Original Article

Knowledge, attitude, practice, and

management of traditional medicine among
people of Burka Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia
Akawak Gari, Raghavendra Yarlagadda, Messay Wolde‑Mariam

Department of Pharmacy, ABSTRACT

College of Public Health
Background: Traditional medicine (TM) has maintained its popularity in all regions of the developing world.
and Medical Sciences,
Jimma University, Jimma,
Even though, the wide acceptance of TM is a well‑established fact, its status in a population with access to
Ethiopia modern health is not well clear in the whole country. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge,
attitudes, practice and management of TM among the community of Burka Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia.
Address for correspondence: Methodology: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted on a total of 282 sampled individuals’ selected
Mr. Messay Wolde‑Mariam, using systematic random sampling from January 28, 2013 to February 8, 2013 in Burka Jato Kebele, Nekemte
E‑mail: wmessay
town, East Wollega Zone, West of Ethiopia. Results: The majority (94.22%) of people in the study area relied
@gmail.com
on TM. Most of them were aware of medicinal herbs (55.7%). About half (40.79%) of the respondents were
aware of the major side‑effects of TM such as diarrhea (36.64%). About 31.85% of them prefer traditional
medical practices (TMP) because they are cheap. Most (50%) of the species were harvested for their leaves
to prepare remedies, followed by seed (21.15%) and root (13.46%) and the methods of preparation were
pounding (27.54%), crushing (18.84%), a concoction (15.95%) and squeezing (13.04%). About 53.84% of
them were used as fresh preparations. Remedies were reported to be administered through oral (53.85%),
dermal or topical (36.54%), buccal (3.85%) and anal (5.77%). Conclusion: The study revealed that the use of
TMs were quite popular among the population and a large proportion of the respondents not only preferred,
but also used TMs notwithstanding that they lived in the urban communities with better access to modern
medical care and medical practitioners. To use TM as a valuable alternative to conventional western medicine,
further investigation must be undertaken to determine the validity, efficacy of the plants to make it available
as an alternative medicine to human beings.
Received : 05‑07‑14
Review completed : 06‑09‑14
Accepted : 01‑10‑14 KEY WORDS: Attitude, knowledge, management, practice, traditional medicine

T he World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional

medicine (TM) as health practices, approaches, knowledge
and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based
medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises,
applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and
prevent illnesses and maintain well‑being. In Africa, up to
80% of the population uses TM for primary health care. For
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example TM is used in Ghana, Mali, Nigeria and Zambia,
widely widely for the treatment of fever resulting from malaria.
One‑third of the population in developing countries lack access
to essential medicines, and traditional birth attendants(TBAs)
are commonly assisting in many African countries.[1]
There are widespread systems of traditional and complementary
medicine, which includes Ayurvedic medicine in South Asia,
especially in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka.
In china, traditional herbal preparations account for 30-50% of
total medicinal consumption.[2]

Traditional medicine in Ethiopia is characterized by historical

DOI: developments related to prolonged immigrations from the
10.4103/0975-7406.148782 southern Arabian Peninsula, the influence of Green culture, and
the introduction of Christianity and Islam.[3] Most traditional

How to cite this article: Gari A, Yarlagadda R, Wolde-Mariam M. Knowledge, attitude, practice, and management of traditional medicine among people of Burka
Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia. J Pharm Bioall Sci 2015;7:136-44.

