Medical Anthropology Topic: Traditional and Bio-Medical Practice: Integrating traditional and modern systems in the Nigerian health care delivery. Research Question: To what extent, if any, has traditional medicine in comparison to Bio-Medical practice, been incorporated to the health care delivery systems in Nigeria and how much promotion is given to the significance and efficacy of the practice of traditional medicine in curing same illness? Abstract:
Medicine, in westernized societies, draws upon scientific formulas and is used to treat illnesses and diseases of the physical health. What is taken for granted, pharmaceutically, in these societies is not so in others. Alternative methods of healing are used in cultures that either do not have access to this type of medicine or choose to treat illnesses on the basis of their spiritual and religious beliefs. Focusing specifically on Yoruba culture and religion, traditional healing practices are an
the very first time. My 7-year-old self, full with excitement and glee could not wait to finally visit my parents’ motherland, Nigeria. Being born in America, visiting such different nation was a culture shock for me especially because I was so young. While I was there, I experienced many different things with my parents such as participating in many Nigerian traditional events and becoming more exposed to the roots I was brought up from. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, there was an event
request for information may be viewed with some suspicion until it clear why the questions are being asked but once the trust is established, personal information is given more freely. Middle Easterners generally have respect for western medicine but they may believe in some superstitious cause of
their different cultures, beliefs, and treatments. All of these aspects can be seen in the book “No Witchcraft for Sale” First of all there are many countries in africa that believe in witchdoctors. The Babalawo, Adahunse, and the Onisegun people of Nigeria, and the sangoma,
African Medical Traditions In South America, there is one traditional practitioner for every 700-1,200 people, while in other parts of Africa there is one physician for every 17,400 people. There are many more traditional healers in Africa, for example in Kenya there is one traditional healer for every 833 people. Nigeria has more: one healer per 110 people. African healers use historic cultural treatments and rely on long-established remedies to cure patients. These healers use their beliefs to
to not only get to know a fellow nursing student from Nigeria, but I am privileged to now call her a dear friend. In order to get to know my interviewee, E. E., it is important to learn about her distinct heritage. She has such an interesting story that even prior to this interview, I found myself eager to learn more about her and her life in Nigeria. While researching about the Nigerian culture, I gathered information related to traditional language, religion, diet, values, gender roles, and health
story stereotypes that dominate many contemporary discourses on Africa. Written in the genre of historical fiction, Adichie’s novel transcends beyond mere historical narration and recreates the polyphonic experiences of varying groups of people in Nigeria before and after the Civil War. She employs temporal distortion in her narrative, distorting time in order to illustrate the intertwining effects of the past and present, immersing deep into the impact of western domination that not only catalyzed
albicans. Most the plant parts were found to contain alkaloids, tannins, phenols and flavonoids except for the absence of cardic glycosides in the root, tannins in leaves, and phenol in seed. The significance of the plant parts in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of these phytochemicals were discussed with respect to the role of these plant parts in
For example, Telfairia occidentalis, or Ugu, is a tropical plant native to Nigeria and is known for its many health benefits (Ehiagbonare, 2008). Most Nigerian families consume Ugu in daily meals due to its health restoration value (Ehiagbonare, 2008). The leaves contain essential oils, vitamins, and minerals, such as iron, and are frequently used in Nigeria for the treatment of anemia. Nigerians also believe that the plant has lactating properties and is almost always