The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities

Mohammed Zeinu Hassen

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

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The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities

Mohammed Zeinu Hassen^*

Published in International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation (Volume 2, Issue 1)

Received: 17 November 2025 Accepted: 2 December 2025 Published: 29 December 2025

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Abstract

Traditional medicine continues to play a central role in the health practices of rural Ethiopian communities, where access to biomedical services is often limited and cultural traditions remain strong. The reliance on herbal remedies, ritual healing, and indigenous diagnostic methods reflects centuries of accumulated knowledge passed through oral traditions and apprenticeship systems. In many villages, plants such as Artemisia abyssinica and Croton macrostachyus are used to treat malaria and gastrointestinal disorders, while spiritual rituals address conditions believed to be linked to social or supernatural causes. The persistence of these practices is not only a matter of necessity but also of identity, as healing is closely tied to community values and religious beliefs. Research indicates that traditional healers occupy respected positions within rural society, often serving as the first point of contact for patients with common illnesses. Their treatments are shaped by ecological knowledge of local plants, as well as symbolic interpretations of illness that differ from biomedical frameworks. While modern health services have expanded in Ethiopia, rural populations continue to rely on traditional medicine for conditions such as respiratory infections, maternal health problems, and childhood fevers. This reliance raises important questions about safety, efficacy, and the potential for collaboration between traditional and biomedical systems. The article examines the historical roots of Ethiopian traditional medicine, the types of illnesses managed through indigenous practices, and the role of healers in sustaining community health. It also considers the interaction between traditional and modern healthcare, highlighting both tensions and opportunities for integration. Through case studies and ethnographic accounts, the discussion situates traditional medicine within broader debates about cultural continuity, medical pluralism, and rural health strategies in Africa.

Published in	International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation (Volume 2, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12
Page(s)	7-16
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Traditional Medicine, Ethiopia, Rural Health, Indigenous Healing, Common Illnesses, Medical Pluralism, Ethnobotany

References

[1]	Abebe, D. (1986). Traditional medicine in Ethiopia: The attempt being made to promote it for effective and better utilization. Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Ministry of Health.
[2]	Kloos, H. (1976). Traditional medicine in Ethiopia: The role of traditional healers in health care. Ethiopian Medical Journal, 14(3), 117–133.
[3]	Pankhurst, R. (1990). An introduction to the medical history of Ethiopia. Trenton, NJ: Red Sea Press.
[4]	Abbink, J. (1995). Medicinal and ritual plants of the Ethiopian Southwest: an account of recent research. Indigenous Knowledge and Development Monitor, 3(2), 6-8.
[5]	Abebe, D., & Ayehu, A. (1993). Medicinal plants and enigmatic health practices of Northern Ethiopia. B.S.P.E.
[6]	Bishaw, M. (1991). Promoting traditional medicine in Ethiopia: A brief historical review of government policy. Social Science & Medicine, 33(2), 193-200.
[7]	Gedif, T., & Hahn, H. J. (2003). The use of medicinal plants in self-care in rural central Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 87(2-3), 155-161.
[8]	Giday, M., Asfaw, Z., Elmqvist, T., & Woldu, Z. (2003). An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Zay people in Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 85(1), 43-52.
[9]	Kloos, H., & Adugna, A. (1989). The Ethiopian Population: Growth and Distribution. The Geographical Journal, 155(1), 33–51. https://doi.org/10.2307/635379
[10]	Lulekal, E., Kelbessa, E., Bekele, T., & Yineger, H. (2008). An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Mana Angetu District, southeastern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 4(1), 10.
[11]	Ministry of Health. (1995). Health Policy of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia. Ministry of Health.
[12]	Pankhurst, R. (2001) The Status and Availability of Oral and Written Knowledge on Traditional Health Care. In: Medhin, Z. and Abebe, D., Eds., Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia. Proceedings of the National Workshop on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Medicinal Plants in Ethiopia, IBCR, Addis Ababa, 92-106.
[13]	Pankhurst, R. (1968). Economic History of Ethiopia, 1800-1935. Haile Sellassie I University Press.
[14]	Pankhurst, R. (1990). A Social History of Ethiopia: The Northern and Central Highlands from Early Medieval Times to the Rise of Emperor Tewodros II. Ohio University Press.
[15]	Slikkerveer, L. J. (1990). Plural medical systems in the Horn of Africa: The legacy of "sheikh" Hippocrates. Kegan Paul International.
[16]	Teklehaymanot, T., & Giday, M. (2007). Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by people in Zegie Peninsula, Northwestern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 3(1), 12.
[17]	Vecchiato, N. L. (1993). Traditional medicine. In P. H. Kloos (Ed.), Health and disease in Ethiopia (pp. 119-132). Westview Press.
[18]	Young, A. (1975). Magic as a "quasi-profession": The organization of magic and magical healing among Amhara. Ethnology, 14(3), 245-265.
[19]	Legesse, F. M., & Babanto, A. M. (2023). Factors Associated With the Use of Traditional Medicine in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Sage Open, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231153038

