Traditional medicine in Nigeria: The appraisal of an African cultural heritage

Abstract

frica is a culturally heterogeneous continent. It has witnessed changes in virtually all facets of life. Nevertheless, certain traits of African cultures have subsisted despite social and cultural changes. One of such is traditional medicine, which was the earliest means of healthcare delivery in the continent that is still widely practiced today. Its Africanness consists in its uniqueness to Africa, which is inherent in its age-long practice among the peoples and societies of Africa. This paper therefore, examines the nature and common characteristics of traditional medicine in Africa, south of the Sahara using Nigeria as a reference point. It posits that because of its antiquity, traditional medicine is not just a means of solving health problems but also an important, African cultural heritage. Review shows that, traditional medicine is an organized system of healthcare delivery, which cuts across different societies and cultures of Africa. It is recommended that governments of African countries should educate or enlighten their peoples on the need to see traditional medicine not only as a means of healing but also as an important African heritage, which should be appreciated and preserved.