Medicinal plants used by communities of Ngai Subcounty, Apac District, northern Uganda

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Ngai subcounty in Apac District. Three parishes of Ajerijeri, Abok A and Omach were taken as stratified sample areas in which both male and female traditional healers of different ages were interviewed. Information about the medicinal plants and traditional healing was gathered using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, informal discussion and field excursion which yielded lists of local plant names, names of diseases treated, mode of administration and parts used. To enhance their effectiveness, medicinal plants are used in combinations to treat various ailments and the extent of knowledge of medicinal plant mixing determines the success of a traditional healer. Roots were the most commonly harvested part and this has greatly affected the regeneration of medicinal plants. It was believed that only plants collected from the wild were effective. Though not intentional, plant parts not used for medicinal purposes are sometimes destroyed in the process of harvesting. This practice, coupled with over harvesting, threatens the continued existence of these plants.