Traditional and Complementary Medicine Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of traditional medicine?

To diagnose illness using only animal-based medicines

To solely focus on spiritual therapies without physical treatments

To treat, diagnose or prevent illness using diverse practices (correct)

To replace conventional medical practices entirely

Which of the following best describes complementary medicine?

A type of medicine that completely replaces standard treatments

Medicine that is effective on its own without any external practices

A health practice that is not recognized or accepted by any medical professionals

An approach used alongside conventional medicine to enhance treatment (correct)

What characterizes alternative medicine?

It directly uses conventional methods for healing

It focuses only on herbal medicines and ignores other practices

It is a healing approach that can substitute standard medical care (correct)

It is exclusively based on surgical treatments

What do herbal medicines include?

Crude plant materials and any processed herbal products Signup and view all the answers

Why are traditional medicines valued worldwide?

They ensure people have access to care that is local, accessible and affordable Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable advantage of traditional medicine in low and middle-income countries?

Diversity and flexibility in treatment options Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the risks associated with the use of TM/CAM?

Adverse events due to unregulated practices Signup and view all the answers

Why do many Ethiopian individuals prefer traditional healers?

Significant proportions of them simultaneously use non-prescribed treatments and religious rituals Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the safety of TM/CAM products?

They may contain toxic substances like heavy metals Signup and view all the answers

What motivates the indigenous views on the causation of diseases in Ethiopia?

Spiritual entities and nature's endowments Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of how herbal knowledge is passed down in Ethiopia?

Oral transmission from one generation to the next Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a benefit of TM/CAM in relation to healthcare costs?

They contribute to reducing overall healthcare expenditure Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor contributing to the continuing popularity of traditional medicine among Ethiopian migrants worldwide?

Cultural reliance and familiarity with traditional remedies Signup and view all the answers

What role do Debteras play in Ethiopian traditional medicine?

They utilize religious rituals and natural remedies for healing Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges faced by consumers of TM/CAM?

Misleading or unreliable information regarding practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of traditional medicine in Ethiopia?

Curing diseases and promoting overall wellbeing Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is associated with the traditional role of debteras in Ethiopian medicine?

Performing rituals involving prayers and the use of holy water Signup and view all the answers

What type of drugs do Ethiopian traditional healers frequently use in their practices?

Plants, animal derivatives, and minerals Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a natural method of preventing highly infectious diseases in Ethiopian traditional medicine?

Inoculation rituals using pus from sick individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which group of healers is recognized for their extensive medical knowledge passed through rigorous training?

Debteras Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature distinguishes the practice of herbalists in Ethiopian traditional medicine?

Use of plants as primary treatment means Signup and view all the answers

What role does holy water play in Ethiopian traditional medicine?

It is believed to cure a variety of illnesses when consumed or used in baths. Signup and view all the answers

How do Ethiopian traditional healers typically prepare their medicines?

In various dosages and forms including liquids, ointments, powders, and pills Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT commonly treated with Ethiopian traditional medicine?

Heart disease Signup and view all the answers

In what manner do traditional practitioners view the skill to heal?

As a gift or blessing bestowed by God Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Artemisia abyssinica in Ethiopian traditional medicine?

For its potential in addressing intestinal issues and parasitic infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the storage of traditional medicines in Ethiopia?

They are usually kept in simple containers without specific requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Ethiopian Traditional Medicine

Introduction to common Ethiopian Traditional Medicine practices for year II medical students
Presented by Tezera Jemere, MSc in Pharmacology, Assistant Professor in Pharmacology
Prepared for CMHSs, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology
Presentation date: November, 2024

Ethiopian Traditional Medicine (TM)

Diverse health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant, animal, and/or mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques, and exercises
Used to maintain well-being, treat, diagnose, or prevent illness, often singly or in combination
Included in many countries around the world as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

Complementary Medicine (Nonconventional)

Used in addition (complementary) to conventional medicine
Example: Using acupuncture to help with side effects of cancer treatment

Alternative Medicine

A valuable approach to healing that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine.
Can be used in place of standard medical treatments.
Example: Using a special diet to treat cancer instead of a treatment suggested by a cancer specialist.