 136 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2

medical practitioners (TMPs) in Ethiopia rely on an explanation
of disease that draws on both the “mystical” and “natural” causes
of illness and employ a holistic approach to treatment.[4] Despite
western medicine becoming more widespread in Ethiopia,
Ethiopians tend to rely more on TM.[5]
Due to poor access to health services, especially in the rural areas
the majority of the Ethiopian people use TM due to the cultural
acceptability of healers, local pharmacopoeias, the relatively low
cost of TM and difficult access to modern health facilities. In
2000, only 9.45% of all deliveries in Ethiopia were attended by
trained attendants and health worker. The rest was attended by
traditional birth attendants or relatives.[6,7]
The vast majority of Ethiopians live in rural areas where the
health care coverage is low and one of the greatest challenges
faced by the country is determining how best to narrow the gap
between the existing services and the population has access to
them is very limited.[8,9] The progress made so far in this direction
in other countries has allowed for a wide utilization of TM and
better recognition of its practitioners as heritage benefiting the
majority of their people.[10] In Ethiopia, a number of harmful
practices have been traced to healers, including female genital
mutilation, uvelectomy and milk tooth extraction.[11]
In Ethiopia, a little has been done in recent decades to enhance
and develop the beneficial aspects of TM including relevant
research to explore possibilities for its gradual integration into
modern medicine.[12] The Ethiopian people reliance on TM is
also reflected by the fact that Ethiopian migrants in developed
countries continue using them. For example, a number of herbs,
traditional medical devices and traditional practitioners are
available in the UK.[13] Ethiopian patients may feel that they will
be judged by their physician if they disclose their use of TM.[9]
The main body of Ethiopian TM is based on the use of ethno
botany. Some of the ailments that are ordinarily treated with
medicinal plants include abscess, arthritis, ascariasis, burns, colds,
constipation, diabetes, dysentery, eclampsia, gastritis, gonorrhea,
heartburn, headache, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, herpes simplex,
kwashiorkor, leprosy, malaria, measeals, rabies, rheumatism,
scabies, syphilis, schistosomiasis, tinea and toothache.[3]
Many herbal substances that are used in Ethiopian traditional
medicine are also used as ingredients and spices in Ethiopian
food. Consumption of these herbs and spices as part of a normal
diet is not likely to cause adverse herb-drug interactions because
they are consumed in relatively small quantities. However, when
these herbs and spices are utilized for medicinal purposes there
may be an increased likelihood of adverse interactions with
conventional medicines. There are several classes of medications
that are at a higher risk for adverse herb-drug interactions, including
anti-arrhythmic, anti-seizure, anti-diabetic, and anti-coagulant
medication. Health care providers are particularly attuned to these
interactions because these drugs are typically monitored with serum
levels and serum markers (e.g., warfarin, digoxin). The risk is
increased because of the chemical composition of these medicines
and because they treat some of the most common illnesses in the
Ethiopian immigrant population.[9]
Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2 137 
Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia
In spite of the promulgation of the necessary policies, little
has been done in recent decades to enhance and develop the
beneficial aspects of TM including related research and its
gradual integration into modern medicine.[6]
A good insight about traditional system of medicine is essential,
especially in a country where people cannot afford over drug
oriented system of modern health care. In the present study,
knowledge, attitude, practice and management of TM in
comparison to modern medicine (MM) and possible adverse
interactions of TM and MM were assessed.
Methodology
Study area, period and population
A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted from January
28, 2013 to February 8, 2013 in Burka Jato Kebele, Nekemte
town, East Wollega Zone, West Ethiopia, 330 km away
from Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia. There are a total of
4,917 female and 4,515 male individuals in the kebele.
Sample size and sampling technique
A systematic random sampling technique was used. Sample
interval was determined by dividing the total number of
households by sample size and select the first study unit using
“Lottery” method.
The sample size was determined using the formula:
z 2 pq
n=
d2
Hence, n= (1.96 ) ×0.5 (1- 0.5) = 384
2
(0.05)
n = 384, n = minimum sample size
Where; n = desired sample size from the population
Z = Confidence interval, 95% =1.96
P = Population prevalence = 0.5
Q = 1 − p = 1–0.5 = 0.5
D = Degree of accuracy desired at 0.05
Since the number of the population was less than 10,000 (9,432)
and number of households was calculated to be 1070. A
convenience sample of 282 individuals (households) was
selected from the community by systematic random sampling.
Data collection, quality control, analysis and
interpretation
Data were collected by two persons, and the households
were interviewed by using using both closed and open ended
questionnaires. Data collectors were briefed on the objectives,
relevance of the study, on terms and how to collect the data.
The collected data was first checked for Completeness and
analysis was performed both by computer and manually. Chi
square test was used to determine the statistical significance
 Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia

