Research Article

Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Human and Animal Diseases in Sedie Muja District, South Gondar, Ethiopia

Table 1

List of medicinal plants used to treat only human diseases, only livestock diseases, both human and livestock diseases in the study area: scientific name, local name, habit, habitat, disease treated, parts used, and conditions of preparation, method of preparation, dosage form, and route of administration.

NoScientific nameLocal nameHaHabDisease treatedPuConditions, method of preparation and dosageRA

1Rumex nervosusVahl. EmbauchoSWdHemorrhoidRFresh root is heated with fire and massaged the woundD
Snake biteLFresh leaf is chewed and the solution is swallowed during the time of bite.O
Bone fractureLFresh leaves are tied by threads on the affected partD

2Justica schimperiana (Hochst. ex Nees) T. AndersSimizaSBoStomachacheRThe fresh root is crushed and mixed with little water and then drunkO
HepatitisLFresh leaf is boiled with milk (decoction) and drunk with 1–3 cups of tea.O
AntraxL + StThe shoot tip is cut, squeezed, and drunk by it mixing with a little waterO

3Withania somnifera (L.) DunalGiziewaSWdDiarrheaLThe fresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and mixed with water and drunkO
Evil eyeRThe “Atik” size of dry root is cut, crushed and burnt in fire and fumigated.F

4Dodonaea viscosa L.f. KitkitaSWdBone fractureLthe fresh leaves are tied by treads on the affected partD
Evil eyeRDry root is covered with a piece of cloth and tied on the neckD

5Aloe Sp. Setie eretHWdTinea versicolorLThe fresh leaf is cut to isolate the fresh juice and creamed on the headD
Eye infectionLFresh leaf is squeezed and the juice is dropped on the eyeOc
DandruffLThe fresh juice is painted on the headD

6Zingiber officinaleRosco.ZingibleHWdStomachacheStFresh stem is chewed and swallowedO
Common coldStDry stem is pounded, boiled in tea, and drunk as one cup of teaO
TonsillitisRFresh root/rhizome is crushed and applied.O

7Phytolacca dodecandra L`Herit. EndodSBoAbortionLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, mixed with water and one cup is drunkO
MalariaRThe dry root or fresh root is pounded, powdered, mixed with water, and one glass cup is given to the patientO
Eye diseaseLFresh leaf is crushed and mixed with butter then applied on the eye.Oc

8Plantago palmata Hook.f. Yewush milasHHgAbortionRFresh root is crushed, squeezed, and mixed with water: the juice is isolated and 1–2 cups are drunkO
ToothacheRHolding the fresh root (un processed) in between teeth.D
BloatingLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with water and given orallyO

9Clematis simensis L. Azo haregClWdFebrile illnessL + StFresh leaves and stem are boiled and fumigatedF
WoundLDry leaves are pounded, powdered, mixed with butter and applied on the woundD

10Xantium strumarium L. Chemud (Chegogot)HWdEye infectionLFresh leaves are crushed, squeezed, and dropped on the eyeOc
Febrile illnessLFresh leaves are crushed and painted on the whole body partD
AcneLFresh leaf is squeezed and applied to the affected skin. Three leaves are used for 7 days.D
DandruffLThe rubbed and squeezed fresh leaf is creamed on the head.D

11Ocimium lamiifolium L DamakesiSHgFebrile illnessL + StFresh leaves and stem are boiled with coffee and one cup is drunkO
HeadacheLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with water, and drunk.O
DiarrheaLFresh leaf is boiled with tea and one cup of tea is drunkO

12Ficus vasta Forssk. WarkaTWdWoundLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and creamed on the affected part.D

13Ruta chalepensi L.Tena adamHHgEvil eyeL + StFresh leaves and stem are boiled with tea and one cup is given to patientsO
DiarrheaLFresh leaf together with salt (concoction) is chewed.O
Common coldLFresh leaves are inhaled through the noseN

14Allium sativum L Nech shinkurtHHgEvil eyeBuFresh bulb is eaten with injeraO
Common coldBuFresh bulb is boiled with tea and one cup is drunkO
MalariaBuFresh bulb is crushed, mixed with honey, and soaked for seven days, then one spoon of the mixture is eaten in the morning for five daysO

15Achyranthes aspera Lam.TelenzhHWdWoundLFresh leaf is crushed and tied on the woundD
StomachacheRFresh root is chewed and swallowed during feeling of painO