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Hassen, M. Z. (2025). The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities. International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation, 2(1), 7-16. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

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Hassen, M. Z. The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities. Int. J. Med. Res. Innovation 2025, 2(1), 7-16. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

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AMA Style

Hassen MZ. The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities. Int J Med Res Innovation. 2025;2(1):7-16. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12,
  author = {Mohammed Zeinu Hassen},
  title = {The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities},
  journal = {International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation},
  volume = {2},
  number = {1},
  pages = {7-16},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmri.20260201.12},
  abstract = {Traditional medicine continues to play a central role in the health practices of rural Ethiopian communities, where access to biomedical services is often limited and cultural traditions remain strong. The reliance on herbal remedies, ritual healing, and indigenous diagnostic methods reflects centuries of accumulated knowledge passed through oral traditions and apprenticeship systems. In many villages, plants such as Artemisia abyssinica and Croton macrostachyus are used to treat malaria and gastrointestinal disorders, while spiritual rituals address conditions believed to be linked to social or supernatural causes. The persistence of these practices is not only a matter of necessity but also of identity, as healing is closely tied to community values and religious beliefs. Research indicates that traditional healers occupy respected positions within rural society, often serving as the first point of contact for patients with common illnesses. Their treatments are shaped by ecological knowledge of local plants, as well as symbolic interpretations of illness that differ from biomedical frameworks. While modern health services have expanded in Ethiopia, rural populations continue to rely on traditional medicine for conditions such as respiratory infections, maternal health problems, and childhood fevers. This reliance raises important questions about safety, efficacy, and the potential for collaboration between traditional and biomedical systems. The article examines the historical roots of Ethiopian traditional medicine, the types of illnesses managed through indigenous practices, and the role of healers in sustaining community health. It also considers the interaction between traditional and modern healthcare, highlighting both tensions and opportunities for integration. Through case studies and ethnographic accounts, the discussion situates traditional medicine within broader debates about cultural continuity, medical pluralism, and rural health strategies in Africa.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities
AU  - Mohammed Zeinu Hassen
Y1  - 2025/12/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12
T2  - International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation
JF  - International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation
JO  - International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation
SP  - 7
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PB  - Science Publishing Group
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AB  - Traditional medicine continues to play a central role in the health practices of rural Ethiopian communities, where access to biomedical services is often limited and cultural traditions remain strong. The reliance on herbal remedies, ritual healing, and indigenous diagnostic methods reflects centuries of accumulated knowledge passed through oral traditions and apprenticeship systems. In many villages, plants such as Artemisia abyssinica and Croton macrostachyus are used to treat malaria and gastrointestinal disorders, while spiritual rituals address conditions believed to be linked to social or supernatural causes. The persistence of these practices is not only a matter of necessity but also of identity, as healing is closely tied to community values and religious beliefs. Research indicates that traditional healers occupy respected positions within rural society, often serving as the first point of contact for patients with common illnesses. Their treatments are shaped by ecological knowledge of local plants, as well as symbolic interpretations of illness that differ from biomedical frameworks. While modern health services have expanded in Ethiopia, rural populations continue to rely on traditional medicine for conditions such as respiratory infections, maternal health problems, and childhood fevers. This reliance raises important questions about safety, efficacy, and the potential for collaboration between traditional and biomedical systems. The article examines the historical roots of Ethiopian traditional medicine, the types of illnesses managed through indigenous practices, and the role of healers in sustaining community health. It also considers the interaction between traditional and modern healthcare, highlighting both tensions and opportunities for integration. Through case studies and ethnographic accounts, the discussion situates traditional medicine within broader debates about cultural continuity, medical pluralism, and rural health strategies in Africa.
VL  - 2
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Mohammed Zeinu Hassen

