Medicinal plants of the Marachi people of Kenya

Abstract

A study carried out among the Marachi, of Western Province, Kenya, resulted in the recording of about 140 medicinal plant species from 42 (sub-)families. Taxa with over 5 species were: Compositae (20), Euphorbiaceae (11), Papilionoideae (9), Labiatae (8), Acanthaceae (6) and Caesalpinioideae (6). Common ailments treated were gastro-intestinal diseases like stomach-ache, skin problems like wounds and fungal infections, colds and coughs, headaches, fevers, sexually transmitted diseases, and respiratory diseases. Disease and treatment are perceived as the physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of one’s well-being, therefore treatment often involves rituals in addition to the administration of medicine. Most herbal medicines are harvested from the wild, and herbal practitioners are quite knowledgeable on the flora of the area.