The Importance Of Traditional Medicine

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INTRODUCTION
In this essay I will be discussing on how I can change the negative perceptions of indigenous knowledge systems in society in South Africa, mainly focusing on the use of traditional medicine as it has been gradually prohibited from many societies by people that sees such practices as witchcraft and considered to be superstitious. I will be discussing this looking at various perceptions of different individuals.
When looking in various perceptions of different people in our communities, most people claim that they see no use of traditional herbs as they do not work anyway, as some believe that they can only be used for witchcraft purposes. Contrary to those beliefs, however, traditional medicine has been proven to be quite effective
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Considering the fact that people back then lived longer than of today. Traditional medicine is usually community based, we still have some illnesses or taboo that only traditional herbs can cure, known to be makgome and lethopa. Before the establishment of science-based medicine, traditional medicine was the dominant medical system for millions of individuals in Africa but the coming of the Europeans was a noticeable turning point in the history of this old custom and culture. However, treatments and remedies of traditional medicine have gained more appreciation of researchers and science.
WESTERN WORLD VIEW
Looking at Westerns view point, in the past, westerns have considered methods of traditional medicine as backward and the healers were also outlawed as they were seen as practitioners of magic and witchcraft. Western view point also argued that the use of traditional medicine is non -hygienic, risky to its users as it doesn’t have an exact amount of measurement and no proper research/ experiments were made. Finally, the government supported this by integrating both traditional and western healers to improve the whole health care system and the purification; and the packaging of traditional herbs is now in use.
CHRISTIAN
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In my view, I say we don’t pray ancestors, we speak to them. We pray God. The use of traditional medication has helped my ancestors throughout the centuries, way before science could create a laboratory for the research and development of the ordinary cough mixture. The traditional medication are just normal natural plants that we see every day, for example, Aloe, it helps to heal certain disease and can also be used for skin care. It is not demonic or backwards to use traditional medicine; one should not see or view things strictly from one perspective. Science has tested the power of traditional herbs, now they are measured, bottled and sold, people are now buying them unquestionably yet they still claim to undermine the power of traditional medicine.
SUPPORTING PARAGRAPH Indigenous people throughout the world, occupying different agro-ecological zones have generated vast bodies of knowledge related to the management of their environment. This store of knowledge is known by many names. It is termed "indigenous knowledge", "traditional knowledge", "indigenous technical knowledge" (Howes & Chambers 1980).

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