Madagascar is home to over 13,000 medicinal plants, at least half of which are endemic. Any self-respecting Malagasy person knows at least two or three medicinal plants: guava leaves for diarrhea, eucalyptus for colds, cypress for gout, and so on. Healing with plants is a habit, and traditional medicine remains deeply rooted in everyday practice.

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 one. Those who have acquired their knowledge from their parents or ancestors commercialize plant-based medicines to the general public. Those who received their knowledge from one or more spirits only treat patients who live in their village or those who know them through word of mouth.

Traditional Healers

Traditional healers communicate with spirits (one spirit per healer) to obtain the blessing that will determine their powers, knowledge, and effectiveness. They venture into the forest (sometimes within national parks) to gather the plants that only they know how to identify. The ANTM (National Association of Traditional Practitioners of Madagascar) brings together over a thousand traditional practitioners seeking to formalize their status and practice to better care for patients and protect their knowledge, distinguishing themselves from charlatans.

A Remedy for Everyday Ailments

Most Malagasy people still rely on medicinal plants for healing due to a shortage of doctors. In remote areas, medications are expensive and access to a pharmacy is nearly impossible. Some simply do not trust modern medicine and prefer to heal in traditional ways. Even the population of major cities routinely turns to herbal medicine. According to the WHO, this accounts for approximately 70% of the population.

The Most Well-Known Malagasy Medicinal Plants

Eucalyptus leaves, Madagascar periwinkle, Aloe vera, mandravasarotra (Cinnamosma), ravintsara, and niaouli are among the most well-known medicinal plants. They are used daily by the Malagasy people and exploited to manufacture medicines and cosmetic products.

The Most Common Plants

Aloe vera is a plant that everyone knows, as it is present in many cosmetic and hygiene products. The gel, mixed with honey, is used by the Malagasy to treat gastritis and ulcers. Ravintsara is equally a commonly used plant, much like eucalyptus leaves. In winter, they are boiled, the steam is inhaled, and a small amount is consumed to treat colds and various respiratory conditions.

The Plants with the Most Proven Effectiveness

Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus Roseus) is used in decoction to treat liver problems, manage hypertension, or alleviate diabetes. Sensitive plant (Mimosa Pudica), originally from South America, also in decoction form, facilitates childbirth. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to manufacture Poconéol, a sedative. The list is extensive and requires consultation of specialized literature. Moreover, it is not exhaustive, and new plants remain to be discovered and catalogued.