The Contributions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on Reducing Health Disparity in the United States: The Case of Louisiana

Abadi Hagos

doi:10.7176/ppar/11-9-04

Abstract

In Ethiopia, traditional medicine based mainly on medicinal plants, has been used for centuries for the treatment of human and animal health problems. The objective of this study was to document medicinal plants used to treat human and domestic animals ailments as well as the associate indigenous knowledge and conservation methods in Raya Alamata District in Northern Ethiopia. Ethno-botanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, group discussions, field observations, preference ranking, paired comparison and direct matrix. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, informant consensus factor, and various ranking methods. Local communities heavily depend on traditional medicinal plants and associated knowledge for treating human and livestock ailments. However, medicinal plants and the associated knowledge are eroding mainly due to agricultural expansion, deforestation and land degradation for seeking new agricultural lands and firewood, as well as the unsustainable practices of plant or plant part sampling for medicinal values. Thus, public awareness needs to be raised among local communities and all other stakeholders on sustainable utilization and management of medicinal plant resources and the associated knowledge. On the top of that, ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures should be given particular attentions. Keywords : Medicinal plants, indigenous knowledge, human ailment, Ethiopia DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/11-9-04 Publication date: May 31 st 2021

Highlights

Ethno-botany is a broad term referring to the study of the relationship between people, plants and environment, embracing a wide range of disciplines (Martin 1995)
A total of 47 species of medicinal plants belonging to 44 genera and 31 families were recorded
The use of herbs as the major source of medicinal purpose than trees and shrubs might help to ensure the survival of shrubs and trees

Summary

Introduction

Ethno-botany is a broad term referring to the study of the relationship between people, plants and environment, embracing a wide range of disciplines (Martin 1995). Since the antique time plants have been an essential supply for treating and healing human and livestock ailments (Lulekal et al 2008). Ethiopia is rich in its plant biodiversity (Gemechu et al 2015) that provides herbal remedies for tackling various kinds of human and livestock diseases (Giday et al 2009). In Ethiopia, cultivation and use of medicinal plants are commonly practiced for their affordability, acceptability, and accessibility (Seid and Tsegay 2011). There is large volume of expertise, skill and knowledge with therapeutic properties of plants, as traditional medicines, for treating both human and livestock ailments (Bekele 2007). Most practices and treatments in herbal medicine require specialists or professionals, the herbalists, self-care using plants is common in Ethiopia. The promotion of traditional health practices together with modern health services becomes the most promising tool for ensuring affordable and sustainable heath care system, for poor communities throughout developing countries (Hunde et al 2006)

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