Herbal Concoctions Research Articles

HISTOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF ACTION BITTERS ON THE TESTES OF ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Action Bitters, a popular herbal concoction, has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including those related to the male reproductive system. Despite its widespread use, there is a dearth of scientific evidence on its effects on the testes. This study aimed to investigate the histological changes in the testes of adult male Wistar rats following administration of Action Bitters. Methods: Fifteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5). Group A served as the normal control, while groups B and C received 10% (0.66ml/kg) and 5% (0.33ml/kg) lethal dose 50 (Ld50) of Action Bitters, respectively. The Ld50 values were calculated based on the median lethal dose of the herbal remedy. The rats were administered the herbal remedy for a period of one month, after which they were sacrificed, and their testes collected for histological examination. Results: Microscopic examination of the testicular tissue samples revealed no evidence of abnormal cellular changes or tissue damage. The tissue samples appeared normal, with no signs of inflammation, necrosis, or apoptosis. Discussion: The findings of this study suggest that Action Bitters does not induce histological changes in the testes of adult male Wistar rats. These results provide new insights into the potential mechanism of action of the herbal medication on testicular function. The study highlights the importance of considering both histological and biochemical assessments when evaluating the effects of herbal remedies on reproductive health. Conclusion: This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the effects of herbal remedies on the male reproductive system. The findings suggest that Action Bitters may be a safe and effective herbal remedy for treating reproductive health issues, and further research is warranted to explore its potential benefits and mechanisms of action.

Formulation and Evaluation of Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Emulgel Containing Eugenia caryophyllus Buds Extract

ABSTRACT: Background: Eugenia caryophyllus is a valuable aromatic spice used in household cooking. Traditional healers frequently employ the plant, which is said to have therapeutic qualities, in herbal concoctions to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Objective: Eugenia caryophyllus clove buds have antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The formulation of clove emulgel and its assessment using a variety of evaluation criteria were the main objectives of the current study. Clove emulgel was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Materials and Procedures: We extracted and assessed the oils from Eugenia caryophyllus buds for phytochemical testing using solvents such as methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether, and N-hexane. We prepare emulgel and test it for spreadability, pH, and other organoleptic characteristics. We used egg albumin denaturation as a protein to measure the in vitro anti-inflammatory efficacy. We tested the antibacterial susceptibility using the agar-well diffusion method. Results: Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, and glycosides were the phytochemical components found in clove bud extract. Physical factors such as color, consistency, and state—such as semi-solid, smooth, and brownish-gummy—are included in this category of evaluation parameters. The emulgel's pH was 5.35, its spreadability ranged from 1.6 to 2.5 cm, and no phase separation was noticed while the emulgel was stored. An in vitro anti-inflammatory test (spectroscopy method) and an antimicrobial test (zone of inhibition) were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of emulgel. Comparing clove oil emulgel to a typical medication, these evaluations found that it demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial resistance. Conclusion: In conclusion, Clove Buds Emulgel has demonstrated antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Emulgel demonstrated the inhibitory response percentage in relation to the standard. This validates the roles that E. caryophyllus has been shown to play in protecting human health. This innovative emulgel mixture was applied to arthritis to lessen microbial infection and joint discomfort. In addition, more preclinical and clinical trials will be needed for this research in order to successfully commercialize the emulgel formulation for the treatment of inflammation and antimicrobial activity.

Home Management of Childhood Febrile Convulsions among Women in Child-Bearing Age in Obiagu, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State

Febrile convulsion or seizure is a common emergency in pediatrics which triggers anxiety in parents due to associated morbidities and mortality. This study assessed the home management of childhood febrile convulsion in Obiagu, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among women of child-bearing age in Obiagu, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The population of this study consisted of 1,850 women but 328 is a convenient sample employed in the study. A structured questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.83 was used in gathering the necessary data for the study which were analyzed with SPSS version 17.0. It was discovered that all the respondents (320) were aware of febrile convulsion. Two hundred and sixty-five (265) (82.81%) of the women understood febrile convulsion to be high temperature associated with jerking of the child. Also, high temperature was perceived by 269 (84.06%) of the women to be the cause while 140 (43.75%) believe that it was caused by evil forces or demonic. Two hundred and twenty-six (226) (70.63%) of the women applied palm kernel oil on their children’s body during convulsion, 124 (38.7%) used herbal concoctions and 105 (32.81%) put substances like palm oil or kerosene in the eyes of their convulsing children. The reason for these actions is mainly because they did not want their children to die. Others include not being aware of better methods and that the materials used were readily available. The women in Obiagu were aware of febrile convulsion and their perception of its cause was fair but they lacked knowledge of appropriate actions to take during febrile convulsion.