of association between some variables. Results were analyzed, Table 1: Distribution of the study population by socio
interpreted and presented in texts, tables and figures and demographic and economic characteristics of Burka Jato
they were discussed in comparison with some similar studies Kebele, West Ethiopia, February 2013
done before. Category Frequency Percentage
Sex
Ethical issues Male 177 63
Female 105 37
Letter of permission was written from Jimma University, Age
15-19 47 16.7
Pharmacy Department to the chairman of Burka Jato Kebele 20-29 78 27.66
community and explanation about the objectives and use of 30-39 89 31.56
the study was given to the community. Informed consent was 40-49 38 13.47
taken from each person after explaining the purpose of the 50-59 21 7.45
study. Respondents were assured of the confidentiality of their ≥60 9 3.2
Marital status
responses. The interviewers were advised to be as polite as
Single 90 32
possible and respect the response of the person. Married 158 56
Widowed 17 6
Results Divorced 17 6
Ethnicity
Oromo 209 74
A total of 282 respondents participated in the study. Their mean Amhara 42 15
age was 30 and the modal age group was 33 (30–39). Almost all Tigre 23 8.2
of the respondents are living in an urban area. The sex ratio was Others 8 2.84
predominated by male (63%) and the majority was found in the Religion
age group of 30–39 (31.56%). The majority of the population of Muslim 43 15.25
Orthodox 96 34
the Kebele were protestant (46.45%). Oromo Took the highest
Protestant 131 46.45
ethnic group (74%), followed by Amhara (15%). A total of 52 Other 12 4.25
medicinal plant species were identified among this 28 were Educational status
documented [Table 1]. Read and write 8 2.84
Illiterate 12 4.25
Grade 1-6 36 12.8
More than half of the Burka Jato people (56%) were married,
Grade 7-8 66 23.4
and majority of their educational status (48.6%) were between Grade 9-12 137 48.6
grade 9 and 12. More than quarter (26.24%) live by daily labor >12th 23 8.2
and 67% of people earn more than 500 Birr/month [Table 2]. Occupation
Unemployed 33 11.7
Majority of Burka Jato Kebele people were aware of alternative Government employee 56 19.86
Farmer ‑ ‑
treatment options apart from modern medicine (i.e., Student 53 18.79
98.22%). The type of TM known to the respondents were; Maid/house wife 24 8.51
medicinal herbs (55.7%), traditional bone setting (18.8%), Daily labor 74 26.24
cauterization (12.23%), spiritual or faith healing (7%), animal or Merchant 33 11.7
mineral product (4.8%) and traditional birth attendant (1.53%). Other 9 3.2
Income
<100 4 1.42
The majority of the people got information from informal 101-300 15 5.32
sources (family, friend, etc.,) 80%, followed by mass media (TV 301-500 74 26.24
or Radio) 17.85% and newspaper or magazine 1.23%. About half >500 189 67
of the respondents, 40.79% were aware of the major side‑effects
of TM, such as diarrhea (36.64%), vomiting (20.5%), abdominal
pain (14.91%), and the remaining 59.21% were not aware of the Figure 1 shows the various reasons of respondents for preferring
side effects of TM [Table 3]. TM to MM and they were: Cheap 31.85%, effective 26.3%,
accessible 24.07%, acceptable 16.3% and delay in hospital 1.5%.
Based on the rate of curing illness; percentage of people who
selected modern medicine were 73.65%, both modern and TM, The percentage of respondents who suggest the TM should not
21.7%, TM alone 3.97% and those who did not know 0.72%. The be integrated with MM, but should be replaced by MM are;
majority of the respondents did not believe that TMPs could 9.7% and 22.02%, respectively. The percentage of respondents
cure diseases better than (MM) 78.7% and the remaining 21.3% who suggest the TM should not replace by MM, but should be
could believe that TM could cure illness better than MM: Such integrated are, 77.98% and 90.3% respectively [Table 4].
as; hemorrhoids 49.15%, asthma 16.95%, rabies 6.8%, jaundice
16.95%, bone fracture 8.47% and toothache 6.8%. About 67.87% Majority of Burka Jato people 94.22% had practiced TM at least
of the respondents preferred a modern doctor, 26.71% both in the last 2 years and the remaining 5.78% did not practice TM
modern doctor and TMP and the remaining 5.41% prefer TMP. which is shown in Figure 2 below.

 138 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2
 Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia

