Introduction:
In Gambia, traditional medicine is as much a part of life as is
farming. Many people rely on it more than they rely on Western
remedies. When possible, Western medicine is used in conjunction
with traditional medicines to heal the sick.
The use of traditional remedies is not restricted to particular
doctors or healers. Most older Gambians, particularly the leaders
elders of a community, know how to use certain plants or herbs
to facilitate good health. In fact,
traditional remedies are usually the first recourse. The average
citizen will visit one of the clinics
that rely on Western medicine only after individual efforts using
traditional remedies has not proven sufficient. Certain plant
products can be purchased at the pharmacy; others are found in
the bush.
Many people feel that there is something that can be gained medicinally
from all plants. Therefore there is an infinite bank of treatments
for disease. Compiled below is a partial list of some commonly
used natural products.
Gambia has official legislative / regulatory texts governing the
practice of traditional medicine. There is a licensing process
for traditional health practitioners and some traditional medicine
practitioners are involved in Gambia's primary health care programme.
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|
Alternative Plant Remedies used in Gambia:
| Plant |
Used to treat |
| |
|
Kalkato roots with
Jambakatango |
Chest infection |
| |
|
Seno and Wonko
tree bark
|
Skin rashes |
| |
|
| Seno tree bark powder |
Pruritus vulvae |
| |
|
Seno tree leaves with
Seno root powder
|
Abdominal pain |
| |
|
Kunjunboro tree bark
|
Polio |
| |
|
Bitter Kola nut
|
Male sexual dysfunction |
NOTE: Always seek the services
of a fully-qualified doctor before taking any alternative herbal
or other remedies, medicines or potions as they may have adverse
effects on your health and / or fail to give you the desired benefit.
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Health Health
Services Health
Care System Alternative
Medicine Practitioners 