16Croton macrostachy us Del.BisanaTWdFebrile illnessL + StFresh shoot tips are cut at seven areas of the plant and pounded, mixed with little water, and half cup is drunkO
StomachacheRDry root is pounded, powdered, mixed with water, and one glass is drunk.O
RabiesBaDry bark is powdered and mixed with water and prepared with teff injera (concoction) and simply eatenO
BaDry bark is powdered and mixed with water and 1 bottle is given orallyO
Face fungus (tenea facie)L + StThe fresh shoot tip is cut, squeezed, and the juice is applied on the faceO

17Rhamnus prinoidesL. Herit. GeshoSHgTonsillitisLFresh leaves are crushed, squeezed, and put on the foreheadD
LeishimaniasisLFresh leaves are crushed and massaged on the wound.D

18Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f. LomiSHgTinea versicolorFrDry fruit together with egg is burnt and its ash is mixed with butter and then painted on the woundD
Skin rashFrThe juice of 1 fresh fruit is split, squeezed, and creamed on the skin.D

19Calpurnia aurea Ait (Benth). DigtaSWdGonorrheaRFresh root is crushed, mixed with water, and one cup is taken for 3 days.O
Snake biteRFresh root is crushed, mixed with water, and is given orallyO
DiarrheaLThe fresh leaf is crushed, soaked in water for 2–3 hrs, decanted, and one glass is administrated orallyO

20Brucea antidysenterica J.FMill AbaloSWdSkin rashLDry leaf is pounded, powdered, mixed with butter, and creamed on the skinD

21Buddleja polystachya AnfarSBoWoundLDry leaf is pounded, powdered, mixed with butter, and painted on the woundD
EyediseasesLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with little water, and dropped on the eyeOc

22Capparis tomentosa Lam GimeroSWdEvil eyeRFresh root is crushed and sniffed through the noseN
23Carissa spinarum L AgamSWdEvil eyeRFresh root is crushed and sniffed through the noseN
WoundRDry root is pounded, powdered, and applied on the wound.D
DiarrheaRDry root is pounded, powdered, salt is added, it is made as a solution, and drunkO

24Sida schimperiana Hochst.ex.A. Rich. ChifrigSWdStomachacheRFresh root is crushed, mixed with water, and one glass cup is drunkO
Evil eyeRFresh root is chewedO

25Cucurbita Pepo L. DubaClHgTape wormSeDry seeds are roasted, powdered, mixed with little water, and drunkO

26Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter TefHHgAnemiaSeDry seeds are powdered, cooked, and eaten as a form of breadO
Lack of appetite and to fatten cattleSeDry seeds are boiled, cooled down and then allowed to eatO

27Grewia ferruginea H LenkuataSWdRetained placentaLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and half cup of tea is drunkO

28Lepidium sativum L. FetoHHgStomachacheSeDry seeds are powdered, mixed with water, and drunkO
Febrile illnessSeDry seeds are powdered, mixed with a bulb of Allium sativum (concoction) and salt, and eaten.O
DiarrheaSeDry seeds are pounded, powdered, mixed with water, and the solution has to be taken orallyO

29Otostegia integrifolia Benth. TinjutSWdStomachacheLFresh leaf is chewed and swallowedO
Common coldL + StDry or fresh leaf and stem together are burnt in fire and sniffed the smoke through the noseN
Devil/gineL + StDry leaf and stem together are burnt in fire and fumigatedF

30Cucumis ficifolius ARich. Yemidr enbuayClWdStomachacheRFresh root is chewed and swallowedO
Snake biteRFresh root is chewed and the liquid content is ingestedO

31Rumex abyssinicus Jacq. MekmekoHWdSkin rashRFresh roots are crushed, mixed with water, and painted on the wound.D
LeishimaniasisRFresh roots are crushed and tied on the wound using a clean piece of cloth.D

32Rosa abyssinica Lindley KegaSWdDevilRDry root is burnt in fire and fumigated.F
TapewormFrHandful of fresh ripened fruits (un processed) is directly eaten.O

33Impatiens tinctoria A. Rich .EnsosilaHHgRheumatic/arthritisRFresh root is crushed and tied around the affected partD

34Tragia brevipes pax. AwulalitClWdAbortionRFresh root is crushed, mixed with little water, and is drunk with half of coffee cupO
Evil eyeRDry root is burnt in fire and the smoke is allowed to enter the mouthO