Table 2: Knowledge of Burka Jato people towards TM, West Table 3: Attitude to TM therapy by the respondents of Burka
Ethiopia, February 2013 Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia, February 2013
Variables Frequency Percentage Variables Frequency Percentage
Aware of any other way of getting Rating of effectiveness in curing illness better
treatment apart from the hospital TM 11 3.97
Yes 277 98.22 MM alone 204 73.65
No 5 1.8 Both of TM and MM 60 21.7
Type of therapy aware of I don’t know 2 0.72
Medical herbals 255 55.7 Do you believe TMP can cure diseases better
Spiritual/faith healing 32 7 than MM?
Cauterization 56 12.23 Yes 59 21.3
Traditional bone setting 86 18.8 No 218 78.7
Animal/mineral product 22 4.8 If yes, to the above Q, for what disease
Traditional birth attendant 7 1.53 treatment TMP are better in your opinion
Have promotional information on TM Mental illness 1 1.7
Yes 277 98.22 Diabetes mellitus ‑ ‑
No 5 1.8 Asthma 10 16.95
Source of information Hemorrhoids 29 49.15
Informal (friend, family) 260 80 Rabies 4 6.8
Newspaper/magazine 4 1.23 Jaundice 10 16.95
Television/radio 58 17.85 Bone fracture 5 8.47
Others 3 0.92 Toothache 4 6.8
Aware of side effects HIV ‑ ‑
Yes 113 40.79 If no, to the Q2, for what disease treatment
No 164 59.21 that TMP fail to cure
Reported side‑effects Malaria 101 17.7
Diarrhea 59 36.64 Tuberculosis 210 36.71
Abdominal pain 24 14.91 Diabetes mellitus 205 35.84
Vomiting 33 20.5 Jaundice 44 8.51
Skin reaction 13 8.1 Other 12 2.1
Abortion 7 4.35 Whom do you prefer to visit first?
Cosmetic problems 21 13 TMP 15 5.41
Liver problem 4 2.5 Modern doctor 188 67.87
Both 74 26.71
TM: Traditional medicine
Reasons for preferring TM
Cheap 86 31.85
As shown in Table 4, TM was most commonly given to elder Accessible 65 24.01
32.62%, children 24.11%, adult 17.02%, pregnant women, 2.13% Acceptable 44 16.3
Effective 71 26.3
and the remaining 24.11% did not know for whom TM was most Delay in hospital 4 1.5
commonly given. Half of those people who practiced TM in the Do you think TM should be replaced by MM?
last 2 years, advised sick person to go first for TM 49.82% and the Yes 61 22.02
remaining 50.18% did not advice sick person to go first for TM. No 216 77.98
What are the reasons you sought for
replacement of TM by MM?
As depicted in Table 5 people who practiced TM in the Due to side effects of TM 20 32.78
last 2 years, those who manage acute or chronic illness TM is not scientifically researched 13 21.31
by themselves (self‑medication) were 50.57%, those who TM is not effective for chronic illness 15 24.59
visited traditional healers 21.07% and those who practiced TMP are not trained 10 16.39
Some TM were extinct 3 4.92
both (i.e. self‑medication and visit TMP) were 28.35%. There If no to the above Q, do you think it is better if
were different type of illness that were managed by TM, among TM is integrated with MM
them cough 38.24% was the leading one. Type of TM used; Yes 195 90.3
medicinal herbs 70.57%, bone setting 16%, animal or mineral No 21 9.7
product 11.43% and spiritual faith healing 2%. What are the reasons you sought for
integration of TM to MM?
TM and MM are effective for different illness 25 12.82
The majority of the people did not select time to collect or use TM is cheap and easily accessible 65 33.33
TM accounts for 86.24% and the remaining 13.76% had time TMP is easily accessible 65 33.33
selection to collect or use TM. The containers where they store TM are culturally acceptable 40 20.51
TM were: Bottles 43.27%, pieces of cloth 16.98%, leaves 10.57%, TM: Traditional medicine; MM: Modern medicine; TMP: Traditional
paper 1.92%, cup of tea 0.96% and the remaining 26.3% do not medical practices
store it (i.e. for single use only).
were reported through pounding (27.54%), crushing (18.84%),
Most of the species (50%) were harvested for their leaves to a concoction (15.95%) and squeezing (13.04%) of the various
prepare remedies. Preparation of remedies from seed (21.15%) parts of medicinal plants. About 53.84% of the medicinal species
and root (13.46%). The principal methods of remedy preparation were cited to be used in fresh forming remedy preparations.

Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2 139 
 Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia

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Figure 1: Percentage distribution of respondents on reasons for

preferring traditional medicine in Burka Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia,
February 2013 Figure 2: Percentage distribution of respondents on practice of
traditional medicine in Burka Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia, February 2013

Table 4: Practice of TM by Burka Jato Kebele, West Ethiopia

the majority of the people who practice TM, prefer it due to
Variables Frequency Percentage
its cost (cheap: 31.85%), since TM is very cheap compared
Used TM in the last 2 years
to modern medicine. About twenty eight different medicinal
Yes 261 94.22
No 16 5.78 plants, six animal products and a mineral product were found
For whom TM is most commonly given to be used traditionally for treatment and/or management of
Child 68 24.11 various ailments by the study subjects in Burka Jato kebele,
Adult 48 17.02 West Ethiopia [Tables 9 and 10].
Elder 92 32.62
Pregnant women 6 2.13
I don’t know 68 24.11 Discussion
Combines medication given in
traditional system with MM Due to poor access to health services, especially in the rural
Yes 0 0
No 277 100
areas, the majority of the Ethiopian people rely mainly on TM
If yes to above Q, was there any for the system of their primary health care needs.[6] As there is
problem encountered no adequate study done in Burka Jato Kebele and also in other
Yes ‑ ‑ regional Kebeles in Ethiopia, regarding TM knowledge, practice,
No ‑ ‑
management as well as their attitudes, it is hoped that findings
Can advise a sick person to first go for
Traditional medical therapy from this study will also initiate different stake holders to get
Yes 138 49.82 involved in this area and it will be helpful as a baseline for other
No 139 50.18 studies that will be conducted in the future. It will be of great
TM: Traditional medicine; MM: Modern medicine importance to plan for control measures against any health
hazards from abuse of alternative medical therapy. Therefore, it
would be of important value to assess the knowledge, attitude,
Relatively 42.31% medicinal plant species were reported to be
practice and management of TM among the community. TM and
used in dried form and 3.84% in fresh or dried. Remedies were associated knowledge in the study area, one of the alternatives
reported to be administered through oral (53.85%), dermal or for the solution of health problem, rises in a large segment of
topical (36.54%), buccal (3.85%) and anal (5.77%) which are the rural population are employing TM in general and medicinal
shown in Table 5. plant in particular. However, documentation of this indigenous
knowledge of healing system still remains at minimum level.
Among the cited medicinal plant species of the study area, the Similar observations have also reported in research done by Zein
majority (65.35%) were wild or cultivated. Whereas 25% of the and Kloos.[3]
reported medicinal plant species were cultivated. Few species,
9.61% were indicated as wild/cultivated. The present study reported that the majority 98.22% of
the respondents were aware of an alternative way of getting
There was no relationship or association between respondents treatment for their ailments apart from modern medicine.
age, educational status and the practice of TM (Tables 6 and The forms of alternative medical therapies (AMT) respondents
7) respectively, as all tests of association were not statistically were aware of include; medicinal herbs (55.7%), and traditional
significant P > 0.05. However, there was association between bone settings (18.8%) among others similar to the research
income and practice of TM. As all tests of association was conducted in Nigeria; 90.4% of the respondents were aware
statistically significant P < 0.05 [Table 8]. This is because of alternative way of getting treatment, medicinal herbs and

 140 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2
 Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia

Table 5: Management of TM by Burka Jato Kebele, West Table 5: Contd...

