Traditional herbal medicine during pregnancy: How popular is it? Does it help or harm?

MCH News aims to stimulate discussion and information sharing on some of the social science aspects of MCH. In this article the topic of isihlambezo (herbal medicine used in pregnancy) is discussed and we invite you to write in with your own experiences and opinions. The use of herbal medicines during pregnancy is common among many black South African women. We recently studied one such herbal mixture known in Zulu as isihlambezo. It is said to ensure a healthy course of pregnancy good foetal growth and quick and painless labour and delivery. In rural and urban settings and discussed various aspects of isihlambezo with them. The pharmacological properties of isihlambezo were also also examined. (excerpt)