Medicinal plants in the daily lives of Malagasy people

Madagascar is home to over 13,000 medicinal plants, with at least half of them being endemic. Every Malagasy person knows at least two or three medicinal plants: guava leaves for diarrhea, eucalyptus for colds, and cypress for gout, to name a few. Treating ailments with plants is a deeply ingrained habit, and traditional medicine remains a strong presence in Malagasy culture.

An ancestral knowledge

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes has always been practiced by the Malagasy people. This knowledge is passed down from parent to child or from a spirit to a chosen individual.  Healers taught by family elders often prepare and sell plant-based medicines to the general public.  Healers guided by spirits treat only those in their village or patients referred by word of mouth.

Traditional healers

Traditional healers, known as ombiasa, communicate with spirits (one spirit per healer) to receive blessings that define their powers, knowledge, and effectiveness. They venture into forests, sometimes within national parks, to harvest plants that only they can identify.  

The ANTM (Association nationale des tradipraticiens de Madagascar) represents over a thousand traditional healers, aiming to formalize their status, safeguard their practices, and protect their knowledge while distinguishing them from charlatans.

A common practice for treating ailments

Many Malagasy people still rely on medicinal plants for healthcare due to a lack of medical professionals. In remote areas, medications are expensive, and access to pharmacies is nearly impossible.  

Some distrust modern medicine and prefer traditional methods. Even in urban centers, phytotherapy remains widely used. According to the WHO, approximately 70% of Madagascar's population turns to traditional medicine.

Well-Known Malagasy Medicinal Plants

Commonly recognized medicinal plants include eucalyptus leaves, Madagascar periwinkle, Aloe vera, Mandravasarotra (Cinnamosm*), ravintsara, and niaouli. These plants are used daily by Malagasy people and are also utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Commonly used plants

- Aloe Vera: Known worldwide, this plant is popular in cosmetic and hygiene products. Malagasy people mix its gel with honey to treat gastritis and ulcers.  

- Ravintsara and Eucalyptus leaves:  Often boiled during the winter months, the steam is inhaled, and a small amount of the liquid is consumed to treat colds and respiratory issues.

Plants proven to be effective

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) : Used in decoctions to treat liver problems, hypertension, and diabetes. 

Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica): Originally from South America, this plant is also used in decoctions to facilitate childbirth. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to produce Poconéol, a sedative.  

The list of medicinal plants is extensive and continues to grow as new species are discovered and cataloged. For more detailed information, consulting specialized literature is recommended.