Traditional medicine

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Traditional medicine (also known as Indigenous medicine or folk medicine) refers to the knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in the cultural beliefs of various societies, especially Indigenous groups, used with the intent of treating illness and maintaining health. Traditional medicine includes systems like Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and Unani. It is commonly reported that 80% of people in Asian and African countries rely on traditional medicine for primary health care, though recent studies suggest a lower percentage. According to a 2024 World Health Organization global survey, two-thirds of countries globally report at least 40% of their population uses traditional, complementary, or integrative medicine; reported usage is higher among African and Southeast Asian countries. The WHO supports their integration, but warns of potential risks and calls for more research on their safety and effectiveness. The use of medicinal herbs spans over 5,000 years, beginning with ancient...

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