Myths and facts of traditional medicine
The discussion covered the facts and myths surrounding traditional medicine.
Professor Ben-Erik van Wyk, of the University of Johannesburg, discussed traditional medicine at the Modderfontein Town Hall on Thursday, May 15.
He was speaking at the Modderfontein Conservation Society (MCS) meeting.
His discussion covered the facts and myths surrounding traditional medicine.
“In traditional cultures where knowledge is imparted by word of mouth, mythology helps to ensure that critical facts about the treatment of diseases, for example, are not forgotten and they can be easily and effectively transferred to the next generation,” said Prof Van Wyk.
“Examples of commercially important plants are presented to show that indigenous plant-use knowledge not only has tremendous cultural value, but can also be the starting point for product development and job creation,” he said.
The results of Prof Van Wyk’s research, especially on medicinal plants, useful plants and plant classification, is published in 19 books and some 300 research papers in scientific journals.
