A review of selected plants used in the maintenance of health and wellness in Ethiopia

Abstract

The therapeutic, Orthodox Christian liturgical/ceremonial, aromatic and medicinal uses of some
selected members of the plant genera, Aloe, Artemisia, Boswellia, Coffea, Commiphora,
Echinops, Foeniculum, Jasminum, Lawsonia, Linum, Myrtus and Olea and their products by
rural and semi-urban Ethiopians is highlighted. Their uses are compared and contrasted with the
uses elsewhere in the world and, in some cases, a review of the biological and chemical features
is provided to highlight similarity and/or correlation of use. The need on focusing on these
biological resources by researchers and entrepreneurs is highlighted. A few of the species are
endemic; some are regionally distributed, while others are introduced species. An attempt is
made to show the basic structures of organic molecules and the derivation of macromolecules
within cells from these compounds. The central dogma of life, as revolving and evolving units of
energy embodied or trapped in chemicals, is given as a cursory introduction to show
relationships, in terms of energy, between the organism and the units it is made up of.