For several years man particularly in Africa and many parts of the third world have exploited the therapeutic properties of fruits, plants and plant parts in the treatment of sicknesses and diseases. Though it took some time to gain wide recognition and acceptance among the civilized world because it was thought to be crude and unethical in its application, the role of herbs and plants as therapeutic agents is fast gaining acceptance with many people. This has led to an increase in research to unveil previously hidden and untapped therapeutic potential of herbs and plant parts (roots, leaves, fruits, bark).

According to a recent report published in Nigeria some local researchers have discovered local herbs that are effective for the treatment of some bodily sicknesses and ailments. The research for which some is reported to have lasted for up to nine years has been published in journals locally and international.

The current research findings revealed that some common and naturally available plants are therapeutic for gastro intestinal illness such as ulcer, indigestion, hepatitis and dysentery. The preparation and dosage recommended by the research for the treatment of gastrointestinal illness and sickness is listed below:

(1 Therapy for peptic ulcer: Grind into powder form a mixture of an equal weight of dried plantain peels and banana peels. Mix 1 teaspoon of the powder with a little honey. Take two tablespoons daily.

Cut two unripe pawpaw fruits (with the skin) and soak in a bowl or container containing 8 bottles of water for 5 days. Sieve and remove the cut pawpaw. Add one bottle of honey to the water and do not refrigerate. Take one glass two times daily for 10m days.

Mix one bottle of honey and one bottle of water and blend with 4 leaves of mature aloe vera leaves. Take 3 dessertspoons thrice daily.

(2) Therapy for hepatitis: 1 unripe pineapple fruit + 10 leaves of cashew + 1 handful cotton seed boiled in 10 bottles of water, and one glass taken four times daily for 10 days is reported by the research as effective for the treatment of hepatitis.

(3) Therapy for dysentery: Rice water. Unbelievable isn’t it. Yet the research says if you store the water used to boil your rice in a refrigerator and take half a glass daily for 3 days it will heal dysentery.

(4) Therapy for indigestion: Squeeze the leaves of African cucumber Mormodica charantia in water. One glass only taken at night on an empty stomach serves as a mild laxative.