Prelude Medicinal Plants Database
Search | Practical Guide | Authors | DisclaimerReference : HM 34
Author(s) :
Maundu, P., D. Berger, C. Ole Saitabau, J. Nasieku, M. Kipelian, S. Mathenge, Y. Morimoto, R. Höft
Title :
Ethnobotany of the Loita Maasai.
People and Plants Working Paper 8. Unesco, Paris, 34 p. (2001)
Reference HM 34 has information about 30 plants :
Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile
Official name :
Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile
Family :
Fabaceae
Synonyms :
Acacia scorpioides (L.) W.F. Wight
Symptoms :
H(008), H(068), H(091), H(095), H(103), H(104), H(135)
Recipes :
H(091), H(095), Acacia nilotica is the most frequently used soup plant. The root or stem bark are boiled in water and the decoction drunk alone or added to soup. The moran are fond of taking this as a drug before going on raids. It makes them energetic, aggressive and fearless
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
H(203) Acacia nilotica is used to dye leather
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
H(203) Acacia nilotica is used to dye leather
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olkiloriti (Moran)
Acacia sp.
Official name :
Acacia sp.
Family :
Fabaceae
Symptoms :
H(095)
Recipes :
H(095) plants, particularly Acacia sp., are chewed for their sweet taste, their water content, as an exercise for the jaws and to pass time. The bark is removed and the inner light-coloured thin layer is chewed.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Achyranthes aspera L.
Official name :
Achyranthes aspera L.
Family :
Amaranthaceae
Synonyms :
Achyranthes annua Dinter
,
Achyranthes indica (L.) Mill.
,
Achyranthes aspera var. sicula L.
,
Achyranthes obovata Peter.
Symptoms :
H(008), H(051), H(068), H(100), H(103), H(104), H(135)
Recipes :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
H(051), H(100), roots boiled against paludism and syphilis
H(051), H(100), roots boiled against paludism and syphilis
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Schweinf.
Official name :
Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Schweinf.
Family :
Apocynaceae
Symptoms :
H(092), H(095)
Recipes :
H(092) all parts of the plant can be used. Stems, roots, or even leaves, are put in a large container, filled with water and boiled for up to 10 hours in a secluded area. Once all the water has evaporated, a thick sticky black substance is left in the container.This substance is then cut into pieces, put into containers or wrapped and stored away from people. Arrow poison is applied on arrow tips. The arrows are used for hunting and for self defence. Once introduced into the blood system the poison can kill in 20 minutes. The hunter gatherers who lived in Loita Forest were known for their expertise in poison-making and hunting, using poisoned arrows.
H(095), the latex from Acokanthera spp. can be made into chewing gum for children.
H(095), the latex from Acokanthera spp. can be made into chewing gum for children.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Schweinf.
Official name :
Acokanthera schimperi (A.DC.) Schweinf.
Family :
Apocynaceae
Symptoms :
V(092)
Recipes :
V(092) all parts of the plant can be used. Stems, roots, or even leaves, are put in a large container, filled with water and boiled for up to 10 hours in a secluded area. Once all the water has evaporated, a thick sticky black substance is left in the container.This substance is then cut into pieces, put into containers or wrapped and stored away from people. Arrow poison is applied on arrow tips. The arrows are used for hunting and for self defence. Once introduced into the blood system the poison can kill in 20 minutes. The hunter gatherers who lived in Loita Forest were known for their expertise in poison-making and hunting, using poisoned arrows.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Aloe sp.
Official name :
Aloe sp.
Family :
Asphodelaceae
Symptoms :
H(201)
Recipes :
H(201) The male circumcision ceremony starts by brewing large quantities of beer in gourds made from Lagenaria siceraria. Roots of Aloe spp. (mostly A. volkensii) (osuguroi) are dug up, cleaned and accelerate the fermenting of the honey and provide a slightly bitter taste
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
osuguroi
Aloe volkensii Engl.
Official name :
Aloe volkensii Engl.
Family :
Asphodelaceae
Symptoms :
H(201)
Recipes :
H(201) The male circumcision ceremony starts by brewing large quantities of beer in gourds made from Lagenaria siceraria, roots of Aloe volkensii (osuguroi) are dug up, cleaned and accelerate the fermenting of the honey and provide a slightly bitter taste
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
osuguroi
Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl
Official name :
Carissa edulis (Forssk.) Vahl
Family :
Apocynaceae
Synonyms :
Carissa xylopicron Thouars
,
Carissa pubescens A. DC.
,
Carissa spinarum L.
Symptoms :
H(008), H(068), H(095), H(103), H(104), H(135)
Recipes :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
H(095) edible fruit ingested by children and women looking after cattle
H(095) latex as chewing gum
H(095) It is a custom to take soup with plant extracts as Carissa edulis. This is done to improve the taste, to keep diseases away and for curative purposes.
