Business and Economics

Assessment of Medicinal Plants Used to Treat Human Diseases in Mille District, Afar Regional State, North-eastern Ethiopia

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was conducted in Mille district, Afar regional state, Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to assess medicinal plants used to heal human diseases by traditional healers. Among twelve (12) Kebelles of the district four (4) Kebelles were selected purposefully. The data were collected using semi-structure interview and focused group discussion. Thirty (30) informants were selected purposively by the help of district administration and elders. A total of 21 plants species were documented. Most claimed plants are trees (52.6%), leaf part was also widely used (41.6%) than others. The frequently used route of administration is oral which accounts 62.5%. Aloe was the most important plant species to treat different human disease and the species was ranked first. The traditional knowledge transfer mechanism for generations is very important experience. As per the informants, wild growing medicinal plants are the most efficacious. Further exploration of traditional knowledge and conservation of dry wood forest is vital.