Traditional African medicine (TAM) is an ancient healing art. In this
wide-ranging study the author presents an interpretation of the beliefs
that constitute the theoretical framework for TAM practices, and
concludes that the beliefs share many characteristics with modern
medical theory, but there are significant differences from the latter
which reflect the African experience. Fever, malaria and plant remedies,
have one common denominator i.e., the biological phenomenon known as
inflammation. This is the backbone of the hypothesis put forward in the
second half of the book: In traditional African societies malaria was
successfully cured with plant remedies which suppressed malaria-induced
inflammation; because the people had significant immunity against the
disease, the causative plasmodium parasite was eliminated by the host's
body. How indigenous plant remedies can now be used to minimize malaria
drug resistance is outlined, and an Africa-centered approach to malaria
control-which takes into account the African's intrinsic protective
immunity and his extensive knowledge of anti-fever plant remedies, is
advocated. Science Interrogating Belief is essentially an outline of the
basic principles of TAM. It points to ways in which the modern and
ancient traditions of medicine can come together for the benefit of
mankind.