H(095) edible fruit ingested by children and women looking after cattle
H(095) latex as chewing gum
H(095) It is a custom to take soup with plant extracts as Carissa edulis. This is done to improve the taste, to keep diseases away and for curative purposes.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olamuriaki
Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) R. Br. ex Vatke
Official name :
Clerodendrum myricoides (Hochst.) R. Br. ex Vatke
Family :
Verbenaceae
Symptoms :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135)
Recipes :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olmakutukut
Commiphora sp.
Official name :
Commiphora sp.
Family :
Burseraceae
Symptoms :
H(095)
Recipes :
H(095), resins are mainly obtained from Commiphora spp. exude substances which are sucked
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Cordia ovalis R.Br. ex A.DC.
Official name :
Cordia ovalis R.Br. ex A.DC.
Family :
Boraginaceae
Synonyms :
Cordia monoica Roxb.
Symptoms :
H(095), H(201)
Recipes :
H(095) Cordia monoica has edible fruit
H(201), Cordia monoica: used to settle disputes
H(201), Cordia monoica: used to settle disputes
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
oseki
Erythrococca bongensis Pax
Official name :
Erythrococca bongensis Pax
Family :
Euphorbiaceae
Symptoms :
H(203)
Recipes :
H(203), arrow shafts
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
endulele-endim
Euclea divinorum Hiern
Official name :
Euclea divinorum Hiern
Family :
Ebenaceae
Synonyms :
Euclea keniensis R.E. Fries
Symptoms :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), H(203)
Recipes :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
H(203) tanning of leather
H(203) tanning of leather
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olkinyei
Ficus thonningii Blume
Official name :
Ficus thonningii Blume
Family :
Moraceae
Synonyms :
Ficus iteophylla Miq.
,
Ficus burkei (Miq.) Miq.
,
Ficus dekdekena (Miq.) A. Rich.
Symptoms :
H(201)
Recipes :
H(201) the ceremony for blessing women is conducted under fig trees; Ficus thonningii and Ficus cordata
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
oreteti
Grewia similis K. Schum.
Official name :
Grewia similis K. Schum.
Family :
Tiliaceae
Symptoms :
H(095)
Recipes :
H(095) Grewia similis has edible fruit
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olnyalugwai
Kalanchoe sp.
Official name :
Kalanchoe sp.
Family :
Crassulaceae
Symptoms :
H(113)
Recipes :
H(113), plants with fleshy leaves, particularly Kalanchoe spp. are used to treat body pain. The leaves are warmed repeatedly and each time placed gently on the painful part.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley
Official name :
Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley
Family :
Cucurbitaceae
Synonyms :
Lagenaria vulgaris Ser.
,
Cucurbita lagenaria L.
Symptoms :
H(203)
Recipes :
H(203), the male circumcision ceremony starts by brewing large quantities of beer in gourds made from Lagenaria siceraria. Roots of Aloe spp. (mostly A. volkensii) accelerate the fermenting of the honey and provide a slightly bitter taste
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
not communicated by the authors
Lantana trifolia L.
Official name :
Lantana trifolia L.
Family :
Verbenaceae
Symptoms :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135)
Recipes :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olma-girigiriyani
Lantana trifolia L.
Official name :
Lantana trifolia L.
Family :
Verbenaceae
Symptoms :
Recipes :
V(202), V(201), when animals return from far-distant grazing lands, where they have been due to a long drought, an oloirien fire is made on either side of the entrance to the animal enclosure. Fresh olma- girigiriani (Lantana trifolia) is put on the fire to give an aromatic smell. Animals pass through the smoke and into the enclosure. The intention is to cleanse the animals and to bless them.
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
olma-girigiriyani
Olea europaea L. subsp africana (P.Miller) P.S. Green
Official name :
Olea europaea L. subsp africana (P.Miller) P.S. Green
Family :
Oleaceae
Synonyms :
Olea europaea L. subsp. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) Cif.
Symptoms :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), H(201)
Recipes :
H(008), H(068), H(103), H(104), H(135), for gums and teeth, mouth infections, intestinal worms, diarrhoea and dysentery, aiding digestion, aiding faecal disposal, emetics and purgatives, to stop vomiting and stomach-ache. Most emetics and purgatives are used in the treatment of paludism-like fevers common in Maasailand.
H(201) the most commonly used ceremonial tree; it is used in all ceremonies as it is believed to bring good luck; it is the plant used for blessings
H(201) the most commonly used ceremonial tree; it is used in all ceremonies as it is believed to bring good luck; it is the plant used for blessings
Region :
East Africa
Country :
Kenya (Naimina Enkiyio (Loita) Forest)
Vernacular name :
oloirien