Traditional Use of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Africa

Abstract

Traditional medicine and the use of medicinal and aromatic plants in Africa are linked to social life, culture and daily activities of the African people. The celebration of life events involve the presentation and sharing of several culturally significant items such as honey, salt, Cola and other medicinal plants and their products. In this chapter, the rich and unique culture of African countries is discussed in relation to the use of medicinal and aromatic plants. As a special feature, the major medicinal and aromatic plants endemic to Western, Northern and Southern Africa are reviewed with regards to their manifold uses. The disposition of African people to traditional medicine, formulation of policies to support the growth of traditional medicine and the progress made so far are highlighted. As a result of the acceptance of African traditional medicine by a vast majority of African populace and support gained from the African Union, World Health Organization and the United Nations; African traditional medicine will in the near future be highly valued just like the Chinese traditional medicine system.