Charring Medicinal Plants: A Traditional Method of Preparing Phytomedicines in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Charring of plant materials is a practice used by traditional Yoruba healers in Southwestern Nigeria. Samples of charred plant treatments were purchased and analyzed for their phytochemical and mineral contents. The results indicate that the treatments studied include important minerals but lack evidence of phytochemicals surviving the charring process. The conclusion is that the treatments may be effective because of minerals in the charred plants.