Ethiopia Variables Frequency Percentage
Variables Frequency Percentage Heating 9 13.04
How do you manage acute or chronic illness? Crushing 13 18.84
Self‑medication with traditional medical 132 50.57 Squeezing 9 13.04
practice Condition of plant used
Visiting TMP 55 21.07 Dried 22 42.31
Both 74 28.35 Fresh 28 53.84
Type of illness TM used for Fresh/dried 2 3.84
Malaria 9 2.14 Plant type
Ascariasis 24 5.7 Wild 34 65.38
Fever 29 6.9 Cultivated 13 25
Diarrhea 71 16.86 Wild/cultivated 45 9.61
Cough 161 38.24 Route of administration
Hemorrhoids 3 0.71 Oral 28 53.85
Rabies 5 1.2 Topical 19 36.54
Asthma 6 1.42 Buccal 2 3.85
Jaundice 4 0.95 Anal 3 5.77
Toothache 22 5.22 TM: Traditional medicine, TMP: Traditional medical practices
Bone fracture 9 2.14
Snake bite 3 0.71
Mental illness 1 0.24 Table 6: Association between age and practice of TM
Evil spirit (evil eye) 6 1.42
Bleeding/injury 6 1.42 Age in year Practice of TM
Ring worm/skin disease 4 0.95 Yes No
Spider bite 4 0.95 15-19 44 3
Bird disease 2 0.47 20-29 76 2
Tonsil 50 11.87 30-39 80 9
Type of TM used 40-49 37 1
Medicinal herbs 247 70.57 50-59 20 1
Spiritual/faith healing 7 2 ≥60 9 0
Animal or mineral product 40 11.43 Total 266 16
Bone setting 56 16
Any combination of the above ‑ ‑ Chi‑square=5.96, Degree of freedom=5, P=0.310. TM: Traditional
Time selection to collect or use medicinal plant medicine
Yes 34 13.76
No 213 86.24
Reasons for selecting a time to collect or use Table 7: Association between educational status and practice
medicinal plants of TM
Due to shadow problem 12 35.3 Educational status Practice of TM
The TM is effective only in the morning 9 26.47
Yes No
Do not cure illness if not collected before 11 32.35
eating (fasting) Illiterate 12 0
Sleep disturbance 2 5.9 Read and write 8 0
Where to store the prepared TM Grade 1-6 35 1
Bottles 135 43.27 Grade 7-8 62 4
Paper 6 1.92 Grade 9-12 127 10
Leaves 33 10.57 >12th grade 22 1
Pieces of cloth 53 16.98 Total 266 16
For single use only 82 26.3
Chi‑square=2.54, Degrees of freedom=5, P=0.771. TM: Traditional
Cup of tea 3 0.96
medicine
Type of spiritual healers
Debtera 7 ‑
Kalicha ‑ ‑ Table 8: Association between income and practice of TM
Tenquay ‑ ‑
Part of plant used Income per month (Birr) Practice of TM
Leaf 26 50 Yes No
Root 7 13.46 <100 4 0
Stem 6 11.54 100-300 14 1
Fruit (seed) 11 21.15 301-500 65 9
Bud 2 3.84 >500 183 6
Preparation method Total 266 16
Decoction 2 3
Concoction 11 15.94 Chi‑square=8.30, Degrees of freedom=3, P=0.040. TM: Traditional
Pounding 19 27.54 medicine
Powdering 6 8.69
Heating 9 13.04
traditional bone settings were common among other forms
Contd... of AMT.[14] The major source of information regarding TM

Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2 141 
 
Table 9: Herbal medicines used in traditional medicine among the people in Burka Jato kebele, West Ethiopia, Feburary 2013
Local name of the Scientific name of the plant Part of the Intended use of Preparation method Condition of Route of Plant source: Collection
plant plant used the plant plant used administration Wild or time

142
Cultivated
Handodee (O) Phytolacca dodecandra L’Herit. Root Rabies Pounded and mixed with water Dried Oral Wild Morning
Phytolaccaceae
Qomonyoo (O) Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill. Bud Tooth ache Heating with fire Fresh Buccal Wild Morning
Simaroubaceae
Xenadem (A) Ruta chalepensis L. Leaf Abdominal pain Crushed, squeezed with water Fresh Oral Cultivated Any time
Rutaceae
Bosoqqee (O) Kalanchoe densiflora Rolfe. Crassulaceae Stem Hemorrhoids Heating with fire Fresh Anal Wild Any time
Geeshoo (O) Rhamnus prinoides L’Hér. Rhamnaceae Leaf Tonsil Crushed, squeezed with water Fresh Oral Cultivated Any time
Eebicha (O) Vernonia amygdalina Delile Asteraceae Leaf Jaundice Pounded, mixed with water (concoct) Dried Oral Wild/cultivated Any time
Damakasee (O) Ocimum urticifolia Roth Leaf Mich (sun stroke) Crushed, squeezed with water Fresh Ear,nasal Cultivated Any time
Lamiaceae
Sotalloo (0) Millettia ferruginea Hochst. Seed Foot problem Pounded mixed with butter Fresh Topical Wild Any time
Fabaceae
Maracaa (O) Mimulopsis solmsii Schweinf. Acanthaceae Stem Eye disease Simply applying on eye Fresh Topical Wild Any time
Maxannee (O) Achyranthes aspera L. Leaf Spider bite Concoct, powdered and mixed with Fresh/dried Topical Wild Any time
Amaranthaceae butter
Ceekaa (O) Calpurnia aurea Benth. Leaf Tonsil Crushed, squeezed with water Fresh Oral Wild Any time
Fabaceae
Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia

Umba’oo (O) Peponium vogelli Hook.f. Cucurbitaceae Leaf Abdominal Pain Crushed, squeezed with water Fresh Oral Wild Any time
Tamboo (O) Nicotiana glauca Graham Leaf Snake bite Decoction Fresh Oral Cultivated Any time
Solanaceae
Abbayyii (O) Maesa lanceolata Forssk. Leaf Spider bite Concoct, powdered and mixed butter Dried Topical Wild Any time
Myrsinaceae
Burunyuu (O) Grewia ferruginea Hochst. seed Heart failure Pounded mixed with water Dried Oral Wild Any time
Tiliaceae
Hanfarree (O) Buddleja polystachya Marquand Loganiaceae Leaf Tonsil Pounded, mixed with water Dried Oral Wild Any time
Koosoo (O) Hagenia abyssinica Willd. Seed Ascariasis Pounded Dried Oral Wild Any time
Rosaceae
Zinjibil (A) Zingiber officinale Roscoe Zingiberacea Root Abdominal pain Crushed Fresh Oral
Qabarichoo (O) Echinops kebericho Mesfin Stem Fever (headache) Heating with fire Dried Topical Wild Any time
Asteraceae
Ancabbi (O) Ocimum species Seed Bleeding (injury) Powdered Dried Topical Wild Any time
Lamiaceae
Haanquu (O) Embelia schimperi Vatke. Seed Ascariasis Pounded, mixed with water Dried Oral Wild Any time
Myrsinaceae
Dhumugaa (O) Justicia schimperiana T. Root Rabies Pounded together (concoct), mixed Dried Oral Wild/cultivated Any time
Acanthaceae with water
Dhumugaa (O) Justicia schimperiana T. Leaf Headache Concoction (heating with fire) Fresh Topical Wild Any time
Acanthaceae
Fiitii (O) Clematis longicauda Steud. Leaf Bird disease Pounded and mixed with butter Dried Topical Wild Any time
Ranunculaceae
Papayaa (O) Carica papaya L. Seedor Dandruff Crushing Fresh Topical Cultivated Any time
Caricaceae Fruit
Qulubbii warabesaa (O) Unidentified Root Hemorrhoids Heating with fire Fresh Anal Wild Any time
Xoofoo (O) Unidentified Leaf Rabies Concoct, pounded, mixed with water Dried Oral Wild Any time
Mukarbaa (O) Albizia gummifera J.F. Gmel. Leaf Ascariasis Pounded, mixed with water Dried Oral Wild Any time
Fabaceae

Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2

A=Amharic, O =Afanoromo
 Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia

Table 10: Some animal products and minerals used in traditional medicine among the people in Burka Jato kebele, West
Ethiopia, Feburary 2013
Type of animal products or minerals used Method of preparation Use Root of
as TM administration
Foon xaddee (meat of hedgehog) Eating the meat of Hedgehog by asthmatic patient by heating Asthma Oral
Amarti Birrii (silver ring) Heating the ring then applying to the affected area. (Cauterization) Edema Topical
Fando Harree (feces of donkey) Simply inhaling it (Inhalation) Nasal bleeding Nasal
Damma‑daamuu+Daakuu Bunaa (coffee Mixing the honey (Damma‑daamuu) with the powder of coffee then Jaundice Oral
powder+honey) using 1tbs every day in the morning
Tiru saree marattee (liver of infected dog) Eating the raw liver of the infected dog after scrificing the dog Rabies Oral
Simbira halkanii (bat) 1st killing the bat, then drying it as it is Jaundice Topical
2nd Grinding the dried part of the bat,
3rd Mixing the powder with butter (raw)
4th Applying to the affected part
Fincaan (urine) Washing the mouth by the urine of oneself for infected teeth Tooth ache Buccal