35Crinum ornatum (L.f.ex Aiton) BuryYejib shinkurtHWdTinea versicolorRFresh root is crushed and creamed the content on the infected area.D
Ear diseaseRFresh root is crushed, squeezed, and then its liquid is dropped through ear.E

36Euphorbia Schimperiana Scheele AnterfaHWdMale genital mutilationLaThe stem is cut to isolate the fresh latex and painted on the skin of tip part of the pinesD

37Guizotia abyssinica (L. f.) Cass. NugHHgAnthraxSeDry seed is pounded, mixed with water and honey, and one glass cup is drunkO
SeDry seed is pounded, mixed with water, and given orallyO
Febrile illnessSeDry seeds are roasted, pounded, mixed with water, and drunkO
WoundSeDry seeds are chewed and applied on the woundD
38Echinops kebericho L.KeberchoHWdEpidemicsRDry root is burnt in fire and fumigatedF
EpidemicsRDry root is burnt in fire and fumigatedF
Evil spritRDry root is powdered, burnt in fire, and fumigatedF

39Brassica nigra LSenafichHHgStomachacheSeDry seeds are pounded, powdered, mixed with water, and eaten with injeraO

40Verbena officinalis AtuchHWdStop bleeding after birthLFresh leaf is massaged and rubbed on the ear skinD
WoundLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and painted on the woundD
DiarrheaLFresh leaves are crushed, mixed with water, and given orallyO

41Aloe Sp. Wondie eretHWdEar infectionLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and the juice is poured into the ear canalE

42Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst) R.Br.exMisirichSWdSwellingLFresh leaves are crushed and pasted on the swellingD
AnthraxLFresh leaves are squeezed and drunkO
Evil spritRDry or fresh roots are grounded with seeds of Allium sativum and leaves of Ruta chalepensis (concoction) powder are soaked in water and ingested.O

43Coriandrum sativum L. DinblalHHgCoughSeDry seed is powdered, mixed with honey, and two spoons of the mixture is eaten every morning until recoveryO
Common coldSeDry seeds are boiled with tea and drunk before mealO

44Linum usitatissimum L. TelbaHHgGastritisSeDry seeds are boiled with sugar and cooled down then one glass cup is drunk every morning for ten daysO
Retained placentaSeDry seed is powdered and homogenized and mixed with water and boiled (decoction) and then the solution is drunk after being cooled.O

45Trigonella foenum Graceum L AbishHHgConstipationSeDry seeds are powdered, soaked with water for 12 hours, filtered the fluid, added sugar and concoction, and drunkO
Rheumatic/arthritisSeDry seeds are grinded, powdered, and homogenized in water and drunk with a spoonful.O

46Datura stramonium LAstenagirHWdTinea versicolorLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and painted on the headD
Ear infectionLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and the sap is dropped into the ear canalE
ToothacheSeDry seed is roasted, powdered, burned in fire, and fumigated the smoke trough the mouthF
Fire burnLFresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and painted on the affected areaD

47Coffea arabica L.BunaSWdCoughLFresh leaf is boiled and one cup is drunk at night for few days until recoveryO
WoundSeDry seed is roasted, pounded, powdered, and the powder is added to the woundD
DiarrheaSeDry seed is roasted, powdered, mixed with honey, and one or two spoons is taken in the morning time for three daysO

48Ziziphus spina christi. GebaSBoWoundLThe fresh leaf is crushed, squeezed, and painted on the woundD
Tinea corporisLFresh leaf is massaged and rubbed on the affected areaD
49Saccharum officinarum L. Shenkor agedaHHgCoughStFresh stem is crushed, squeezed, boiled and cooled down, and one cup of tea is taken at night for five daysO
GastritisStFresh stem is chewed and the juice is swallowed during the time of painO

50Capsicum annuum L.KariaHHgMalariaFrFresh raw fruit is eaten with injeraO

51Stephania abyssinic A. RICH Yeayt haregClWdHepatitisRDry root is pounded, powdered, mixed with water, and half a glass cup is drunkO
Febrile illnessL + StFresh leaf and stem together are boiled and fumigated at night and the whole body is washed the next morningF

