To explore the perceptions of traditional and modern practitioners regarding the use of traditional medicine in reproductive health among the Khoisan of Zimbabwe.
Approach:
Key Findings:
Seven key themes and twenty-three subcategory themes were identified regarding traditional medicine use in reproductive health.
Key themes included Types of traditional medicines, Administration and Preparation Techniques, Reproductive Practices, Knowledge Transmission, Perceived Efficacy and Safety, Research and Education.
Specific traditional medicines used include Colophospermum mopane roots, whole plants of Pouzolzia hypoleuca, water snake/fish, soot from old, thatched kitchens, and donkey placentas for labor and delivery, and Salvadora persica L, Ximenia caffra, Solanum campylacanthum, Sclerocarya caffra, and Drimia sanguinea for treating gonorrhea.
Interpretation:
The Khoisan people rely heavily on traditional medicine for reproductive health, with various administration methods including topical, oral, and steam baths.
Limitations:
The study is limited to specific districts and may not represent the entire Khoisan population.
The qualitative nature of the study may introduce bias based on the practitioners' perspectives.
Conclusion:
An ethnographic study should be conducted to determine the hidden constituents that are not limited to common herbs.
A structured overview of recent FDA recalls, corrections, and alerts involving medications, ventilators, insulin delivery systems, cardiovascular devices, anesthesia products, and other equipment used in clinical practice.