Evolution of treatment for unspecific back pain: From past to future.

Unspecific back pain (UBP) has long puzzled medical professionals. Historically, back pain (BP) was often attributed to mystical causes, treated with incantations or herbal concoctions. The Middle Ages shifted towards empirical practices, though still intertwined with superstition, using methods like leeches and bloodletting. The Renaissance introduced systematic healthcare approaches, laying the foundation for modern medicine. The 20th century saw significant advancements with diagnostic imaging, pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, though UBP remained elusive. Recent decades have seen a paradigm shift towards multidisciplinary approaches, addressing BP's multifactorial nature through holistic methods considering biomechanical, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors. This shift integrates quantitative research with hermeneutic interpretation, emphasizing evidence-based guidelines. Non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise therapy, electrotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction have gained prominence, empowering individuals in their recovery. Technological innovations like virtual reality and artificial intelligence offer personalized treatment plans, optimizing outcomes. The future of BP treatment holds promise with advancements in regenerative medicine, neuromodulation, telemedicine, and remote monitoring platforms, enhancing accessibility and continuity of care, especially in underserved communities. However, challenges such as the opioid epidemic and healthcare disparities remain, necessitating judicious prescribing practices and equitable resource distribution. The evolving treatment landscape for UBP reflects the dynamic interplay between scientific progress, clinical innovation, and societal needs, aiming to alleviate the burden of back pain and improve quality of life.

Optimization of the Newa-Based Tourism Development Model (Nature, Ecotourism, Wellness, and Adventure) Through the Eco-Wellness Tourism Concept Approach

NEWA (Nature, Ecotourism, Wellness Tourism, and Adventure) is a new trend developing in the tourism industry in the era of the passing of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pattern of NEWA concept development that tends to be fragmentative causes the exploration of each concept to be more limited. Efforts to optimize NEWA are carried out through blending concepts in the frame of eco-wellness tourism. Therefore, an effort is needed to formulate the concept of eco-wellness tourism, as well as how to apply the concept in the implementative realm. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research approach, through the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) technique involving cross-disciplinary experts. Eco-wellness tourism combines healthy tourism destinations in wellness tourism with an environmental conservation orientation typical of ecotourism such as traditional spas, herbal concoctions, gastronomy, aromatherapy, and hypnotherapy as its activities, which are packaged in the concept of interactive activities with nature such as thematic camping, adventure, exploration, and rural tourism.

Secondary Amenorrhea from Long Forgotten Intracervical Herbal Concoction Pessary: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Vaginal pessaries are used in gynaecology to treat utero-vaginal prolapse or urinary incontinence (pelvic floor disorders). However, self-administered or provider-administered per vagina insertion of herbal materials and concoctions is a practice prevalent amongst the low socioeconomic class of developing nations with poor access to good comprehensive health care. These oftentimes unhygienic and toxic materials may present with symptoms of immediate and or long-term complications. Asymptomatic cases may be forgotten only to be discovered incidentally. This study reports the case of a 47-year-old nullipara with amenorrhoea and infertility with an incidental finding of long forgotten intracervical herbal packing. The prolonged herbal pessary caused chemical vaginitis, scarring and subsequent cervical stenosis and amenorrhoea.

Manfaat Daun Belimbing Wuluh Sebagai Terapi dalam Membantu Pengobatan Penyakit Kardiovaskular (Hipertensi)

Hypertension is one of the most common and serious health problems in society, which can cause complictions such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. This study examines the use of starfruit leaves (Averrhoa bilimbi) as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of hypertension. The aim of this community service program is to increase public knowledge and understanding of the benefits of starfruit leaves in the treatment of hypertension, as well as provide education on how to process starfruit leaves into a safe and effective herbal concoction. The results of the pre-test and post-test obtained showed that the pre-test percentage was correct at 88.7% and the percentage value incorrect was 12.3%, while the post-test percentage correct was 98.7% and the percentage value incorrect was 2.3%. The conclusion of this program is that education regarding the use of starfruit leaves can increase public understanding about alternative treatments for hypertension based on local plants.

