Herbalists Worried After Medicines Are Washed Away By Cyclone Idai

Tropical Cyclone Idai left Chimanimani district in Manicaland province bereft of herbal medicines after flash floods swept away herbal plants that were used by traditional healers in curing various ailments.

A traditional healer who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com, one Sekuru Gora, said some of the most valuable herbs grew on riverbanks and they are now hard to find. He said:

There is a herbal plant called Fuko, which grows along river banks. I used that plant to treat my clients suffering from infertility and period pains. This plant is now scarce because it was washed away by the rains.

During the Christmas holiday, I lost a lot of business as some clients from as far as South Africa and Botswana came seeking help. Even my local clients are also stranded because I cannot service them anymore.

Chimanimani borders Chipinge district which is renowned for being well-endowed with herbal medicines.

The two districts were the most affected when Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe in March 2019, with hundreds of people killed and thousands displaced.

More: NewZimbabwe.com