Medicinal plants used in some gynaecological morbidity ailments in western Uganda

Abstract

Abstract Gynaecological morbidity is one of the most severe conditions under reproductive health. Healthcare providers and planners in Uganda have not taken it seriously among rural communities. This study was carried out mainly to document indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the treatment of some gynaecological morbidity ailments in reproductive healthcare in western Uganda. In addition, the methods of preparation and administration of herbal medicines including the plant parts utilized were established. The research methods used included informal conversations, semi‐structured interviews and discussions, and field excursions. The documented conditions under gynaecological morbidity discussed in this paper include excessive‐bleeding (hypermenorrhea), painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea), irregular menstruation and prolapsed uterus. Fifty‐two medicinal plants have been documented as being used in the treatment of these ailments and conditions. Leaves are the most commonly harvested plant parts and the most common growth forms harvested are the herbs 51.9%, followed by trees 25% and shrubs 17.3%. Over 50% of these herbal remedies are harvested from the wild ecosystems. The main methods of herbal remedies preparation were boiling, squeezing and pounding and the medicines are administered orally. The nutritional status of individuals plays a vital role in the well‐being and in fighting diseases as some medicinal plants are used as foodstuffs like Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Mangifera indica L., Carica papaya L., Cucurbita pepo L., Physalis minima L., Rumex abyssinicus Jacq., Daucus carota L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.