By Karissa Magnuson
Student, Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine
During our time here in Ethiopia, we have been surprised to find out how often people, especially in rural settings, believe and prefer a traditional healer instead of modern medical doctor. My curiosity on this subject led to me to do a little research online into the prevalence of traditional healers in Ethiopia as well as traditional treatments for rabies proposed by these healers.
Traditional medicine dates as far back as the 15th century in Ethiopia and consists not only of herbal remedies but also of animal and mineral-based concoctions as well as spiritualistic rituals and aromatherapy. Most traditional healers have learned their trade from a family member, and like doctors, these healers go through both a physical exam and history when they examine their patient.
Not surprisingly, many modern health care workers do not support traditional medicine; however, there are some that feel collaboration between traditional and modern healers could provide the best treatment for patients.
In my research I was shocked to discover that up to 80% of Ethiopians use traditional medicine as their primary source of health care. (A historical overview of traditional medicine practices and policy in Ethiopia.) Being from a country where modern medicine is viewed as infallible, with Chinese and other traditional medicine slowly gaining some credence in the U.S., an 80% preference rate is surprising.
So is there any stock in traditional medicine in the treatment of rabies? In my search, I found remedies which have included the use of skullcap on wounds (This herb tends to have astringent effects, antiseptic effects on wounds, and anti-anxiety effects.) Garlic was also frequently mentioned for treatment. I was shocked to discover that garlic has been found to have some effects on paralytic disorders. The bark of Alangium salviforium, a flowering plant, has also been indicated as a possible treatment and has been proven to have anti-epileptic effects. The main question that I am left with is: Are these treatments and herbs effective or is traditional medicine hindering rabies eradication in Ethiopia? Or perhaps, it warrants further research and possibly future collaborative efforts in the cure and eradication of rabies within this amazing country. Only more research will tell.
Seriously?? You were “shocked” to see most people prefering treatments that have already been proven to work for generations?? What sort of bubble have you been living in?? How do you think humanity kept itself alive for thousands and thousands of years before the industrial revolution?? Sheer luck?? You think the plants don’t serve any purpose other than to look pretty?? I swear the modern medical industry has produced more marginally literate fools than I can count.
agree…so many stupid statements from modern doctors who earn a lot of money from medicines produced and sold by pharmaceutical companies at the expense of real cure
The fact that it’s 2023 and the USA has failed to produce even ONE researcher who has discovered the cure for rabies illuminates how absolutely useless research has become. EMBARRASING. A witch doctor in Ethiopia using garlic is just as ahead of the game as the billion dollar research facilities in USA.
Rabies is dormant in the person for some time-maybe a year after infection. Conventional medicine says once symptoms appear, outcome is fatal. The conclusion is that untreated rabies is always fatal. This is a mistake in logic, not proven and is only assumed. High likelihood that many who are infected by a rabid animal never develop any symptoms because their immune system identified and neutralized the virus. The way to test is to sample populations of those bitten to see if they have antibodies. If they do, a vaccine for symptoms could be made.