MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF ECZEMA AND OTHER INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS BY ABAGUSII HEALERS OF WESTERN KENYA

Nyamwamu Nyarang’o Charles*, Pascaline Jeruto and Lizzy Mwamburi

An ethnomedical survey of plants used by Abagusii traditional healers of South West Kenya in the treatment of eczema and other inflammatory conditions was carried out. A number of traditional healers were interviewed about the plants they used in the treatment of eczema, method of preparation and dosage regimens. Their responses were recorded. Each materia medica entry followed the format; Latin binomial; Common name; Vernacular and taxonomic name; parts used; constituents; indications; safety considerations; preparation and dosage. Eleven plant species were botanically identified. It was found that in this ethnic group greatly depended on herbal remedies in the treatment of eczema and its related ailments. This study also revealed that the Abagusii healers have an extensive knowledge of their therapeutic flora. However, there is a rapid degeneration of most of these indigenous herbal medicinal plants, hence the need for their proper identification and conservation.