Curbing the Magic Remedies in India: A Call for Vigilance and Integrity

In an era where medical advancements have reached unprecedented heights, the persistence of magic remedies in India poses a significant threat to public health. Despite rigorous regulations and public awareness campaigns, the allure of quick fixes and miracle cures continues to captivate a vulnerable populace, leading to detrimental consequences. It is imperative that we intensify our efforts to eradicate this menace and safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens. Magic remedies, often marketed with grandiose promises of instant relief and miraculous cures, prey on the desperation and ignorance of individuals suffering from chronic and acute conditions. These unproven treatments, ranging from herbal concoctions to dubious devices, exploit the hopes of those seeking a rapid escape from their ailments. The harsh reality, however, is that these remedies often lack scientific validation and can lead to worsening health conditions, financial loss, and even death. Curbing the threat of magic treatments in India is now not simply the accountability of the authorities or regulatory bodies; it is a collective duty that includes healthcare providers, researchers, educators, and the public. By working together, we can create a surroundings solely safe, effective, and scientifically validated remedies are on hand to the public.

Traditional Health Practices In The Kajang Community

Background: Practice health traditional has become an integral part of culture and identity public Kajang, a group ethnic groups living in the interior of Borneo. In an attempt For guard health and well-being them, society Awning has develop series a practice that is hereditary and rooted in trust tradition and wisdom local. Methods: Study This aim For explore and understand practice health traditionally used by the community Kajang. Through approach involving qualitative observation participative and interview deep with member community. Results: Research result show that practice health traditional public Awning involve use herbal concoctions and traditional rituals ceremony traditional purpose For cure body and recover spiritual balance. Apart from that, practices this also became means For strengthen connection social in community and care sustainability culture and traditions they. Challenge in preservation and development practice health traditional this, including decline interest generation youth and lack access to source Power naturally required. Conclusions: Therefore, the research suggests a number of recommendation For support preservation and revitalization practice health traditional in modern context, including education based health culture and collaboration between practitioner traditional and professional modern health .

Anti-acute gastric ulcer resistance of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice processing Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma by regulating PTGS2, MAPK1, and KDR targets based on metabolomics and integrated network pharmacology analysis

Abstract Background Currently, traditional methods of treating acute gastric ulcer (AGU) have many drawbacks, necessitating an alternative therapy with fewer adverse effects. Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (BZ) is known for strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach. BZ processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice (ZSZBZ), a classic decoction since the Han Dynasty, can enhance the efficacy of BZ. However, the key active components and targets of action of ZSZBZ remain undiscovered. Aim of the study This study aimed to investigate the bioactive chemical constituents of ZSZBZ against AGU and their possible mechanisms of action, elucidating the scientific content of ZSZBZ processing. Materials and methods Initially, we examined rat stomach histopathology and conducted ELISA for oxidative stress and inflammation. Subsequently, we investigated underlying mechanisms using metabolomics. Further analysis of potent components and key targets in ZSZBZ was conducted through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis combined with network pharmacology. Finally, key targets were analyzed by Western blot. Results ZSZBZ improved gastric histopathology, reversing high alcohol-induced oxidative stress (SOD, CAT) and inflammatory level (TNF-α, IL-6) disorders. This is associated with ZSZBZ’s regulation of amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and inflammatory response-related metabolic pathways, along with key targets PTGS2, MAPK1, and KDR. The significant increase in potency of ZSZBZ may be attributed to elevated levels of naringenin, hesperidin, hesperidin, and rhamnoceroside after concoction. Conclusions Combining metabolomics and network pharmacology, this study elucidated that ZSZBZ enhanced gastroprotection by modulating amino acid metabolism, antioxidant, and inflammation-related targets and pathways, providing insights into the bioactive compounds and potential mechanisms of herbal concoctions.

