Tracing a sound knowledge base from indigenous knowledge: The integration of indigenous and Western medical systems

Abstract

This article poses the following challenge: to revive, reconstruct, restore and reclaim the indigenous knowledge which older generations possessed with regard to medical cures and practices, not as an end in itself but in such a way that it would be relevant to the modern context. In the first place, the article points to the way the indigenous people used to live, survive and take care of themselves based on the knowledge and wisdom they acquired, not through any formal education, but through experience and insights passed on from one generation to the next. A number of examples are discussed to illustrate how different types of diseases were treated. The value of some plants and how they were applied to cure certain diseases is also discussed. In the second place, this article advocates the integration of indigenous and Western medical systems and emphasizes the mutually beneficial role, which these systems could play.

S.Afr.J.Afr.Lang.,2006,2