were through: Informal sources (friends, family) 80%, which
was higher than the research done at Arsi Zone (56.2%), East
Ethiopia,[15] this might be due to lack of documentation or
written standards and information concerning TM as it was
transmitted orally from generation to generation. About
40.79% of the respondents were aware of the side effects from
TM and these include diarrhea (36.67%), vomiting (20.5%)
and abdominal pain (14.91%), which is similar to the research
conducted in Nigeria, where 54.9% of the respondents were
aware of side effects, diarrhea 69.7%, vomiting 40.2% and
abdominal pain 42.2%.[15]
Only 3.97% of all the respondents who were aware of AMT
believed that it could cure all forms of illness better than modern
medicine (73.65%) and the remaining 21.7% respondents
believed in both traditional and modern medicine. This is
slightly lower than the research conducted in Nigeria, about
42% of all respondents believed in AMT.[14] The respondents’
fear of TM might be due to its side effects. Notwithstanding
their knowledge of side effects and injuries from TM, about
21.3% of the respondents preferred TM to modern medicine
which is similar to the research reported by Elujoba et al. about
35.7% prefer TM.[16] The reasons for preference of TM might
be it is; cheap (31.85%), effective (26.3%), accessible (24.07%),
acceptable (16.3%) and delay in hospital (1.5%). This is similar
to the research conducted in Nigeria; cheap (21.4%), accessible
(16.4%) and acceptable (13.4%).[14] More than half (77.98%)
of respondents do not prefer a replacement of TM by modern
medicine. Among this 90.3% prefer the integration of TM to
modern medicine which correlates to the research done at Arsi
Zone (East Ethiopia), 83.8% of the people are advocating for
integration of TM into the modern medicine.[15]
The percentage of respondents who practiced TM in the last
2 years was, 94.22%, which correlates to the research reported
by WHO, where 80% Ethiopian people practice or use TM.[2]
Half of those respondents who practiced TM (49.82%), advised
sick people to go to first for traditional medical practitioners
which is higher than the research reported by Elujoba et al.:
Only 28.7% advice traditional medical practitioners.[16] This
might be because TM is intricately interwoven with the culture,
socioeconomic and social cultural heritages of the respondents.
The ailments most commonly managed by the respondents were
Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences April-June 2015 Vol 7 Issue 2 143 
cough (38.24%) and diarrhea (16.86%) among others. This is
similar to the research reported in Bench ethnic group (South
West Ethiopia) by Giday et al., about 14% of the respondents
used TM for the treatment of GIT problems.[17]
The local community mostly used leaves (50%) for the
preparation of remedies and the root takes the second proportion
13.46%. Certain ethno botanical research in another part of the
country reported similar result leaves (64.52%) followed by roots
(19.35%), to be mostly used in the treatment of various health
problems.[18] The majority of the harvested medicinal plants
(65.38%) were wild, which is correlated to the research reported
in Bench ethnic group by Giday et al., 86%.[17] About 53.84% of
the medicinal plant species were cited to be used in fresh form
for remedy preparations and followed by dried (42.31%), which
correlates to the research reported by Yineger and Yewhalaw,
where 64.52% of the medicinal plant species were in fresh form.[18]
Oral and topical (dermal) were the major routes of administration
of plant remedies. Accordingly 53.85% of the preparations were
taken orally followed by topical or dermal (36.54%). Similarly
Yirga and Zeraburk, have reported oral route (67.3%) and
topical (30.6%) of application. Traditional medicinal plants were
harvested mainly for their leaves and roots.[13]
A study conducted in Bench ethnic group indicated that some
TM were used against the following eight human ailments:
Gastro-intestinal complaints (14%), ear diseases (11%),
deformation of fingers (9%), inflammation (6%), toothache
(6%) rheumatic pain (3%), rabies (3%) and jaundice (3%).
The majority (86%) of medicinal plants used by Bench ethnic
group were uncultivated species, most of them were weeds and
abundantly growing in disturbed habitats, mainly in crop fields,
fallow lands and along hedgerows.[17]
A cross-sectional study conducted in Arsi Zone indicated that
the local community acquired knowledge about TM from
relatives accounted for (56.2%), traditional healers (30%), by
themselves (3.7%), religious books (2.5%).Those who obtained
knowledge from their relatives, expressed willingness to convey
their knowledge, and preferred modern medicine accounted for
56.2%, 78.7% and 77.5%, respectively. According to this study,
83.8% of respondents supported the integration of TM with
modern health service system and the remaining 12.3% did not
support and few (3.8%) had no opinion. [15]
 Gari, et al.: KAP and management of traditional medicine in West Ethiopia
Conclusion
This study revealed that the use of TM is quite popular among
the respondents and a large proportion of them not only preferred
but also used TM not withstanding that they live around urban
communities with better access to modern medical care
and medical practitioners. Since safety and efficacy of the
remedies used in TM remain largely unknown and untested
to have met the gold standard therapy, advising patients and
the general public who use or seek TM presents a professional
challenge. Furthermore, local leaders, government and other
stake holders in the sector should regulate the activities of the
alternative medical therapists or practitioners and find a way
of fully integrating their practices into the modern medicine.
Regulations should be made concerning the advertisement of
alternative medicine and practices since appropriate diagnosis
were usually not made for the use of these drugs and respondents
were usually not aware of the requirements.
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Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared.
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