A Review of the Common Illnesses Signs and Therapy in Four Rural Communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Description

Page: 1290-1292

Sejabaledi A. Rankoana (Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Limpopo, South Africa)

This paper examines a community-based description of the symptoms associated with prevalent illnesses and the type of therapy provided. An ethnobotanical study was conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, documenting 12 symptoms linked to common illnesses. These symptoms are categorised as ailments rather than diseases, and therapy is by self-administration of the preferred therapy. The treatment consists of indigenous plant-based medical applications as well as non-medical practices that the patient’s family and relatives are familiar with. Managing early indicators of illness in the home is an important element of basic health care, with a focus on treating disorders identified by patients and their families.