Traditional Medicine In Ethiopia

Plants have been used as a source of medicine in Ethiopia from time immemorial to treat different ailments. This is often linked to ethnic and cultural diversity coupled with an array of unique flora and fauna that are employed as the prime-tools in the fight against numerous health problems. Even with the advent of modern medicine, this indigenous health care delivery system is the major source of care for an estimated 80% of the population. More than 95% of traditional medical preparations are of plant origin The Ethiopian flora is estimated to contain between 6500 and 7000 species of higher plants of which about 12% are endemic. The Directorate of Traditional and Modern Medicine (TMMRD) within EPHI conducting operational and basic research on the quality, efficacy and safety of traditional and modern medicine including the factors affecting the rational utilization and factors determine drug resist stance for the major health problems of the country.