This anthropological study focuses on the traditional medicinal uses of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) in the Bambara community of Sanankoroba, Mali, Western Africa. It aimed to explore the significance of shea in traditional medicine, methods of preparation and application, and beliefs and practices surrounding its use.
The research was conducted using a combination of ethnographic methods, including participant observation and interviews with traditional healers and community members, to deeply understand the social and cultural significance of shea in traditional medicine among the Bambara. The sample for this study is composed of traditional healers, herbalists, patients, and others in the study area. We, therefore, opted for random sampling.
The study revealed that shea butter is a valuable resource in traditional medicine, especially in the repair of broken bones and sprains. In addition, the various parts of the plant are used to treat a range of illnesses, including stomach aches, gastrointestinal disorders, coughs, fertility of women, body aches, fever of newborns, skin conditions, respiratory problems, and others. The study also revealed the important role of traditional healers in the community and the complex relationship between traditional and modern medicine. The study concludes that shea remains a vital part of traditional medicinal practices in the Bambara community and that its preservation is essential for the maintenance of local medical knowledge and the continued well-being of the community.
Finally, the traditional use of shea butter and its compounds in medicine is still relevant, especially in rural communities where access to modern health care is often problematic. Thus, shea has played a vital place in the healthcare system of rural population, particularly in Mali and, more generally, in many West African countries.
