Numerous plants are used in traditional medicine. Their importance is recognized by the traditional Congolese pharmacopoeia. They are more and more often integrated into so-called modern medicine for their proven effectiveness. However, because of their market value, some medicinal plants are threatened in natural environments and deserve attention.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Prunus africana
Prunus africana is among the endangered plants due to its overexploitation for medicinal purposes. According to villagers in mountainous Kivu, the decoction of the root bark is effective against various kinds of cancer and malaria.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Cinchona (Cincona sp.)
It is from the bark of Cinchona that various medicinal products are made to treat malaria, thyphoid fever: quinine, chloroquine, etc. Unfortunately, the plantations have been abandoned in favor of imported medicines.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Alangium chinense
As indicated by the scars on the trunk, the bark of Alangium chinense is highly sought after and used to treat various diseases within the community in mountainous Kivu. The fruits of the same species are eaten by wild animals.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Rauwolfia vomitoria
The Rauwolfia vomitoria is a species with multiple uses in Kivu. Its barks are used to treat malaria, intestinal disorders but also as an aphrodisiac.
An effective antimalarial, Lantana camara (2021) by Norbert RugamikaOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Lantana camara
The leaves and flowers of Lantana camara are used to make a very effective tea against respiratory diseases and malaria. Moreover, the raw leaves are chewed to prevent the spread of venom in the body.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Maesa lanceolata
Often associated with Lantana camara, the leaves of Maesa lanceolata are also sought after for their antivenin activity. In an area very prone to snakes, such as vipers, this plant is the first emergency treatment in case of a bite.
Tephrosia vogelii medicine and biopesticide among the Shi, Rega and Batwa (2021) by ako ntiboneraOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Tephrosia vogelii
The leaves and fruits of Tephrosia vogelii (Mulukuluku in Mashi) are used in the preparation of a powerful biopesticide against coffee insect pests. The grinds of its organs are also used in traditional fishing.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Diversity of medicines
Due to the favorable climate and fertile soil, mountainous Kivu is conducive to the growth of a variety of medicinal plants, which are easily domesticated outside of the forests. Vernonia, Ricinus, Aloe, and others are often kept in gardens.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Solanum nigrum
Solanum nigrum is a bitter vegetable frequently used by people as an anti-diabetic medicine.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Ocimum gratissimum
The leaves of Lumbalumba (Ocimum gratissimum) are often used in traditional cooking and wedding ceremonies. A tea made from this plant is administered to treat malaria.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Ricinus communis
It is especially for the oil of its seeds that the Ricin is used in traditional medicine. The oil, administered in very small quantities under supervision, is a laxative. It also allows to fight against skin diseases.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree, Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Physalis peruviana and Hibiscus acetocella
The leaves of Physalis peruviana are used to make a tea administered against malaria. While those of the Hibiscus are consumed as a medicine to facilitate childbirth in pregnant women.
Dongodongo, a food and medicine in Democratic Congo (2021) by ako ntiboneraOriginal Source: Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Hibiscus okra
Like Hibiscus acetocella, okra fruits are eaten cooked or raw to fight against diabetes and facilitate childbirth.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Cannabis sativa
The leaves, flowers and seeds are eaten raw or boiled for energy. Its sale is one of the main sources of income for pygmies in mountainous Kivu. The sale is strictly prohibited by the authorities, but is difficult to control.
Tree and economy among the Shi, Rega and TemboFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Cedrella
Cedrella is also used in traditional medicine. The shredded leaves are administered in the event of a fracture, while the macerated leaves constitute an effective insecticide and disinfectant for the cages of domestic animals, thus limiting the spread.
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Catharanthus roseus
The Madagascar periwinkle is widespread and the maceration of the leaves and stems is used to treat the flu, coughs, etc...
Kivu Ethnobotanical GardenFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Medicinal plants, a resource to be conserved
The mountain forests abound with a diversity of species which are real pharmaceutical factories, and at a good price. They are to be protected for the health care of the natives in mountainous Kivu.
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