SKRINING FITOKIMIA DAN PENGARUH VARIETAS PELARUT TERHADAP KADAR ISOFLAVON RIMPANG TEMULAWAK

Curcuma Rhizome (Curcuma xanthorriza) is a plant that is usually mixed into herbal concoctions. One of the compounds that play a role is isoflavone. This compound functions as the main antioxidant that prevents radical reactions in lipid oxidation. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical screening of Curcuma Rhizome extract to determine the effect of solvent type on the levels of isoflavone compounds. This research method is true experimental with a post-control design. Data analysis was carried out using statistical tests to see the influence of different solvents on the levels of isoflavone compounds. Based on the results of phytochemical screening, the acetone extract of Curcuma Rhizomes contains flavonoids, steroids, and tannins. However, the results were negative for alkaloid compounds. The hexane extract of Curcuma Rhizomes positively contains alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. negative results for saponin compounds. The isoflavone levels in acetone extract and Curcuma Rhizome extract were 135.32 ppm ±10.73 and 27.72 ppm ±0.86, respectively. Based on the results of the statistical analysis, it shows that there is a significant difference between the isoflavone levels of acetone extract and hexane extract of Curcuma Rhizome (Sig £ 0.05).

Kinetic optimization of angkak – red ginger extraction and its impact on antioxidant activity

A mixture of angkak and red ginger is a Chinese herbal concoction with potential as an antioxidant. This herbal combination can be extracted using the kinetic hot maceration method by optimizing the stirring speed to be more efficient. Previous studies have shown that using 400, 600, and 800 rpm stirring speeds provides the best IC50 and yield. Based on these problems, this research aims to determine the effect of increasing stirring speed on IC50 and % yield in the extraction of angkak and red ginger, as well as prove the benefits of this herbal combination through the IC50 value. The method used is extracting a mixture of angkak and red ginger at kinetic variations of 400, 600, and 800 rpm using a magnetic hotplate stirrer at a temperature of 60ºC for 2 hours; determination of % yield; determining the chromatogram profile using TLC; determination of antioxidant activity using DPPH; as well as data analysis of percentage yield and IC50 using SPSS. Analysis using SPSS shows that the stirring speed significantly affects the % yield, where increasing the moving speed above 400 rpm results in a decrease in the % yield. However, the moving speed does not affect the IC50. The TLC chromatogram profile shows the presence of 6-gingerol compounds in angkak and red and yellow pigment compounds in red ginger, which have potential as antioxidants. The optimization results in this study obtained optimal % yield and IC50 at 400 rpm with average values, respectively, namely 15.933 ± 3.4771% and 103.76 ± 10.032 ppm, and the combination of angkak and red ginger ingredients can work synergistically to increase yield and antioxidant.

Awareness and Knowledge Level of Puerperal Mothers on Neonatal Jaundice: A Qualitative Study in Northern Ghana

Background: Neonatal Jaundice is a major contributing cause of newborn hospitalizations and a major cause of newborn mortality. It should not be a major cause of mortality even in developing countries Inadequate knowledge of mothers about NNJ results in delayed decision-making to seek timely medical interventions. Methods: Using an exploratory design, a semi-structured interview guide was used to assess puerperal mothers' knowledge of NNJ. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 mothers Too small size attend health services at the Tamale West Hospital with newborns sick of NNJ. An interview guide through an in-depth interview process was used to gather data. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before analyzing thematically to organize the data into major and sub-themes. Results: Awareness of NNJ was above average, the majority of mothers had knowledge of NNJ. Reported signs and symptoms of NNJ include yellowish eyes, palms, and skin. Treatment of jaundice was cited to include the use of phototherapy, and frequent breastfeeding. Causes and risk factors associated were; infections, G6PD defects, and consumption of herbal concoctions. Conclusions: Health education should be intensified at the various units of the hospital to correct cultural and religious practices and improve caregivers' and mothers understanding of NNJ.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Ramuan Herbal Pada Kelompok Peternak Ayam Kampung di Desa Werwaru, Kecamatan Moa, Kabupaten Maluku Barat Daya

