Navigating Ghana’s rich landscape of traditional medicine can be confusing for the public. In a recent briefing, Dr. (MH) Prince Osei, Vice-President of the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH), provided a crucial guide for consumers, clearly defining the three distinct categories of practitioners and the type of care each provides.
“So how do you identify the right herbal practitioner?” Dr. Osei asked, directly addressing a common public dilemma. He then detailed a clear hierarchy of training and approach:
- The Traditional Practitioner: This practitioner operates based on belief and tradition. “He doesn’t really have to explain what the medicine is going to do to your system… and the law permits that because he’s a traditional practitioner,” Dr. Osei explained. This path is for those seeking treatment rooted in spiritual or cultural faith.
- The Herbalist: This practitioner has practical knowledge of medicinal plants but may lack formal scientific training. Dr. Osei cautioned that this can sometimes lead to misinformation, using the example of claims about herbs melting hernias. “You’ll be amazed that they have medicines that can actually melt it, which is not true.”
- The Medical Herbalist: Positioned at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, this is the practitioner with the most extensive training. “He has been trained in medical sciences and also herbal medicine,” Dr. Osei stated. “He knows the pathophysiology of conditions. He knows the herbs and will be able to advise you in the right way.”
This distinction is vital for public safety and informed consent. It allows individuals to align their healthcare choices with their personal needs and understanding.
“So depending on what you want, you can choose the practitioner that you want,” Dr. Osei concluded. “If you want the beliefs, you can go to the traditional practitioner. You can also go to a herbalist or you can also see a medical herbalist.”
The breakdown from a senior GAMH figure serves as an essential public service announcement, promoting transparency and empowering Ghanaians to make more informed decisions about their health and the practitioners they entrust it to.
About the Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists (GAMH):
The Ghana Association of Medical Herbalists is the premier professional body for medically trained herbalists in Ghana. It advocates for the integration of scientific rigor and evidence-based practice with the nation’s rich herbal heritage to ensure safe, effective, and ethical patient care
