ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF HERBAL STEAM INHALATION (NYUNGU) IN ZANZIBAR: MEDICINAL PLANT USE, CULTURAL VALUE, AND TOURISM POTENTIAL

Authors

  • Bariki Salum Juma Researcher
  • Khamis Rashid KHEIR Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar
  • Rashid George RASHID Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar
  • Bilal Badrudin KHAMIS Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar
  • Thani Ame ALI Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar
  • Hassan Buda JUMA Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar
  • Ussi Makame KOMBO Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar
  • Farid Mzee MPATANI Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Agency (CGCLA), P.O. BOX 759, Maruhubi, Zanzibar;
  • Hamisi Masanja MALEBO UNESCO National Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania, P.O. Box 20384, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
  • Burhani Othman SIMAI Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA). P.O. BOX 3595, Changu Road Mombasa area;
  • Amuor Khamis JUMA Department of Forestry, Zanzibar. P. O. BOX 3526, Maruhubi, Zanzibar
  • Bariki Salum JUMA Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI), P. O. BOX 1439, Binguni, Zanzibar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21010/AJTCAMv22i1.1%20%20%20%20

Keywords:

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plants, Wellness Tourism, Nyungu (Steam Inhalation), and Cultural Preservation

Abstract

Background: Traditional herbal steam inhalation (Nyungu) is a key healthcare practice in Zanzibar for treating respiratory, febrile, and spiritual ailments. Despite its importance, it remains under documented and underutilized in wellness tourism. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants used in Nyungu and explore opportunities for integration into tourism.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 26 shehias (14 in Unguja and 12 in Pemba). Sixty-eight traditional healers were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data on plant use, preparation, treated ailments, and commercialization were analyzed using SPSS and Origin software.

Results: The study identified 73 and 75 plant species in Unguja and Pemba, respectively. Commonly cited species included Citrus aurantiacus, Azadirachta indica, and Ocimum americanum. The main ailments treated were runny nose (18%), fever (15%), common cold (13%), and spiritual disorders (12%). Treatment regimens varied: most healers in Unguja preferred one-day sessions, while those in Pemba favored three- to seven-day duration. Polyherbal preparations were widely used. Commercialization was limited, with 60% of healers in Unguja and 84% in Pemba not offering services to tourists. Documentation was low, as only 8% (Unguja) and 17% (Pemba) recorded their practices.

Conclusion: Nyungu remains a cornerstone of traditional healthcare in Zanzibar and holds promise for wellness tourism. However, poor documentation, limited commercialization, and lack of standardization hinder its development. Phytochemical validation, cultivation of key species, tourism integration, and supportive policies are recommended for sustainable use and cultural preservation.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Juma, B. S., KHEIR , K. R., RASHID , R. G., KHAMIS , B. B., ALI , T. A., JUMA , H. B., KOMBO , U. M., MPATANI , F. M., MALEBO , H. M., SIMAI , B. O., JUMA , A. K., & JUMA , B. S. (2025). ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF HERBAL STEAM INHALATION (NYUNGU) IN ZANZIBAR: MEDICINAL PLANT USE, CULTURAL VALUE, AND TOURISM POTENTIAL. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 22(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.21010/AJTCAMv22i1.1

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Bariki Salum Juma, Khamis Rashid KHEIR , Rashid George RASHID , Bilal Badrudin KHAMIS , Thani Ame ALI , Hassan Buda JUMA , Ussi Makame KOMBO , Farid Mzee MPATANI , Hamisi Masanja MALEBO , Burhani Othman SIMAI , Amuor Khamis JUMA , Bariki Salum JUMA

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