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''Isicakathi'' is a term that is used by [[Xhosa people]] when referring to plants with major pharmacological |
''Isicakathi'' is a term that is used by [[Xhosa people]] when referring to plants with major pharmacological |
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and therapeutic properties used |
and therapeutic properties that are used as medicine for various ailments,<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988>{{cite journal |doi=10.4102/abc.v18i1.995 |title=The identification of 'Isicakathi' and its medicinal use in Transkei |journal=Bothalia |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=125–30 |year=1988 |last1=Bolofo |first1=R. N |last2=Johnson |first2=C. T }}</ref>. Some of these plants are said to also have links to supernatural and spiritual powers.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.5897/JMPR12.973 |doi-broken-date=2017-10-15 |first1=R. B. |last1=Bhat |year=2013 |title=Plants of Xhosa people in the Transkei region of Eastern Cape (South Africa) with major pharmacological and therapeutic properties |journal=Journal of Medical Plants Research |volume=7 |issue=20 |pages=1474–80 }}</ref> |
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The people in the Eastern Cape of South Africa still strongly rely on traditional medicine and believe in its potency as an alternative to western medicine.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> There are various herbs that fall under ''isicakathi'' , used for [[pre-natal]] and [[post-natal]] medicine (although they can also be used for non-pregnancy related health issues).<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The plants that fall under the ''isicakathi'' category differ according to the districts in the Eastern Cape, hence it is a general term used when referring to traditional medicine.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> There are eleven species of plants that fall under ''isicakathi'', namely ''commelina africana'', ''agapanthus'', ''chlorophytum comosum'', ''ledebouria'', ''ranunculus multifidus'', ''thunbergia atriplicifolia'', ''kohautia amatymbica'', ''plantago major'', ''gazania linearis'', ''helichrysum pedunculatum'' and ''senecio coronatus''.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The use of these plants |
The people in the Eastern Cape of South Africa still strongly rely on traditional medicine and believe in its potency as an alternative to western medicine.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> There are various herbs that fall under ''isicakathi'' , used for [[pre-natal]] and [[post-natal]] medicine (although they can also be used for non-pregnancy related health issues).<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The plants that fall under the ''isicakathi'' category differ according to the districts in the Eastern Cape, hence it is a general term used when referring to traditional medicine.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> There are eleven species of plants that fall under ''isicakathi'', namely ''commelina africana'', ''agapanthus'', ''chlorophytum comosum'', ''ledebouria'', ''ranunculus multifidus'', ''thunbergia atriplicifolia'', ''kohautia amatymbica'', ''plantago major'', ''gazania linearis'', ''helichrysum pedunculatum'' and ''senecio coronatus''.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The use of these plants differs according to the various areas/ districts of the Eastern Cape.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The ''commelina africana'' is used for menstrual problems, pelvic pains and bladder related issues. <ref> SANBI.Commelina Africana.http://pza.sanbi.org/commelina-africana.</ref> ''Agapanthus'' is found in pre-natal and post-natal medicine, which is used by pregnant women.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> ''Chlorophytum comosum'' is used as a protective charm against evil spirits for both mother and child. <ref>Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. & Cunningham, A.B. 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. An inventory . University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.{{pn|date=October 2017}}</ref> ''Ledebouria'' is used for medicinal purposes, including pregnancy, diarrhoea, influenza, backaches, skin irritations and wounds.<ref> SANBI.Ledebouria.http://pza.sanbi.org/ledebouria-genus.</ref> ''Ranunculus multifidus'' is used to cure epileptic fits in adults, lung problems and used as an emetic.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> ''Kohautia amatymbica'' is also used as an emetic.<ref>Prota4u.https://www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp?g=psk&p=Kohautia+amatymbica+Eckl.+&+Zeyh.