Indigenous methods used for the management of diarrhoea in an urban community in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of 500 women aged 20–70 years in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, was conducted to examine indigenous methods used by women in an urban community for the treatment and management of diarrhoea. Four hundred and seventy (94%) of the respondents had had diarrhoea at different times in their lives, ranging from one to more than four days. The causes of diarrhoea were food (62%), water (26%), fruits (4%) and unknown sources (16%). The traditional methods of treatment included medicinal preparations from one or a combination of the following medicinal plants: scent leaves (Occimum gratissimum) (28%); raw ogi (12%); bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) (12%); boiled rice water (Oryzae sativa) (8%); awolowo leaves (siam weed or Chronolena odorata) (2%); and native chalk (calcium carbonate). There were expressions of preference for indigenous methods instead of orthodox medicine, because it is effective (60%), cheap (22%) and offers immediate relief/faster action (12%). This study recommends that indigenous skills in the management of diarrhoea should be encouraged coupled with necessary education on use as well as precautions to be taken during preparation. The efficacy and safety of these medicinal plants should be evaluated and correct dosages recommended. Key words: Diarrhoea, indigenous method, alternative medicine, gastro-enteritis, urban community [Jnl Medicine & Biomedical Res. Vol.1(1) 2002: 12-17]