Paper on the study of ethnobotany and traditional medicine in Bushi (Kivu, Zaire)

Journal/Book: Anthropos. 1996; 91: Janssen Str, W-5205 Sankt Augustin, Germany. Anthropos Inst. 53-74.

Abstract: After introducing the phytogeography, climate, soils, agriculture, history, social organisation, traditional religion, traditional concepts of diseases, and spirit-possessed healers of the Bushi, 91 plants belonging to 39 families are listed alphabetically with their scientific names, the localities where they were found, their local names, their medical use and, occasionally, an indication of biotope, nature of soil, and altitude; followed by a list of 45 different uses in human and veterinary medicine of these plants with further ethnological information on dermatology, gynecology, kwashiorkor, salt ''mwenga,'' and fish-poison for fishing. A classification and interdisciplinary interpretation of the local names of plants is attempted.

Note: Article E Schneider, Weisse Vater, Guiollettstr 35, D-60325 Frankfurt, Germany

Keyword(s): Zaire; Bashi; ethnobotany; ethnomedicine; ethnopharmacology; classification; spirit-possessed healers; Mashi; PLANTS

Zurück | Weiter