Department of Social Sciences, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-7329-2146

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APA Style

Hassen, M. Z. (2025). The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities. International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation, 2(1), 7-16. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

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ACS Style

Hassen, M. Z. The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities. Int. J. Med. Res. Innovation 2025, 2(1), 7-16. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Hassen MZ. The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities. Int J Med Res Innovation. 2025;2(1):7-16. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12,
  author = {Mohammed Zeinu Hassen},
  title = {The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities},
  journal = {International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation},
  volume = {2},
  number = {1},
  pages = {7-16},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmri.20260201.12},
  abstract = {Traditional medicine continues to play a central role in the health practices of rural Ethiopian communities, where access to biomedical services is often limited and cultural traditions remain strong. The reliance on herbal remedies, ritual healing, and indigenous diagnostic methods reflects centuries of accumulated knowledge passed through oral traditions and apprenticeship systems. In many villages, plants such as Artemisia abyssinica and Croton macrostachyus are used to treat malaria and gastrointestinal disorders, while spiritual rituals address conditions believed to be linked to social or supernatural causes. The persistence of these practices is not only a matter of necessity but also of identity, as healing is closely tied to community values and religious beliefs. Research indicates that traditional healers occupy respected positions within rural society, often serving as the first point of contact for patients with common illnesses. Their treatments are shaped by ecological knowledge of local plants, as well as symbolic interpretations of illness that differ from biomedical frameworks. While modern health services have expanded in Ethiopia, rural populations continue to rely on traditional medicine for conditions such as respiratory infections, maternal health problems, and childhood fevers. This reliance raises important questions about safety, efficacy, and the potential for collaboration between traditional and biomedical systems. The article examines the historical roots of Ethiopian traditional medicine, the types of illnesses managed through indigenous practices, and the role of healers in sustaining community health. It also considers the interaction between traditional and modern healthcare, highlighting both tensions and opportunities for integration. Through case studies and ethnographic accounts, the discussion situates traditional medicine within broader debates about cultural continuity, medical pluralism, and rural health strategies in Africa.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Use of Traditional Medicine in the Management of Common Illnesses in Rural Ethiopian Communities
AU  - Mohammed Zeinu Hassen
Y1  - 2025/12/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12
T2  - International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation
JF  - International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation
JO  - International Journal of Medical Research and Innovation
SP  - 7
EP  - 16
PB  - Science Publishing Group
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmri.20260201.12
AB  - Traditional medicine continues to play a central role in the health practices of rural Ethiopian communities, where access to biomedical services is often limited and cultural traditions remain strong. The reliance on herbal remedies, ritual healing, and indigenous diagnostic methods reflects centuries of accumulated knowledge passed through oral traditions and apprenticeship systems. In many villages, plants such as Artemisia abyssinica and Croton macrostachyus are used to treat malaria and gastrointestinal disorders, while spiritual rituals address conditions believed to be linked to social or supernatural causes. The persistence of these practices is not only a matter of necessity but also of identity, as healing is closely tied to community values and religious beliefs. Research indicates that traditional healers occupy respected positions within rural society, often serving as the first point of contact for patients with common illnesses. Their treatments are shaped by ecological knowledge of local plants, as well as symbolic interpretations of illness that differ from biomedical frameworks. While modern health services have expanded in Ethiopia, rural populations continue to rely on traditional medicine for conditions such as respiratory infections, maternal health problems, and childhood fevers. This reliance raises important questions about safety, efficacy, and the potential for collaboration between traditional and biomedical systems. The article examines the historical roots of Ethiopian traditional medicine, the types of illnesses managed through indigenous practices, and the role of healers in sustaining community health. It also considers the interaction between traditional and modern healthcare, highlighting both tensions and opportunities for integration. Through case studies and ethnographic accounts, the discussion situates traditional medicine within broader debates about cultural continuity, medical pluralism, and rural health strategies in Africa.
VL  - 2
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download