Traditional medicine reflects the racial environment and historical background of the people in their specific country.
Medicinal herbs have been used for centuries in traditional and folk medicine
Traditional Medicine also called folk medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being according to World Health Organization (WHO).
Many African Countries Depend On This Practice
Wikipedia,the free encyclopedia stated that in some Asian and African countries, up to 80% of the population relies on this practice for their primary health care needs. When adopted outside of its traditional culture, it is often called complementary medicine and alternative medicine.
This is an important part of natural medicine and this was practiced thousands of years ago and is still being practiced today. It is being practiced in every country at various social levels.
Some of the practices includes herbal, Ayurveda, Siddha medicine, Unani, ancient Iranian medicine, Islamic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Muti, Ifá, and traditional African medicine.
Herbal medicines can be very lucrative, generating billions of dollars in sales, but adulteration or counterfeit herbs can also be a health hazard.
Core disciplines which study this practice include ethnomedicine, ethnobotany, and medical anthropology.
This Practice Was Also Utilized By Indians
Many herbs were used simultaneously by the Indians as well as other cultures who were living many thousand miles away. Yarrow was used in Europe and also America as a blood cleanser. Ephedra was utilized in regards to bronchitis as well as coughs. This was also used by the Indians in Nevada.
Integrated with Modern Medicine
Traditionally it is integrated with modern medicine. However as pointed out by the WHO, inappropriate use of this type of medicine or practices can have negative or dangerous effects if not used properly. Therefore, further research is needed to ascertain the efficacy and safety of several of the practices and medicinal plants used by traditional medicine systems.