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Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Plant use in Odo-Bulu and Demaro, Bale region, Ethiopia

Authors: Rainer W Bussmann, Paul Swartzinsky, Aserat Worede, Paul Evangelista

Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

This paper reports on the plant use of laypeople of the Oromo in Southern Ethiopia. The Oromo in Bale had names/uses for 294 species in comparison to 230 species documented in the lower reaches of the Bale area. Only 13 species was used for veterinary purposes, or as human medicine (46). Plant medicine served mostly to treat common everyday ailments such as stomach problems and diarrhea, for wound treatment and as toothbrush-sticks, as anthelmintic, for skin infections and to treat sore muscles and. Interestingly, 9 species were used to treat spiritual ailments and to expel demons. In most cases of medicinal applications the leaves or roots were employed.

Traditional plant knowledge has clearly declined in a large part of the research area. Western style health care services as provided by governments and NGOs, in particular in rural areas, seem to have contributed to a decline in traditional knowledge, in part because the local population simply regards western medicine as more effective and safer.

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Title: Plant use in Odo-Bulu and Demaro, Bale region, Ethiopia
Authors: Rainer W Bussmann
Paul Swartzinsky
Aserat Worede
Paul Evangelista
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4269
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-7-28

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Plant use in Odo-Bulu and Demaro, Bale region, Ethiopia

Abstract

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