52Euphorbia abyssinica J. F. Gmel. KulkualTBoStomachacheLaThe tip part is cut to isolate the latex, a drop of fresh latex is collected, half a cup is mixed with little water and drunkO
MalariaRFresh root is crushed, mixed with water, and one coffee cup is takenO
LeshimaniasisLaThe fresh latex is applied on the wound until recoveryD
HemorrhoidLaFresh latex is painted on the woundA

53Artemisia afra Jack.ex willd. ChikugnHWdDevilL + StFresh leaves and stem are crushed and sniffed through the noseN
Common coldLFresh leaves are sniffedN

54Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Nech bahirzafTHgFebrile illnessLFresh leaves are boiled, fumigated at night, and the whole body part is washed the next morningF
Common coldLFresh leaf is boiled and sniffed through the noseN

55Alchemilla sp LLutHWdAbortionRFresh root is crushed, mixed with water, and one cup is drunkO
DandruffRDry root is pounded, powdered, mixed with butter, and painted on the headD
To fatten calf and loss of appetiteRFresh root is crushed and mixed with water and then given orallyO

56Jasminum grandiflorum L.Yeset kestSWdStomachacheLFresh leaves are chewed and swallowedO
TetanusFr + LDry leaf and fruit are pounded, powdered, mixed with fresh butter (concoction), and creamed on the affected part.D

57Brassica carinataYehabesha gomenHHgStomachacheSeDry seeds are pounded, mixed with water, and one glass cup is takenO
ChifieSeDry seed is pounded, powdered, mixed with water, and then washed the body with the mixtureD

58Cicer arietinum L ShimbraHHgSpider poisonSeDry seeds are powdered, mixed with water, and one glass cup is drunkO

59Solanum marginatum L.fGeber EnbuaySWdPrevent pregnancySeSeeds are simply swallowedO
CoughFrFresh fruit is squeezed, mixed with milk, and given orallyO

60Foniculum vulgar Mill EnsilalHBoArthritisStThe fresh stem is crushed and painted on the affected areaD
Dry cough/coughLThe fresh leaf is crushed, soaked in milk, and one glass is drunk continuously.O

61Silene macrosolen Steud. ex. A. Rich WogertSHgEvil spritRDry root is burnt with fire and fumigatedF
Febrile illnessRDry root is pounded, powdered, burnt in fire, and the smoke is fumigatedF

62Zehneria scabra (Linn.f.) Sondl. Hareg eresaClHgFebrile illnessL + StFresh leaves and stem are boiled, fumigated at night time, and washed the whole body early morning the next dayF
Eye diseaseLFresh leaves are boiled in water (decoction) and fumigated.F

63Myrtus communis L. AdesSHgDevilLDry leaves are burnt in fire and fumigatedF
ScabiesLDry leaves are pounded, powdered, and mixed with butter, and then applied on the affected areaD

64Guizotia schimperi Adey abebaHWdMelasmaFlFlowers are collected, dried, pounded, mixed with water, and massaged the affected areaD

65Artemisia absinthium L ArutiHHgDevilLDry leaves are burnt in fire and fumigatedF

66Physalis peruvianaAnbut (Awut)HWdWoundFrFresh fruit is squeezed and the sap of the fruit is added to the woundD
Fire burnLFresh leaf is squeezed and then creamed on the affected partD

67Vicia faba L. BakelaHHgBoilSeDry seeds are chewed and applied on the woundO
LeshmaniasisSeFresh seed is chewed and put on the wound after scratching.D

68Tephrosia inerrupta Hochst. and Steud exGiramtaHHgMumpsStDry stem is covered with a piece of cloth and tied on the neckD

69Clausena anisata (Wild) Hook.f.ex.Benth LimbichSWdMenigitisStDry stem is covered with a piece of cloth and tied on the neckD
Fire injuryLFresh leaves are crushed and tied on the injured area.D

70Millettia ferruginea (Hoshst.)Bak. BirbiraTWdSkin rashFr + SeDry fruits and seeds are pounded, powdered, mixed with butter, and painted on the affected skinD

71Catha edulis Vahl) Forssk. ex Endl. ChatSHgStomachacheLFresh leaves are boiled and one glass cup is drunkO
Evil spritLFresh leaves are chewed and put on the head of patientsD

72Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich. AndawulaHWdSkin rashLFresh leaves are put on the fire and the affected area is rubbedD
TonsillitisRFresh root is crushed, squeezed in the water, and one cup is taken orally.O

73Capsicum annuum L. BerberieHHgPrevent abortionLFresh leaves are crushed, squeezed, mixed with water and drunk with one coffee cupO