Herbal Medicines

Include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations, and finished herbal products
Herbs include crude plant material: leaves, flowers, fruit, seed, stems, wood, bark, roots, rhizomes, or other plant parts, which may be entire, fragmented or powdered

Ethiopian TM: Reasons for being widely used

Traditional medicines with proven quality, safety, and efficacy contribute to ensuring all people have access to care.
Herbal medicines, traditional treatments, and traditional practitioners are the primary or only source of healthcare for many millions of people.
Healthcare is often close to homes, accessible, and affordable.
Traditional medicine is culturally acceptable and trusted by many people.
Traditional treatment is attractive at a time of soaring health costs and nearly universal austerity.
Traditional medicine is a way of coping with the rise of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Advantages of TM/CAM

Effective for chronic and debilitating diseases
Diverse and flexible
Available and affordable in many parts of the world
Widespread acceptance in low- and middle-income countries
Relatively low level of technological input required
Potential to contribute to better healthcare systems in many countries
May cause fewer adverse events than conventional therapies

Risks Involved in the Use of TM/CAM

Safety and quality of TM/CAM medicinal products are a major concern in many countries.
Self-care treatments and unregulated practices in numerous countries.
Incorrect plant species and the contamination/adulteration of TM/CAM medication therapies.
TM/CAM medication therapies might contain toxic concentrations of heavy metals, fumigating agents, microbial toxins, and pharmaceutical substances.
Adverse events can follow substandard practices or misuse by unqualified practitioners.
Interaction risks if used in conjunction with conventional drugs
Risk of misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to use effective conventional treatments
Exposure to misleading or unreliable information.

Ethiopian TM: Indigenous Views of Disease Causation

Ethiopian indigenous cosmology regarding the causes and prevention of disease results from mixed Christian, Islamic, and indigenous beliefs and practices.
The wraths of spiritual entities are often considered causative agents, leading to illness, death, drought, and famine.
Assistance is sought from the gifts of nature to address many forms of misfortune.
In general, spirits are held responsible for the mishaps and/or well-being of society.

Ethiopian Traditional Health Practices

Folk knowledge and traditions of Ethiopia utilize herbal resources.
Knowledge is transferred orally from generation to generation.
Health practices vary based on ecosystem and household level practices.
Practices range from home remedies for primary care to specialized healing traditions (e.g., bone setting, poison healers, and delivery and veterinary healers).
The system involves plants, animal derivatives, and mineral resources available in nature.

Traditional Medicine Practitioners and Practices

Traditional practitioners include bonesetters ('Wogesha'), birth attendants ('yelimd awalaj'), tooth extractors, herbalists, and spiritual healers ('kalicha').
"Debtera" and "tenquay" are also practitioners, often referring to spiritual and/or witch doctors.
Religious practices, like prayer to church, and using Holy water ('tsebel' or 'zemzem') for various illnesses, are widely incorporated.
Ethiopians believe holy water cures when it is drunk or used for bathing.

Characteristics of Traditional Medicine in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a long history of using TM to combat diseases and to protect and promote physical, spiritual, social, mental, and material wellbeing.
The skill of traditional health practitioners is believed to be 'given by God', with knowledge passed orally from father to favorite child (usually a son) or acquired through spiritual procedures.

Methods of Obtaining, Preparing, and Using Drugs in Traditional Medicine

Healers obtain drugs in descending order of frequency (plants, animals, minerals).
Drugs are prepared in various forms (liquids, ointments, powders, pills).
Drugs may be prescribed in a non-formulated form, with additives frequently incorporated.
Multiple treatments/drugs are sometimes used in a single dosage form.
Dosage forms include topical, oral, and respiratory.
Antidotes are sometimes used when side effects become severe.
Restrictions on drug use are sometimes imposed by healers.
Drugs are stored in various containers (bottles, papers, cloth, leaves, horns) and kept within the home.
Self-care practices are common within homes.
Health is seen holistically including physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
Many Ethiopians believe health is a gift from God or part of God’s will.

Church-based Healers (Dabtara)

Members of the Orthodox Christian clergy.
Possess the widest array of medical knowledge.
Trained in church schools, skilled in treating a range of medical and socio-cultural problems.
Practices include using esoteric medical texts, letter and number manipulations, invocations of spirits, and herbal remedies.
Rigorous training involving extensive education from numerous teachers across the country.
Trained in religious, language, and medical/magical subjects.

