Title : Traditional galactagogues and indigenous knowledge in maternal health: Insights from Uganda within a one health perspective
Abstract:
Traditional medicine remains a vital pillar of healthcare for millions of families worldwide,particularly in maternal and child health. This study investigated the use of herbal galactagogues (HGs)—natural remedies believed to enhance breast milk production—among rural communities in southwestern Uganda. Using household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with elders, herbalists, and traditional birth attendants, a rich diversity of remedies was documented. Twenty-seven plant species were reported, with Hagenia abyssinica, Kitinawa, and the forest-associated plant locally known as Omujji being the most frequently cited. In addition to tea and decoction preparations,they also applied certain plant-based preparations directly to the body to relax nerves and stimulate milk flow. Elders further described the use of animal-derived products, such as buffalo titi and ekisirira, reflecting a broader indigenous pharmacopoeia.These findings highlight how traditional health practices address nutritional challenges and sustain exclusive breastfeeding in low-resource settings. The recurrent mention of unclassified species such as Omujji illustrates the untapped potential of indigenous knowledge for new therapeutic discoveries. Beyond local importance, this work contributes to global dialogue on safe, culturally rooted, and accessible approaches to maternal healthcare. By documenting and validating these practices, the study supports their preservation and creates pathways for integration into contemporary healthcare systems. This aligns with the conference theme of “Health for All: Using Traditional Methods in Today’s Healthcare”, showing how indigenous knowledge can inform innovative and inclusive models of integrative health within a One Health framework.
