African Traditional Medicine Day 2017 |01 September 2017

Exhibition showcases the virtues of medicinal plants

Members of the public have the chance to view an exhibition of medicinal plants being held at the National Cultural Centre (National Library building).

The exhibition showcasing medicinal plants that can be easily found in the wild in Seychelles was officially opened yesterday by the principal secretary for culture Cecile Kalebi to coincide with the African Traditional Medicine Day which is celebrated on August 31 every year.

The significance of African Traditional Medicine Day is to raise awareness of the critical role that traditional medicine plays in improving people’s health.

The exhibition has been organised by the department of culture’s National Heritage Research and Protection Section (NHRPS) since 2011, with a different topic each year and all the previous exhibits are also being featured this year.

This year the exhibition focuses on medicinal plants that can be easily found in the wild in Seychelles and that can be used if there is a need for survival.

Several themes of past exhibitions include the uses and importance of ‘bwa torti’ and ‘bred mouroum’, the medicinal virtues of the coconut tree, local herbal teas and medicinal practices and rituals of Seychelles.

Eight individuals who have supported the NHRPS in safeguarding the Seychelles National Heritage received ‘Friends of Heritage’ shields from the special advisor for culture Emmanuel D’Offay.

The recipients have also contributed towards the organisation of the African Traditional Medicine Day for the past few years.

They are Jeamie Dogley, Marie-Andre Contoret, Jeanne D’arc Gerry, Ferdinand Vidot, Gretta Balette, Jean-Joseph Madeleine, Giovani Ally and Eric Constance.

Three members of Bling Bling poetry recited poems made especially for the occasion.

PS Kalebi said the African Traditional Medicine Day is an opportunity to celebrate as well as highlight the importance of this aspect of the African knowledge system.

“As a nation, we need to recognise the significant role that our traditional medicine plays in the overall development of our country, be it social or economic,” she said.

She said most traditional medicine practices in Seychelles are no longer considered as ‘taboo’ as it was traditionally.

“Drinking a ‘pti lafresisan’, giving your child a ‘ben’ and the current trend of drinking some ‘bwa torti’ in the morning are common practices,” she said.

PS Kalebi said the next step is to institutionalise mechanisms which will promote and enhance continuous research platforms to improve safety, efficacy and quality of our traditional medicines.

In this light she is encouraging herbalists, traditional health practitioners, researchers and even professional medical practitioners to work together to promote our traditional medicine.

She took the opportunity to recognise all the herbalists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make the event possible.

Mr Constance, who is a spiritual healer, said he inherited his abilities from his ancestors.

“I do not heal by providing medicinal plants, I rather guide you on what you should do or take,” he said.

Miss Contoret, who has done extensive research on ‘bwa torti’ said she had been involved with this plant for seven years.

“It brings me joy when I heal and help out people with their health,” she said.

They were both grateful for receiving the small token of appreciation.

The accompanying photos show visitors viewing the various exhibits on display.