The Cultural Significance of Medicinal Plants in Treating Chronic Conditions

Odile Patrick Thalia

Faculty of Biological Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants have played a crucial role in healthcare for centuries, particularly in managing chronic conditions. This paper explores the cultural significance of medicinal plants, their historical use, and the integration of traditional and modern medical systems. It examines how ethnobotanical knowledge is preserved, shared, and adapted across cultures and discusses the challenges of incorporating traditional healing into contemporary healthcare. While medicinal plants offer accessible and cost-effective remedies, issues such as standardization, scientific validation, and ethical concerns remain. Future research should focus on bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern pharmacological studies to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, ethnobotany, chronic conditions, traditional medicine, cultural healing practices, phytotherapy, herbal remedies.

CITE AS: Odile Patrick Thalia. (2025). The Cultural Significance of Medicinal Plants in Treating Chronic Conditions. Newport International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 6(2):59-65 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRMS/2025/6.2.5965