74Argemone mexicanNechlebashHBoAccidentRFresh root is crushed, mixed with water, and given orallyO

75Inula confertiflora A. RichWoyina giftSWdEye infectionLDry leaves are pounded, powdered, and applied the powder into the eye using a small bamboo tubeOc
WoundLFresh leaves are crushed, squeezed, and the juice is dropped on the woundD

76Nicotiana tabacum L TinbahoHWdExpel leechLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with water, and given orallyO
CoughLDry leaf is pounded and smoked as a cigarette through the noseN
BlacklegLFresh leaf is crushed and given to livestock.O

77Premna schimperi Engl.ChechihoSWdEye infectionLFresh leaf is crushed and painted on the eyelidOc

78Dodonaea angustifolia L.fKetetinaHWdExpel leechLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with water, and given orallyO
HepatitisRDry roots are burned on fire and smoke is inhaled through the nose.N
Rheumatic/ArthritisRFresh roots are cut, washed, and then 5 pieces of roots are chewed with salt.O

79Schinus molle L. Kundo berberieTHgBloatingLFresh leaves are crushed, squeezed, mixed with water, and given orallyO
Eye diseasesFrFresh fruits are chewed and spat into the eyeOc

80Momordica foetida Kura haregClWdWoundLFresh leaves are crushed and painted on the woundD
Febrile illnessLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with water, and given orallyO

81Juniperus proceraYehabesha tsidTWdFebrile illnessLFresh leaves are simply eatenO
AntraxLFresh leaves are crushed, mixed with water, and given orallyO

82Plantago lanceolata L. GortebHWdEye infectionLDry leaves are pounded, powdered, and the powder is added into the eyeOc
WoundLFresh leaf is crushed and rubbed on the wound areaD

83Ficus carica LBelesSWdRingwormLaFresh leaf is crushed to isolate fresh latex and creamed on the infected skin.D
WoundLaFresh leaf is crushed to isolate fresh latex and painted on the woundD
HemorrhoidLaThe stem is cut to isolate the latex and the latex is painted on the woundD

84Acanthus sennii ChiovKusheshilieSWdRabiesRFresh root is crushed and given with water to all animals.O

85Vernonia amygdalina Delile. GirawaSWdBloatingLFresh leaf is crushed, mixed with water, and drunkO
MalariaLFresh leaves are crushed, mixed with water, filtered, and drunk.O
Urinary problemsLFresh leaf is crushed with the leaf of Eucalyptus globulus (concoction), made into a solution, and then drunk.O

86Jasminium grandiflorum L. TembelelClWdEye diseaseL + StThe fresh leaves and seven pieces of immature stems of Olea europaea are grounded, powdered (concoction), mixed with water, and 2–3 drops of the mixture are applied on the infected part for 3 days.Oc
Tape wormLDry leaves are powdered and one spoonful of it is mixed with water and drunk per day to get relief.O

87Kanahia lanifloraTifrenaSWdBleeding after deliveryRFresh roots are collected (un processed) and tied on the neck.D
Evil spritRFresh or dry roots are crushed with seeds of Allium sativum and leaves of Ruta chalepensis (concoction), powdered, soaked in water, and inhaled.N

88Olea europaea subsp. L.WoiraTWdEye diseaseStFresh stem with leaves of Jasminum abyissinicum are crushed, mixed with water (concoction), and 2–3 drops are applied on the eye.Oc
TonsillitisLWashing the fresh juvenile leaf of Olea europea well to chewing and ingesting the juice.O
ToothacheStThe fresh stem is heated and caught between the teeth.O

89Pterolobiumstellatum (Fors) Brenan KentefaSWdStomachacheBaThe fresh bark is chewed and swallowedO
SwellingLThe fresh leaves are crushed and put on the affected partD

Key : habit (Ha): (Herb (H); shrub (S); tree (T); climber (Cl)). Habitat (Hab): Hg = home garden, Wd = wild; Bo = both parts used (Pu); (B = bark, La = latex, Bu = bulb, R = root, L = leaf, Fr = fruit, Fl = flower, Se = seed, St = stem; L + St = leaf and stem together, Fr + L= fruit and leaf together; Fr + Se = fruit and seed together); Route of administration (RA): (O-oral, D-dermal, N-nasal, Oc-ocular, E-ear, A-anal, F-fumigate).