The world of medicine has always been one of intrigue. Every medicine is actually harmful, with dosage making all the difference. And while it’s true that modern medicine has reached an almost miraculous point, before Western influence, we still managed to remedy some of the maladies that caused us harm.
This brings me to today’s article: Should Africans ditch their traditional remedies for modern medicine? Why are they abandoning traditional medicine in the first place, and perhaps, why shouldn’t they?
Why Are Africans Moving Away from Traditional Medicine?
For centuries, traditional medicine has been the go-to for African communities—herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and indigenous knowledge passed down through generations. Herbs like Omululuza, Kigaji (Aloe vera) and whatnot have long been trusted treatments among natives.
I remember when I was young, whenever I got a wound, my grandma would squeeze leaves from a tomato plant, and within a few days, it would heal. But in recent years, modern pharmaceuticals have taken over households to the point where some traditional remedies are seen as outdated or dismissed as mere herbalism. Why?
Colonial Influence and the Modernization Mindset.
Western medicine was introduced during the colonial era, gradually marginalizing indigenous medical knowledge. Over time, modern healthcare became the gold standard, pushing traditional remedies into the shadows. Truth be told, modern medicine and healthcare emerged at a time when traditional know-how struggled with certain illnesses—remember the introduction of quinine to combat malaria?
Furthermore, modern medicine brought convenience. Where one once had to scavenge for herbs, modernization came with a few tablets in a bottle that could be stored for months.
Scientific Skepticism.
Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which undergo rigorous scientific testing, many traditional remedies lack documented clinical trials. This has led to doubts about their efficacy and safety, even though many have been used effectively for centuries.
To a modern mind, 2*3 dosage feels more reliable than traditional ‘juice-a-few-leaves of plant X in about two cups of water and take sparingly…
Urbanization and Accessibility of Modern Healthcare.
With the rapid growth of cities, more people have access to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. Unlike before, where a village healer or herbalist was the only option, today, popping a pill from the nearest pharmacy feels faster, more convenient, and—some believe—more reliable than scouring for a Mululuza plant in Kampala or any city for that matter. This alone has made traditional medicine impractical for modern lifestyles.
Government Regulations and Western Medicine Domination.
Many governments in Africa prioritize modern medicine, often sidelining traditional medicine in policy-making. The pharmaceutical industry, supported by research and global influence, makes it challenging for traditional medicine to thrive in a regulated healthcare space.
Why Africans Shouldn’t Completely Abandon Traditional Medicine.
Despite the undeniable advancements of modern medicine, dismissing traditional remedies entirely may not be the best approach.
Traditional Medicine is Natural and Often Gentler
Many traditional African remedies rely on natural herbs and plants, often containing fewer synthetic chemicals than modern drugs. This makes them less likely to cause severe side effects compared to some pharmaceutical drugs, which, while effective, can carry risks like dependency, liver damage, or antibiotic resistance. In fact, the list of side effects for some medicines often sounds worse than the conditions they aim to treat.
Cost and Accessibility
In rural communities, access to modern healthcare is still a challenge—hospitals may be miles away, and pharmaceutical drugs can be expensive. Traditional medicine provides an affordable and locally available alternative for many Africans.
Holistic Healing vs. Symptom Treatment
Modern medicine is excellent at targeting symptoms, but traditional medicine often takes a more holistic approach, treating the whole person, not just the ailment. Some traditional practices focus on strengthening the immune system and improving overall well-being, rather than just addressing immediate symptoms. So, while Coartem treats malaria, traditional medicines will more likely aim at boosting overall health.
Scientific Recognition of Herbal Medicine
Many modern drugs are derived from traditional medicine. Take quinine, for example, which is used to treat malaria. It comes from the bark of the cinchona tree, used by indigenous communities long before it became a pharmaceutical product. There’s growing interest in studying and formalizing African medicinal plants, which could lead to safer and more effective traditional treatments.
So, should we choose one over the other? I think that instead of choosing one over the other, why not use both, supplementing the other where safe and manageable? Some countries, like China, have successfully integrated traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, and I believe Africa can do the same.
Encouraging research and documentation of traditional remedies is key—this was seen during the COVID-19 period with the development of COVIDEX.
Introducing quality control and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy. Let’s not just concoct and bottle herbs and greens for money, if we can effectively introduce quality control for the numerous self-proclaimed herbalists, perhaps traditional medicine would gain a better reputation rather than a money trap used by fake herbalists and spiritualists.
Promoting collaboration between herbalists and modern doctors for a more inclusive healthcare system. Again, as during the COVID-19 time, herbalists and scientists could collaborate to try and better the standard of traditional medicine.
Should Africans Abandon Traditional Medicine for Modern Tablets?
Not necessarily. While modern medicine has clear benefits, traditional medicine still holds value, especially in regions where pharmaceuticals aren’t easily accessible or affordable. Instead of abandoning indigenous healing completely, I find we should advocate for its integration into the healthcare system, ensuring it meets safety standards while preserving its medical impact.
Written by Muwanguzi A. Enoch
