containers.
4. Cinnamonium Cassia
Cinnamonium Cassia, also known as Cassia, belongs to the cinnamon family. The Maasai traditionally use this plant to cure stomach aches. The bark from the Cassia tree is scraped and soaked in water and the bitter reddish liquid obtained from it is given to the patients. The bark of Cassia curls on the edges to give it a scroll like appearance.
5. Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv.
Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. is generally consumed as food additive in form of a tonic. It helps in treatment for joint and body pains by the Maasai.
6. Leonotis nepetifolia
Leonotis nepetifolia is popularly known as Lion's Ear or Klip dagga. The plant is native to tropical Africa. The Maasai generally used as a food additive and to treat cough and fever.
7. Pappea capensis
Pappea capensis is popularly known as jacket plum. Traditionally, Maasai warriors consume bark infusion of the plant as a blood cleansing tonic.
8. Strychnos henningsii Gilg
The roots, stems and stem bark of this plant are commonly boiled in soup for health benefits and to treat painful joints or general body pains. Apart from consumption, the Maasai generally use wood of the plant in building huts.
9. Vernonia brachycalyx O.
Vernonia brachycalyx O. is a popular antimalarial plant. The root from the tree is ground or scraped with a knife and placed in water. The liquid is stirred until it foams and is then given to the patient, who will vomit immediately and thereby ridding themselves of malaria poisons.
10. Warbugia ugandensis
Warbugia ugandensis is popularly known as African greenheart. This plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Project FUEL would like to thank the Maasai community in the Losimingori village of Arusha, Tanzania for opening their hearts and home to this research.
This exhibit is part of the Wise Wall Project, an initiative of Project FUEL, to document, design, and strengthen the wisdom of rural communities and marginalized villages using art and community outreach programs. In the third edition of this project, we collaborated with the Maasai, in Arusha, Tanzania, to build an on-ground community centre for the community and bring an exclusive insight into the life, lifestyle, and learnings of this inspiring community.
Illustration: Advithi Emmi
Research, Interviews and Curation: Project FUEL
Project Partners: Vijana Inspiring Foundation, Vikram Solar Ltd., Lions Club of Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Google Arts & Culture