More about TM Methods

They treat mental disorders as possession by evil spirits, and use prayer, holy water, and eventually exorcism.
Their prayers (degmit) and creation of holy water (tsebel) and kitab amulets containing written scripts, are part of their practice.
They claim ability to perform miracles based on reactions of patients.
Holy water/tsebel is used to ward off evil spirits.
Kitabs are used for protection and for various ailments (evil eye, snake and scorpion bites).
Kalichas have ritual ceremonies to investigate causes of disorders and advise patients.
Mental disorders are often explained as disturbances in spiritual relationships.
Special ceremonies using smoke from burning incense like myrrh and frankincense (etan), to effectively perform practices

Preventive Practices

Prevent spread of highly infectious diseases (e.g., smallpox) by abandoning affected areas.
Inoculation with pus from a sick person using special rituals.
Covering floors with specific plants to prevent diseases
Isolating people with contagious diseases and restricting movement of people and children away from infected areas

Conditions Treated

Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, respiratory disorders (STIs, TB), impotence, hemorrhoids, rabies, intestinal parasites, skin issues, liver, mental disorders, hypertension, diabetes, gynecological conditions, and rheumatism, malaria, and other issues.

Herbalist-healers (Medhanit awakis)

Use of plants (kitel betashs) as their primary method of providing treatment.

The Art of Herbal Therapy

Herbal therapy is the oldest medical tradition in Ethiopia.
Uses a large number of plant remedies.
Includes minerals and animal-derived substances.
Medhanit awakis (herbalists) have pharmacopoeias for reference purposes.
They diagnose illnesses mainly through physical exams and gathering information from patients.
Medicines are prepared in various dosage forms and administered in different ways.
Medicines are stored in various containers within homes.

Surgical Practices

Traditional practices related to surgery: bone setting, uvulectomy, circumcisions, bleeding and cupping, cautery, scarification, and tooth extraction.
Setting bones is an important surgical procedure requiring skill and experience.
Procedures are often done without using aseptic conditions.
Wogesha practices surgeries on various conditions including rheumatism, bleeding, swelling, wounds, headache, local infections, snake and scorpion bites.
Procedures often involve physical manipulation of the body.

Other Traditional Practices

They are mostly non-literate (and non-esoteric).
Acquired skills through extensive apprenticeships.
Served as bone-setters (orthopedists) and performed other surgical operations, such as cauterization, bleeding, cupping, circumcision, cutting the uvula, scarification, opening abscesses, removing tumors and bullets, and extraction of carious teeth.
They also possess limited herbal knowledge.
Traditional midwives (yelmid awalaj), mostly women, were common.

Specific Aspects of Ethiopian TM

Ethiopia is rich in medical lore.
Plant uses in religious ceremonies and for magic/medicine are common.
Native medicine is still widely practiced.
Indications of Hebrew, Egyptian, Greek, and Arabic influence.

Specific Plant/Substance Uses

Artemisia abyssinica (Chikugn): Used for intestinal problems, infectious diseases (fighting Leishmania parasites); for tonsillitis, colds, and child illnesses.
Ocimum lamifolium (Demakese): Used for coughs, colds, and eye infections. Also for “mich”, fever, and mouth blisters.
Zingiber officinale (Zingibil'): For stomachache and respiratory problems (chewed or masticated with Lepidium sativum ‘feto’).
Withania somnifera (Gisewa): Used for coughs, asthma, as a narcotic, anti-epileptic, headache, malaria, fever, stomachache, and as a diuretic. Primarily used for burns in cases of “devil disease.” Has antifertility activity and use as a vaginal douche.
Echinops kebericho (Kebercho): Used as an endemic plant for fever, tapeworm- expulsion and preventing ‘evil eye’, mosquitoes, and fumigant after childbirth and is chewed for stomachache.
Verbena officinalis (Atuch): Used for expelling roundworms, relieving snake bites, stomach ache, diarrhea, treating tropical ulcers(and ear drops with olive oil).
Foeniculum vulgare (Ensilal): Used for treating gonorrhea, digestive disorders, and infant colic. Juice from leaves used for stemnosebleeds, antifertility. Seeds used as digestive/carminative. Combination with other herbs for upper GIT problems.
Aloe vera (Eret): Cooling and cathartic properties. Used for fever, spleen/liver, and knee/eye troubles in old age. Juice assists during weaning as its bitter taste discourages suckling; leaves juice for childbirth
Artemisia africana (Ariti): Used as a medicine for coughs, colds, malaria, and diabetes. Stomach pain remedy.
Lepidium sativum (fetto): A paste from the seed used for cold symptoms (chapped lips, sunburn), intestinal problems (livestock). Treatment for amoeba. Mosquito repellent (from paste), heat/cold against mosquitoes and other insects. Warriors use to combat cold nights. Fetto, tukar-asmud (Nigella sativa) and salt for fermenting dough treatments of stomach cramps. Powdered seed mixed with injera and water.

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Test your knowledge on the key concepts of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine. This quiz covers the definitions, characteristics, and importance of herbal and traditional medicines globally. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these practices that benefit many cultures.