Medicinal Plants

There is no doubt that certain plants offer valuable medicinal properties. But there are many challenges that local communities face in the harvesting and cultivation of these plants. The interviews in the pack aim to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges presented by cultivating medicinal plants. They cover cultivation techniques and awareness of sustainable growing, for the pharmaceutical industry and for use at home. Attention is drawn to particular medicinal properties; aloe vera for example is excellent for treating burns. The importance of integrating herbal and traditional medicines is also highlighted – they should be working together and not in opposition. And, while Chinese medicinal plants such as Artemisia annua are well documented, few African medicinal plants are. This means governments will need to promote the benefits of medicinal plants, which might involve integrating them into national healthcare systems. These issues and more, are covered in this pack of ten interviews.

Technical information, pack usage details, resources and full scripts (PDF Format)

Recovering an over-exploited resource 4’23”

Attempts to restore Prunus africana trees to the Lebialem highlands of Cameroon, where over-harvesting has almost wiped them out.

Sustainable harvesting of tree bark 6’12”

Forestry research is discovering and communicating better techniques for harvesting medicinal bark, to prevent trees dying.

Cultivating an endangered vine 4’06”

Cultivation, processing and marketing of Mondia whytei, a vine that is normally harvested from forest areas.

Moringa – the miracle tree 5’20”

Promotion of Moringa oleifera, a plant with numerous medicinal and nutritional benefits which can also purify water.

Growing medicines in home gardens 6’41”

There are many plants which can be grown in home gardens which can boost the health of families, and provide income.

Getting into commercial production 4’22”

A church-linked development agency in Zimbabwe is supporting farmers to grow and market various medicinal herbs.

Artemisia annua – a plant cure for malaria 5’08”

Advice and support on cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest handling for farmers who are growing Artemisia annua.

Herbal soaps and creams 4’57”

Disabled and able-bodied people in Uganda are growing medicinal plants and making medicinal soaps and skin products.

Trading standards for export 5’13”

Producing detailed documentation on 50 important African medicinal plants, to aid international marketing of these species.

A national policy for herbal medicine 6’01”

The government of The Gambia has a draft policy to integrate traditional healers into the national health system.