South Africa (SA) is teeming with indigenous medicinal plants which historically saved lives and contributed to the country’s healthcare system, particularly across rural communities.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
According to experts, 70% of Black South Africans rely on traditional medicine or herbs for a range of ailments. This includes respiratory infections, headaches and gastrointestinal complications. According to them, it proves the trust in indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) instead of relying on Western medicine.
The question being asked is how technology can applied integrate IKS into existing health practices and policies to better prepare for any future pandemics. This issue was discussed by science students, researchers and medical practitioners during a panel discussion at the South African Science Forum 2025 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria.
Hosted by the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, conversations centred on ways in which traditional medicine practitioners can be part of the broader medical fraternity. The creation of partnerships and collaborations between Western medicine and traditional indigenous herbs was discussed as a means to augment and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
During the Forum, the need to amplify and reinforce the voices of traditional healers and indigenous plants experts was highlighted. For years, these practitioners had been complaining that their contribution to the country’s healthcare system was undermined, despite that the majority of South Africans continue to rely on them for cures and treatments. It was widely reported that during the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of people in Black communities resorted to the use of Artemis afra instead of vaccination.
Enhancing traditional knowledge
Dr Ryan Rattray, is based at the University of Johannesburg and one of the Forum presenters, said SA currently has 21 539 plant species which can be harvested for various scientific studies because of their potentially valuable medicinal properties. He said the idea is not to replace traditional knowledge, but to enhance it through collaboration with communities with a deep knowledge of such plants. It was generally felt that technology and the IKS are not mutually exclusive, but can collaborate to create a robust and effective healthcare system. “Knowledge requires technology as the enabler, while technology without serving a specific purpose has no value,” he said.
Dr Rattray also highlighted ethical importance and that technology to collect and analyse data should always be based on ethical consideration and inclusivity. He said researchers and medical practitioners often do not receive assistance from these communities when they collect data about indigenous plants.
Not only is this unethical, but it also undermines the contribution and knowledge sharing from the local communities. Participants suggested the use of local languages or dialects should be applied in reference to herbs or plants so locals can relate to them. In addition, elders or traditional healers should be part of the expert cohort to validate and vouch for the efficacy of herbal products.
Panelists also emphasised the importance of not only working closely with local communities as key stakeholders, but also involving the youth. “The youth must be educated and enthused about the need to appreciate the value of traditional herbs. They need to be reminded that all the neatly packaged drugs they see on the shelves of local medical stores come from the soil first.”
Commercially successful herbs
SA boasts some of the most lucrative and commercially successful indigenous herbs and plants across the globe. These have been used across generations and proved to be effective in curing and treating some ailments. They include, among others:
Commonly known as African wormwood or umhlonyane – known for the successful treatment of a wide range of ailments because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, pain-relieving and anti-oxidant properties. It is also well-known for treating coughs, colds, influenza, sore throats, asthma and clearing blocked nasal passages. The herb can be used for digestive and gastrointestinal problems – heartburn, bloating, indigestion, colic, constipation and stomach cramps.
- Devil’s claw is used as herbal supplement to treat inflammation and pain. It also offers benefits for ailments such as osteoarthritis, back pain and rheumatic pain. It is traditionally used to alleviate general muscle, joint and rheumatic pain.
- Buchu is a renowned indigenous herb with leaves containing essential oils as well as flavonoids. Among some of its benefits is urinary tract cleansing capabilities. It can be used to treat bladder infections and prostate inflammation or prostatitis. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain relieving benefits. It can be taken as tea to calm stomach and other digestive related problems – constipation and nausea, flatulence, etc.
Climate change resilient plants
Other themes which were discussed included the need to collect data on climate change and its impact on indigenous herbs or plants to minimise its effect on these plants. Communities need to be trained on how to develop adaptation strategies and also reduce over-harvesting.
