Medicinal plants in folk medicine system of Ethiopia

Folk medicine encompasses the knowledge acquired by generations through indigenous methods of treatment. It comes from the herbal resources, animal and mineral parts which contribute to the treatment system with beliefs. It comprises the knowledge of endemic herbs transferred from one generation to the other as guarded secrets. There are magical and astrological influences invoked in this system that forms an integral part of the treatment. The magicoreligious beliefs and empirical knowledge from the natural environment and its effectiveness makes it friendlier giving a widespread use. Approximately 80% of Ethiopia’s population relies on traditional medicine to cure ailments. The system is said to be an outcome of African, Greek, Arabic and Hebrew traditions that makes the system unique. Besides being environment friendly and sustainable it upholds the socio cultural development of the society. The long isolated history of Ethiopia also adds to the development of its unique indigenous pharmacopoeia.