</ref>. ''Plantago major'' is used as a cure for wounds,inflammations, and eye irritations.<ref> Gaby H et al.MedicinalPlants,Volume1.https://books.google.co.za/booksid=7FJqgQ3_tnUC&pg=PA462&lpg=PA462&dq=PLANTAGO+MAJOR+USES+IN+SOUTH+AFRICA&source=bl&ots=QvGAlCT6I3&sig=ZgaDu1hNHvrn85nvIZD0vfEDU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi37eGU4dTWAhUIL8AKHRV8AbUQ6AEITDAI#v=onepage&q=PLANTAGO%20MAJOR%20USES%20IN%20SOUTH%20AFRICA&f=false.{{dead link|date=October 2017}}</ref> ''Gazania linearis'' is applied on small cuts made on the body close to the joints to protect someone from evil spirits.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> ''Helichrysum pedunculatum'' is used as a dressing after circumcision and to prevent the wound from getting septic.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> ''Senecio coronatus'' is used to get rid of pubic lice.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> Generally, ''isicakathi'' or plants that are regarded to fall under ''isicakathi'' are mostly used by pregnant women and children.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> Thus, it is also used as a protective measure against sorcery during pregnancy.<ref>{{cite journal |pmid=12476719 |year=2002 |author1=Abrahams |first1=N |title=Indigenous healing practices and self-medication amongst pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa |journal=African journal of reproductive health |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=79–86 |last2=Jewkes |first2=R |last3=Mvo |first3=Z }}</ref> |
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===Isicakathi for pre |
===Isicakathi for pre-natal and post-natal care=== |
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[[Agapanthus praecox]] is one of the plants that falls under ''isicakathi'' used during pregnancy. It is taken orally from the six month of pregnancy until delivery. The plant is put in a container full of water and half a cup of that water is taken orally, twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> It is believed that the plant’s growth determines the health of the unborn baby. The wilting of the plant is regarded as a symbol with regards to the baby's health, usually associated with death. |
[[Agapanthus praecox]] is one of the plants that falls under ''isicakathi'' used during pregnancy. It is taken orally from the six month of pregnancy until delivery. The plant is put in a container full of water and half a cup of that water is taken orally, twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> It is believed that the plant’s growth determines the health of the unborn baby. The wilting of the plant is regarded as a symbol with regards to the baby's health, usually associated with death. |
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''Isicakathi'' is widely used to induce easy [[childbirth]].<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> It ensures that excess water is drained, reduces vaginal discharge and placental size.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0277-9536(96)00104-9 |title=Isihlambezo: Utilization patterns and potential health effects of pregnancy-related traditional herbal medicine |journal=Social Science & Medicine |volume=44 |issue=7 |pages=911 |year=1997 |last1=Varga |first1=C.A |last2=Veale |first2=D.J.H }}</ref> The plants treat [[high blood pressure]] in both antenatal and postnatal care for women, whilst also preventing constipation.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1590/0001-3765201620150514 |title=RDNA mapping, heterochromatin characterization and AT/GC content of Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns (Agapanthaceae) |journal=Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências |volume=88 |issue=3 suppl |pages=1727 |year=2016 |last1=Reis |first1=Aryane C |last2=Franco |first2=ANA Luiza |last3=Campos |first3=Victória R |last4=Souza |first4=Flávia R |last5=Zorzatto |first5=Cristiane |last6=Viccini |first6=Lyderson F |last7=Sousa |first7=Saulo M }}</ref> |
''Isicakathi'' is widely used to induce easy [[childbirth]].<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> It ensures that excess water is drained, reduces vaginal discharge and placental size.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0277-9536(96)00104-9 |title=Isihlambezo: Utilization patterns and potential health effects of pregnancy-related traditional herbal medicine |journal=Social Science & Medicine |volume=44 |issue=7 |pages=911 |year=1997 |last1=Varga |first1=C.A |last2=Veale |first2=D.J.H }}</ref> The plants treat [[high blood pressure]] in both antenatal and postnatal care for women, whilst also preventing constipation.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1590/0001-3765201620150514 |title=RDNA mapping, heterochromatin characterization and AT/GC content of Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns (Agapanthaceae) |journal=Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências |volume=88 |issue=3 suppl |pages=1727 |year=2016 |last1=Reis |first1=Aryane C |last2=Franco |first2=ANA Luiza |last3=Campos |first3=Victória R |last4=Souza |first4=Flávia R |last5=Zorzatto |first5=Cristiane |last6=Viccini |first6=Lyderson F |last7=Sousa |first7=Saulo M }}</ref> |
