MEDICINAL PLANTS OF ZANZIBAR

visitors admiring mangrove stand ta Jozani. Mangroves have been used in medication such as abdominal problems, vapor and smoke therapy

The herbal shop and office of the Zanzibar herbalist Mr. Yussuf Kombo (MSc.)

Flueggea virosa [swahili Mkwamba, or mhina mwitu]
a mixture of this plant with coral rags species solve the problem of infertility to women. it clean the uterus and believed to remove swelings in reproductive systems.

Madagascar periwinkle [swahili - mbustani]
=Traditionally the herb has been used in treating hernia, bleeding, pain during menstruation and other abdominal ailments

Bixa orelana (mzingifuri)

Ornamental plant. it is used to treat impotence and aphrodisiac. In mixture with other herbs it treats body fatigues and improve immunity.

Medicinal plants in Nut shell

Medicinal and spices plants are among the Non Wood Forest Products (NWFP) of Zanzibar islands. The NWFP are widely collected in Zanzibar and contribute significantly to socio-economic well being of the societies. Kombo et al 2008, highlighted that, the NWFP which are plant in origin, are classified into seven groups including food; fodder; raw material for medicine and aromatic products; colorants and dyes; utensils, handicrafts and construction; ornamental plants and other plants products. While, those of animals origin are classified into six categories involving living animals, skins, wild honey and bee-wax, bush meat, raw material for medicines, edible animal products and other non-edible animal products. The historical perspectives of NWFPs of Zanzibar depicted the unique feature of the massive production and export of non-wood products to Gulf countries and other world. The chief commodities involved tannin from mangroves forest, honey, spices and other domesticated NWPs including cloves. (Kombo et all. 2008).

References

Kombo YH, Jumah SM, Mzee AJ, Ali, SJ and Salleh MM (2008): SURVEY ON NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LIVELIHOOD AND NATIONAL ECONOMY OF ZANZIBAR. The department of Forestry – Zanzibar, FAO Rome, the Society for Natural Resources Conservation and Development of Zanzibar, NFP Faculty/FAO Rome Italy