1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 DEFINITION
Definition of terms relating to the topic terms of ancient
literature of pharmacy, botany and medicine are borne in mind while dealing with traditional medicine. According to the world health organizations definition of traditional medicine could be put as the sum total of all knowledge and practices (whether explicable or not) used in the diagnosis, prevention and elimination of physical, mental and social imbalances which relies exhaustively on practical
experience and observations handed down from generation to generation whether verbally or in writing.
This has led WHO develop an international programme
which will review available scientific data relating to the efficiency of medicinal plants in the treatment of specific conditions and diseases. The scientist Lewis (1977) defined medicinal plants as those plants used in the treatment of diseases. It has been anticipated that many plant used in traditional medicine can provide alternatives to imported drugs. Other relating terms includes:
A.FOLK MEDICINE: This refers to the knowledge of the mode of treatment or traditional belief. It needs not to involve on specific medicinal system, rather related to the use by tradition of population which may or may not be practically defined.
B. RITUAL RITE: This refers to the forms of procedure and/or sacrifice necessary to appease the gods in a particular form of treatment. They can involve sacrificing goals or performing certain dances and eating only certain types of food.
C. INFUSION: This is the herbal preparation by pouring boiling water on a container containing plant materials and allowing it to stay for some times and stare.
D. CONCOCTION: This is a preparation of soup or drink mode by many ingredients.
E. DOZOCTION: This is the preparation of herbal drugs by placing the plant materials in cold water, boiling it constantly for about 15minutes or longer.
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