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===Other |
===Other traditional medicine used by pregnant women=== |
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''Rhoicissus tidentata'' is used to induce labour. The root is used as an enema. Also, the ''Erythrina lysistemon'', is used to induce labour pains during childbirth, the trunk's barks are bound together and infused for the pregnant woman to drink. The crushed bulb of the ''gunnera perpensa'' is infused with boiling water and ingested to reduce the swelling of the feet.<ref name=DlisaniBhat1999>{{cite journal |doi=10.1076/phbi.37.1.32.6316 |title=Traditional Health Practices in Transkei with Special Emphasis on Maternal and Child Health |journal=Pharmaceutical Biology |volume=37 |pages=32 |year=2008 |last1=Dlisani |first1=P.B |last2=Bhat |first2=R.B }}</ref> |
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===The use of Isicakathi on the baby=== |
===The use of Isicakathi on the baby=== |
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''Salvia scabra'' mixed with the mother’s milk is given as medicine to |
''Salvia scabra'', mixed with the mother’s milk, is given as medicine to infants. The mixture is given to the baby to ingest for two months every day.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> |
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''Isicakathi'' is generally used to induce growth and prevent diseases. It is also used as an alternative to the mother’s milk and to counteract the milk’s sourness.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The use of ''agapanthus praecox'' ensures that the baby is strong, whilst preventing bowel problems and crusts on its head.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1155/2017/3075638 |title=Micromorphological Characterization of the Leaf and Rhizome of Agapanthus praecox subsp. Praecox Willd. (Amaryllidaceae) |journal=Journal of Botany |volume=2017 |pages=1 |year=2017 |last1=Sharaibi |first1=Olubunmi Josephine |last2=Afolayan |first2=Anthony Jide }}</ref> |
''Isicakathi'' is generally used to induce growth and prevent diseases. It is also used as an alternative to the mother’s milk and to counteract the milk’s sourness.<ref name=BolofoJohnson1988/> The use of ''agapanthus praecox'' ensures that the baby is strong, whilst preventing bowel problems and crusts on its head.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1155/2017/3075638 |title=Micromorphological Characterization of the Leaf and Rhizome of Agapanthus praecox subsp. Praecox Willd. (Amaryllidaceae) |journal=Journal of Botany |volume=2017 |pages=1 |year=2017 |last1=Sharaibi |first1=Olubunmi Josephine |last2=Afolayan |first2=Anthony Jide }}</ref> |
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===Other traditional medicine used on babies=== |
===Other traditional medicine used on babies=== |
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An ointment is used hasten the parturition of the baby and placenta |
An ointment is used to hasten the parturition of the baby and placenta using the leaves of the ''scutia mytina''. ''Erythrina humeana'' is used to heal the umbilical cord of the baby by burning the bark and using the powder to apply on the baby.<ref name=DlisaniBhat1999/> |
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[[File:Bluelily1900ppx.jpg|(1,989 × 1,894 pixels|right|1,989px|thumb|Agapanthus praecox flower]] |
[[File:Bluelily1900ppx.jpg|(1,989 × 1,894 pixels|right|1,989px|thumb|Agapanthus praecox flower]] |
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Muti is a term for traditional medicine in Southern Africa as far north as Lake Tanganyika. In South African English, the word muti is derived from the Zulu word umuthi, meaning "tree," whose root is -thi. In Southern Africa, cognates of the word umuthi (or the word "muti") is in widespread use in most indigenous African languages as well as in South African English and Afrikaans, which sometimes use it as a slang word for medicine in general.[1]
Traditional medicine
African traditional medicine makes use of various natural products, many derived from trees and other plants. Botanical medicine prescribed by an inyanga or herbal healer is generally known as "muti", but the term can apply to other traditional medical formulations, including those that are zoological or mineral in composition.
