Polygonaceae
Description
This item is from "Some Common Medicinal And Poisonous Plants Used In Ethiopian Folk Medicine" work, by Amare Getahun.
Polygonaceae
Polygonum senegalense Meisen.
gummamilla (A)
chomo (G)
Shrubby herb found in wet areas such as 1ake shores and river edges or water runways.
An extract of the fresh leaves is used externally to treat skin troubles and is highly effective.
Rumex abyssinicus Jacq
mokmoko (A)
choldia (Wol)
This is a common weed of cultivated lands or disturbed grounds.
The tubers are widely used to dye the palms of the hand and feet red by ladies, particularly in the northern parts of the country. Such a practice is considered decorative. The cooked tuber makes a strong dye often used in butter preparation to compart yellow coloration as well as in other spice preparations.
Rumex berquaertii de Wild.
Rumex berquaertii de Wild. is medicinally used in rheumatism. The aqueous root extract is administered with water for stomachaches.
Rumex hepalensis Spreng.
tult (A)
shomboba, shombobata (T)
arab-sari (GH)
Tult is a common name applied to both species but more to Rumex nepalensis Spring. Both are common weeds of cultivated fields, and near dwelling areas.
Rumex nepalensis Spring, is used as an antidote for poisoning as well as a laxative.
Rumex nervousus Vahl
embwacho (A)
dengego (G)
hohet, thiteh (T)
alegango (Adaric)
Woody shrub up to 2 m. tall with several stems arising from ground level as well as by repeated branching above; bark is grayish and leaves slightly succulent.
The plant is common over a wide range of altitudes. It seems to prefer poor, but well drained soils. It is common on road sides and in over-grazed areas. Dengego mountain near Dire Dawa enroute to the city of Harar is named after this plant where it is particularly abundant.
The stems and leaves of dengego are extensively used in chat (Catha edulis) wrapping. Bundles or loads of chat are packed neatly with it to reach the market. The thick, relatively succulent leaves with their high exalic acid content keep the chat fresh for longer periods.
The charcoal of the stem mixed with egg yolk is used to dress skin burns. Butter is added to prevent flaking and drying of the wound. The plant is reportedly used to treat skin itches.?
The tender and succulent young shoots are eaten by shepherds. Putting the young shoot in the fire and quickly removing it, weakens or reduces the acid resulting at the same time in a mushy and jello- like pith, highly relished by children.
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