Medicinal Plants in Uganda
Uganda has had a tradition of natural medicine for
centuries. Recent ethnobotanical research has identified
more than 300 plants (trees, shrubs, flowers and weeds)
growing wild across the country, which are integral
to the health and wellbeing of the Ugandan people. Some
indigenous plants have recently gained value in the
world of pharmaceuticals and are now being grown commercially
while research is being carried out on many more plants,
exploring the value of these tropical flora.
Despite the advent of modern medicine, the herbalist
remains a key part of Ugandan culture, and traditional
remedies are passed down from generation to generation,
often used in conjunction with modern medicine.
One of the naturally occurring species of coffee, Coffea
Canephora is still used today to treat stomach complications.
This small tree is found in the understorey of rainforest
but is also cultivated in medicinal gardens. Only the
leaves are used for medicine.
Other Medicinal Plants
Solanum incanum
This undershrub is found in drier areas. Known as Bitter Apple, there is a medicinal use for every part of this plant, except the apple itself. | Vernonia Amygdalina
Also known as Bitter Leaf, this small sun-loving shrub from the asteraceae family grows up to 8 metres high and is found growing wild all over tropical Africa.
| Aloe Vera
Growing wild in wooded and dry grassland, the Aloe Vera has many uses. |
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