Vulture brains are used for prophecy in muti.[2]
The use of Isicakathi in the Eastern Cape
Isicakathi is a term that is used by Xhosa people when referring to plants with major pharmacological and therapeutic properties that are used as medicine for various ailments,[3]. Some of these plants are said to also have links to supernatural and spiritual powers.[4]
The people in the Eastern Cape of South Africa still strongly rely on traditional medicine and believe in its potency as an alternative to western medicine.[3] There are various herbs that fall under isicakathi , used for pre-natal and post-natal medicine (although they can also be used for non-pregnancy related health issues).[3] The plants that fall under the isicakathi category differ according to the districts in the Eastern Cape, hence it is a general term used when referring to traditional medicine.[3] There are eleven species of plants that fall under isicakathi, namely commelina africana, agapanthus, chlorophytum comosum, ledebouria, ranunculus multifidus, thunbergia atriplicifolia, kohautia amatymbica, plantago major, gazania linearis, helichrysum pedunculatum and senecio coronatus.[3] The use of these plants differs according to the various areas/ districts of the Eastern Cape.[3] The commelina africana is used for menstrual problems, pelvic pains and bladder related issues. [5] Agapanthus is found in pre-natal and post-natal medicine, which is used by pregnant women.[3] Chlorophytum comosum is used as a protective charm against evil spirits for both mother and child. [6] Ledebouria is used for medicinal purposes, including pregnancy, diarrhoea, influenza, backaches, skin irritations and wounds.[7] Ranunculus multifidus is used to cure epileptic fits in adults, lung problems and used as an emetic.[3] Kohautia amatymbica is also used as an emetic.[8]. Plantago major is used as a cure for wounds,inflammations, and eye irritations.[9] Gazania linearis is applied on small cuts made on the body close to the joints to protect someone from evil spirits.[3] Helichrysum pedunculatum is used as a dressing after circumcision and to prevent the wound from getting septic.[3] Senecio coronatus is used to get rid of pubic lice.[3] Generally, isicakathi or plants that are regarded to fall under isicakathi are mostly used by pregnant women and children.[3] Thus, it is also used as a protective measure against sorcery during pregnancy.[10]
Isicakathi for pre-natal and post-natal care
Agapanthus praecox is one of the plants that falls under isicakathi used during pregnancy. It is taken orally from the six month of pregnancy until delivery. The plant is put in a container full of water and half a cup of that water is taken orally, twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.[3] It is believed that the plant’s growth determines the health of the unborn baby. The wilting of the plant is regarded as a symbol with regards to the baby's health, usually associated with death. Isicakathi is widely used to induce easy childbirth.[3] It ensures that excess water is drained, reduces vaginal discharge and placental size.[11] The plants treat high blood pressure in both antenatal and postnatal care for women, whilst also preventing constipation.[12]
Other traditional medicine used by pregnant women
Rhoicissus tidentata is used to induce labour. The root is used as an enema. Also, the Erythrina lysistemon, is used to induce labour pains during childbirth, the trunk's barks are bound together and infused for the pregnant woman to drink. The crushed bulb of the gunnera perpensa is infused with boiling water and ingested to reduce the swelling of the feet.[13]
The use of Isicakathi on the baby
Salvia scabra, mixed with the mother’s milk, is given as medicine to infants. The mixture is given to the baby to ingest for two months every day.[3] Isicakathi is generally used to induce growth and prevent diseases. It is also used as an alternative to the mother’s milk and to counteract the milk’s sourness.[3] The use of agapanthus praecox ensures that the baby is strong, whilst preventing bowel problems and crusts on its head.[14]
Other traditional medicine used on babies
An ointment is used to hasten the parturition of the baby and placenta using the leaves of the scutia mytina. Erythrina humeana is used to heal the umbilical cord of the baby by burning the bark and using the powder to apply on the baby.[13]
Linguistics
This noun is of the umu/imi class so the singular (tree) is umuthi and the plural (trees) is imithi. Since the pronunciation of the initial vowel of this class is unstressed, the singular is sometimes pronounced muthi. The word is rendered as muti by the historical effects of the British colonial spelling.
Colloquial use
In colloquial English and Afrikaans the word muti is often used to refer to medicines in general or medicines that have a 'miraculous' effect, e.g.
- "Die dokter het 'muti' op die seerplek gesmeer en die volgende dag was dit heeltemal gesond." (The doctor rubbed 'muti' on the wound and the next day it was completely healed.)
- "My dokter het vir my 'muti' verskaf vir my seer keel." ("My doctor gave me some 'muti' for my sore throat.")