Community service activities aim to provide training for local chicken farmers about herbal concoctions in the form of a mixture of lemongrass stalks, ginger, turmeric, galangal, garlic and brown sugar to improve the health of local chickens which will later support the growth and maintain the immunity of the local chickens. The method of implementing community service carried out to the local chicken farmer group in Werwaru Village, Southwest Maluku Regency is by using lecture methods, discussions and direct practice on making and using herbal concoctions that are given directly to local chickens. The results of the implementation of this community service are able to increase the knowledge of farmers, especially in making herbal concoctions to maintain the stamina and immunity of local chicken health. The conclusion of this community service is that training in making herbal concoctions in the form of a mixture of lemongrass stalks, galangal, ginger, brown sugar, garlic for local chickens is very interesting and of interest to farmers and increases farmers' understanding of the importance of using herbal ingredients that are around the farmer's environment to support the health of livestock, both local chickens and other livestock that are kept.

The impact of complementary therapies on dysmenorrhea in young women

HIGHLIGHTS Complementary treatments have been shown to greatly reduce the intesity of dysminorrhea pain. The use of medicinal plants, herbal concoctions, or compresses might reduce dysmenorrhea discomfort more effectively than taking medications like mefenamic acid, ibuprofen, piroxicam, etc. ABSTRACT Objective: The study's objective was to obtain latest data on alternative therapy for dysmenorrhea in adolescent females of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA ScR protocol. A search was conducted on PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley, yielding 848 studies. Ten literature studies were identified that satisfied the criteria for population, exposure, and outcome. The studies also incorporated inclusion criteria, focusing on women of reproductive age who had dysmenorrhea. Results: Out of 848 articles, 32 were considered potentially relevant and met the inclusion criteria. The articles indicated that teenagers commonly used warm compresses and herbal drinks as supplementary therapies to alleviate dys-menorrhea due to their perceived effectiveness and comfort. Other complement-ary therapies for the condition included massage, relaxation, herbal products, self-care practices, acupuncture, and therapeutic methods. Conclusion: Herbal and warm water compress are the most commonly applied alternative therapies for treating dysmenorrhea.

Ethnobotany, chemistry and toxicity of Petivera alliacea: A review

Petivera alliacea (Family, Phytolaccaceae) is a wild and perennial shrub used in traditional medicine, especially as an antirheumatic, analgesic, and for various respiratory diseases. There is little comprehensive data on P. alliacea's pharmacological, nutritional, and ethnobotanical characteristics, and it is not in a well-documented form. In the present review, efforts have been made to gather its detailed medicinal uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. The goal of this review is to present an updated summary of documents sourced from recent publications regarding the ethnobotanical importance, pharmacology, toxicological properties, and phytochemistry of P. alliacea to further investigate this plant and learn about its potential impact on pharmaceuticals. This literature review used web-based systematic research. PubMed, Google Scholar, Mendeley, and CriticalReview were used to find studies reporting pharmacological, nutritional, and pharmacological properties. The ethnobotanical uses of P. alliacea include the treatment of respiratory disorders, fever, venereal diseases, and influenza. The nutritional uses include the use of the powder as herbal concoctions in the form of extracts, teas, and capsules intentionally for boosting immune systems. The reported pharmacological activities are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, immunostimulating and antinociceptive activities. Along with flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenes, P. alliacea also has sulfur-containing compounds like sulfides, polysulfides, and sulfoxides that make it unique. This review provides detailed information about the history, traditional importance, phytochemistry, and clinical impacts of the studied plant as food and medicine. Keywords: Petiveria alliacea, Traditional medicine, Pharmacological activities, Nutritional importance, Secondary metabolites

The pattern of use of herbal plants by the community to increase body immunity

The immune system functions to protect the body from infectious agents. Modulation of the immune system is needed to ensure that it is able to fight various attacks by microorganisms that cause infection. One simple way to increase the body’s immunity is to consume herbal plants. Several studies have proven the activity of several herbal plants as immunostimulant agents. This research was conducted using qualitative methods. The aim of this research was to identify herbal plants for body immunity, and describe patterns of use of herbal plants to increase body immunity. The research finding revealed that herbal plants that can increase the body’s immunity are ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, cinnamon, sungkai leaves, black cumin and various other plants, most of which are still consumed in traditional ways. The largest number of respondents who used herbal concoctions to improve health was 225 respondents. There was a pattern of using herbal plants in the people of North Sumatra to increase the body’s immunity by consuming them in the form of direct decoction, herbal drink products, capsules and powder form, and syrup form.

