Folkmedicinal plants and their utilization among the oromo of the gibe region: focus study on major forest areas in southern part of jimma zone

Abstract

This research was aimed at exploring folk medicinal plants and their utilization among the Oromo of the Gibe region, particularly Shabee Somboo and Dedoo districts of Jimma zone. The research is intended to reveal the interrelationship between customary healing practices and belief system. Health delivery system which gives heavy emphasis to spiritual forces and which is sensitive to natural resources is addressed by the present study. Interview, focus group discussion, observation and document analysis were used to gather data. The Oromo have developed time tested knowledge of their environment including identification of diverse folk medicinal plants which are integral part of maintaining the healthcare services of both humans and their livestock. A total of 40 plant species were identified as folk medicinal plants to treat human and livestock diseases. About 23 diseases were identified from human and livestock aliments. The overall procedure of healing practice indeed is backed by belief system in addition to material quality of the products for the environment. Similarly, ways of administration, parts of plants used, its dosage, transmission and plants frequently used are thoroughly discussed. Accordingly, large percentages of diseases are treated by few plants in combination with others though only some of them are independently administered as a situation of diseases dictate. Indigenous mechanisms of disease treatment are not only confined to healing diseases but also have their own preventive strategy which is very imperative in the domain of healthcare system. The persistence of these practices despite the influence of formal healthcare system indicates that their uses appear to be cultural rather than attributable to limited access to formal healthcare. As a result, formal healthcare system is encouraged to acknowledge and integrate the practice of folk medicine and their practitioners as favorable condition to improve community healthcare system.