Muti killings
Occasions of murder and mutilation associated with some traditional cultural practices in South Africa are also termed muti killings. More correctly known as medicine murder, these are not human sacrifice in a religious sense, but rather involve the murder of someone in order to excise body parts for incorporation as ingredients into medicine and concoctions used in witchcraft.
In February 2010, Deputy Provincial Commissioner William Mpembe of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West Province said that “muti murders, particularly those involving young children, seem to be on the rise in the Tshwane areas including Soshanguve, Garankuwa and Rietgat"[15] That same month, African traditional healers and the Gauteng government convened at a seminar in Pretoria, South Africa to root out the "evil practice of mutilating human bodies for purposes of muti making."[16]
See also
References
- ^ "Traditional African Healing". African Code. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
- ^ http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2016/01/vultures-text
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Bolofo, R. N; Johnson, C. T (1988). "The identification of 'Isicakathi' and its medicinal use in Transkei". Bothalia. 18 (1): 125–30. doi:10.4102/abc.v18i1.995.
- ^ Bhat, R. B. (2013). "Plants of Xhosa people in the Transkei region of Eastern Cape (South Africa) with major pharmacological and therapeutic properties". Journal of Medical Plants Research. 7 (20): 1474–80. doi:10.5897/JMPR12.973 (inactive 2017-10-15).
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of October 2017 (link) - ^ SANBI.Commelina Africana.http://pza.sanbi.org/commelina-africana.
- ^ Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. & Cunningham, A.B. 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. An inventory . University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.[page needed]
- ^ SANBI.Ledebouria.http://pza.sanbi.org/ledebouria-genus.
- ^ Prota4u.https://www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp?g=psk&p=Kohautia+amatymbica+Eckl.+&+Zeyh.
- ^ Gaby H et al.MedicinalPlants,Volume1.https://books.google.co.za/booksid=7FJqgQ3_tnUC&pg=PA462&lpg=PA462&dq=PLANTAGO+MAJOR+USES+IN+SOUTH+AFRICA&source=bl&ots=QvGAlCT6I3&sig=ZgaDu1hNHvrn85nvIZD0vfEDU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi37eGU4dTWAhUIL8AKHRV8AbUQ6AEITDAI#v=onepage&q=PLANTAGO%20MAJOR%20USES%20IN%20SOUTH%20AFRICA&f=false.[dead link]
- ^ Abrahams, N; Jewkes, R; Mvo, Z (2002). "Indigenous healing practices and self-medication amongst pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa". African journal of reproductive health. 6 (2): 79–86. PMID 12476719.
- ^ Varga, C.A; Veale, D.J.H (1997). "Isihlambezo: Utilization patterns and potential health effects of pregnancy-related traditional herbal medicine". Social Science & Medicine. 44 (7): 911. doi:10.1016/S0277-9536(96)00104-9.
- ^ Reis, Aryane C; Franco, ANA Luiza; Campos, Victória R; Souza, Flávia R; Zorzatto, Cristiane; Viccini, Lyderson F; Sousa, Saulo M (2016). "RDNA mapping, heterochromatin characterization and AT/GC content of Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns (Agapanthaceae)". Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências. 88 (3 suppl): 1727. doi:10.1590/0001-3765201620150514.
- ^ a b Dlisani, P.B; Bhat, R.B (2008). "Traditional Health Practices in Transkei with Special Emphasis on Maternal and Child Health". Pharmaceutical Biology. 37: 32. doi:10.1076/phbi.37.1.32.6316.
- ^ Sharaibi, Olubunmi Josephine; Afolayan, Anthony Jide (2017). "Micromorphological Characterization of the Leaf and Rhizome of Agapanthus praecox subsp. Praecox Willd. (Amaryllidaceae)". Journal of Botany. 2017: 1. doi:10.1155/2017/3075638.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ "Cash for organs is no joke". http://www.sowetanlive.co.za. Sowetan Live and SAPA. 25 February 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
{{cite web}}: External link in|work= - ^ SAPA (19 February 2010). "Muti killings to be tackled". http://www.news24.com. News24. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
{{cite web}}: External link in|work=
External links
- Traditional African Healing
- "Sangoma / Muti / South African Traditional Healers / South African Witchdoctors" 9 June 2009
