AN APPRAISAL ON THE TYPES OF SICKNESS TREATED BY TRADITIONAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND KNOWLEDGE DOCUMENTATION PRACTICES A CASE STUDY OF MATAZU LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF KATSINA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study sought to explore documentation of traditional medical information in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The study used a purposive sampling technique, specifically convenience sampling to select participants and unstructured interview was used to collect data from the participants. The findings from the study indicated that: (1) traditional medical practitioners in Matazu Local Government Area addressed the issues of common diseases and psychological diseases; they use Biological- herbs, and Special Quranic prayers to cure diseases. The study showed that there is no formal documented information on traditional medical practices in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. In conclusion, documenting traditional medical knowledge was considered the most important factor that would encourage and patronizes to use the medicine and the ascendants’ of the traditional medical practitioners to continue with the practice. It was therefore recommended that in order to improve the use of traditional medicine and its heritage there is the need for proper documentation