Indigenous Knowledge and practices of women herb sellers of Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, the knowledge and practices of herb sellers, who are mostly women has not been documented. Preliminary survey of the herb selling profession was carried out. Sixty-five women herb sellers located in major towns and cities in Southwestern, Nigeria, Ile-ife (15), Ibadan (15), Abeokuta (15) and Lagos (20) were interviewed, 51 women responded. The results showed that herb sellers are a link to Traditional Medicine Practitioners (TMPs) and the populace as they sell medicinal plants, small animals and animal parts to them. They treat malaria, gonorrhoea, skin problems, candidiasis, impotence, infertility and rheumatism. They give antenatal and general care to women and children. Their indication of plants most commonly used may be an indication of plants under pressure and possibly over exploited, as their concern over unavailability of plants, which used to be abundant was expressed. The herb sellers indicated an inadequate knowledge of plant preservation.