Abstract
Ethnobotanical survey of plants used as chewing sticks for oral healthcare was conducted in Esan region, of Edo State Nigeria. In the course of this survey, 32 plant species belonging to 31 genera and 23 families was documented. It was observed that plants used by the locals are carefully selected for properties such as hardness, or bitterness and certain species were more popular than others. Some of these species had medicinal properties used for the treatment of malaria, stomach troubles, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, and tuberculosis. The oral health status of the locals, especially the youths and the middle aged are indications of the potential dental recipe, contained in some of these plant species. Key words: Ethnobotanical, Oral Healthcare, Esan Tribe, Nigeria.
Recommended Citation
Idu, M.; Umweni, A. A.; Odaro, T.; and Ojelede, L.
(2009)
"Ethnobotanical Plants Used for Oral Healthcare Among the Esan Tribe of Edo State, Nigeria.,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2009:
Iss.
4, Article 15.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2009/iss4/15