Decision Support System uses Multi-Objective Optimization By Ratio Analysis (MOORA) Method in Selection of the Best Herbal Medicine Supplier

Jamu is a traditional medicine made from natural cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation for health. Mbak Sum UKM is a small and medium enterprise that operates in the field of medicines, namely herbal medicine, where this business provides various types of herbal medicine. This herbal medicine business is a business that can promise business opportunities. Because there is so much interest in this natural herbal concoction, it makes it difficult for companies to meet product availability. And this makes SMEs need many suppliers to meet product availability for Mbak Sum's SMEs. Therefore, a system is needed to help Mbak Sum's SMEs overcome the problems they face. The system that will help Mbak Sum's UKM is a decision support system in selecting quality suppliers which will later help in fulfilling herbal herbal products in Mbak Sum's UKM as well as in making reports of incoming products from suppliers to Mbak Sum's UKM. The system built to support supplier selection decisions uses the multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA) method. The MOORA (Multi-Objective Optimization On The Basis Of Ratio Analysis) method is a multi-objective optimization technique that can be successfully applied to solve various types of complex decision-making problems in decision making. The results obtained were that the first rank was Alternative 3 with a value of 0.284 and the sixth rank was Alternative 6 with a value of 0.164. The calculation process can be concluded that A3 is the best alternative

Traditional Therapy in Postpartum Care: A Qualitative Study in Neniari Village, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

The postpartum period is an important period for mothers to recover their physical and psychological condition after giving birth. In Indonesia, there are various traditional practices carried out to care for postpartum mothers. This research aims to explore traditional therapeutic practices in postpartum care in Neniari Village, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This research uses a qualitative study method with a phenomenological approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 10 postpartum mothers and 3 traditional birth attendants. The research results show that there are three types of traditional therapy that are commonly practiced in Neniari Village, namely: Herbal concoctions: Herbal concoctions are used to treat various complaints experienced by postpartum mothers, such as bleeding, abdominal pain and breast swelling. Ukup: Ukup is a massage technique performed to improve blood circulation, reduce pain, and improve mood. Rahu: Rahu is a steaming technique performed to warm the body, tone the uterine muscles and increase breast milk production. The research results show that traditional therapy has many benefits for postpartum mothers, both physically and psychologically. Traditional therapy can also be an alternative postpartum care that is affordable and easy to obtain.

Utilisation of traditional medicine among women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana: a descriptive phenomenological study

BackgroundWomen living with breast cancer (BC) rely on traditional medicine (TM) in addition to orthodox medicine. There is a need to understand how and why women diagnosed with BC utilise TM. This study explored and described the lived experiences of women living with BC in terms of their utilisation of traditional medicine.MethodsA descriptive phenomenology design was used to purposively conduct 20 face-to-face in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analysed using NVivo-12 based on Collaizzi’s framework for thematic data analysis.ResultsOverall, five main themes emerged, namely: sources of knowledge on TM, motivations for using TM, treatment modalities, timing for the initiation of TM, the reasons for discontinuing use of TM, and the decision to seek orthodox medicine. Under the category of motivations for using TM, four themes emerged: financial difficulties and perceived cost effectiveness of TM, influence of social networks, including family and friends, assurance of non-invasive treatment, delays at the healthcare facility, and side effects of orthodox treatment. Non-invasive treatments included herbal concoctions, natural food consumption, and skin application treatments. Regarding the timing of initiation, TM was used in the initial stage of symptom recognition prior to the decision to seek orthodox medicine, and was also used complementarily or as an alternative after seeking orthodox medicine. However, patients eventually stopped using TM due to the persistence of symptoms and the progression of cancer to a more advanced stage, and disapproval by orthodox practitioners.ConclusionWomen living with BC in Ghana utilise traditional medicine (TM) for many reasons and report their family, friends and the media as a main source of information. A combination of herbal concoctions and skin application modalities is obtained from TM practitioners to treat their BC. However, they eventually discontinue TM when symptoms persist or when disapproval is expressed by their orthodox healthcare providers. We conclude that there is an opportunity to better integrate TM into the standard of oncological care for BC patients.