Traditional medicine has been used by man from the earliest times to the present day. This has been used in diagnosis prevention and elimination of physical, mental or social imbalance.

At present, however, it is widely employed by people in developing countries. In these countries, the traditional healers are considered to be the most important people who tackle the different health problems of the majority of the population.

In Ethiopia, traditional medicine has been widely employed and appreciated by people for centuries. It’s use in Ethiopia can be traced back to the period earlier than the sixteenth century. Therefore, it has become an integral part of the culture of the people.

Despite this long-established character of the traditional Ethiopian medicine, until recently, it had remained ignored and unregulated by scientists and government. In recent years, however, thanks to the eruption of the Ethiopian Revolution, marked changes have taken place. The ministry of health has opened a coordinating office to be responsible to the Government on traditional medicine. The Science and Technology Commission also has traditional medicine as one of the stated domains of the medical sub council.

Realizing the importance of traditional medicine in various aspects as well as appreciating the changes in attitude, the Ethiopian Postal Service issues four stamps featuring me Mal herbs collected and compiled in various parts of the country.

Securidaca longepedunculata (etse menahe) is a small tree of up to six meters height. It has small magenta flower and yellowish-green winged fruits. It grows at altitudes between 1400-1750 meters in south-western Ethiopia. The part of the plant that is reported to have important medicinal value is the bark of the root.

This part of the plan together with other plant parts and minerals is employed the treatment of ulcer (skin TB), headache, parasites in the alimentary canal. The flowers are reported to aid for the treatment of hyperpigmentation of the cheek.

Plumbago Zeylanica (Amera) is a widespread herbaceous or slightly woody climber that grows up to three meters. 11 grows at altitudes between 780 and 2200 meters. The flowers are white and slightly scented and the lowermost parts (calyx) are sticky.

The part of the plant with medicinal property is the root. This is employed together with other plants and minerals in the treatment of ulcer, impaired urination and rheumatism.

Brucea antidysenterica (Abalo) is a small tree of 3-5 meters height. It grows at altitudes between 1700 and 2700 metres in Ethiopia. At present it is known in Gondar, Gojam, Showa, Sidamo, Harerge, Illubabor, Kaffa and Wellega Regions.

Through mixing with other plant parts, the fruit is used in the treatment of leprosy, ulcer and skin TB . the root bark for rabies; the buds for skin TB and in general for inflammation of the Oymphatic system; the flowers for hyper-pigmentation of the face; the leaves for treatment of eczema, onchocerchiasis and dysentery.

Coccinia Grandis (Werk Berneda) is a climbing plan with wide distribution in Ethiopia. It grows at altitudes between 550 and 1725 meters. The fruits in the early stages are green with white longitudinal lines and white spots, and when mature they are deep orange. The roots are tuberous.

Together with other plants, Werk Bemeda is employed in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. It is also given as food mixed with barley porridge to both very young children and old people.