The sustenance of tradition

There has been a growing acknowledgement by modern medical science of the significant –even critical role traditional medicine plays. Modern medicine realizes that many if not all of the wonder drugs created over the years are based mostly on plants and herbs- the secrets of which were first revealed to the ancient ‘science’ of traditional medicine.
Ethiopia is richly endowed with traditional forms of medicine, due to the accumulated knowledge passed down through the generations, personified in practitioners such as Abebech Shiferaw, the dynamic woman who is the founder of the Deshet Herbal Medicine Institute. Capital’s Addis Mulugeta met with Abebech at her DebreZeit center for an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Capital- How you were introduced to the ways of traditional Ethiopian medicine
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: I was born in 1953 here in Addis Ababa. I went to regular school up to the 9th grade but then I got married and had a son and two daughters. Marriage however, was not the end of the line and for the next eight years, I learned about traditional medicine. The fact that I inherited books on traditional Ethiopian medicine from my grandparents also helped to lead to me into the world of medicine.
After completing my studies, I began practicing twelve years ago. There is nothing as satisfying or rewarding as treating suffering patients; making them feel better and well again.
In time, I opened the first dedicated establishment in our country; the Deshet Herbal Medicine Institute in 2004. It is based in Debrezeit town (49 kms south of Addis) and is involved in research work which participates researchers from around the world.
Capital: Tell us about your ancestral background in traditional herbal medicine and about Deshet.
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: Deshet was the sixth king reigning leading up to the birth of Christ. The line is thus: Ethel, the first monarch, had two sons: Beor and Tishbe. Beor had Balaam and Prophet Elijah was the son of Tishbe.
Balaam bore Shechem, who had Keranil – the father of Deshet. All these kings were crowned near and around the region of Lake Tana. Deshet was a philosopher- king who used to inscribe his thoughts on bronze. I have all of his manuscripts written on old parchment.
Capital: Are you a direct descendant of Deshet?
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: It is an evolving process.At this moment, there are 81 sages of Deshet philosophy. They are old, wise and live in the forests. They possess a total mastery of traditional medicine, plants and philosophy.
I spent eight years with these enlightened elders, learning according to a strict code of conduct. This was in Zega, west Gojam. For instance, it was mandatory to take regular long distance journeys on foot, eating and drinking only the proscribed meals. Tasks in the learning process include locating and gathering medicinal plants, grinding cereal, fetching water and collecting firewood.
Honesty in every aspect of life is the rule. Toward the conclusion of the years of study, the pupil has to list and identify on parchment, all the medicinal plants. After this the pupil is ready to share and generate knowledge and then they are welcomed into the Deshet family.
Capital: How was Deshet Institute established?
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: My experience in practicing traditional medicine led me to the realization of the necessity of an institute that could serve as a center for international research in traditional medicine. The center can also help in preserving and protecting medicinal plants. Currently, I have over 1800 trees in my immediate surroundings, 1400 medicinal plants and 60 coffee trees Work on select seeds is a major part of the institutes activities. Researchers, local and international working with the Deshet institute have also provided technical training and material support for farmers in regard to helping them to preserve their plants.
The institute also keeps a record of plants and their respective medical properties. We have medicines for nearly all types of illness except for diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Capital: What is your opinion about modern medicine as compared to the traditional ways?
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: There used to be misconception about traditional medicine until the near past. However, both traditional and modern medicine are on the same track and sometimes work together. International scientists understand the importance of the herbal system. Our strength is that I am working with well known experts in the field of medicine.
Capital: What kind of support would you like to get from the government?
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: I have submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education requesting to open school of traditional medicine. However, there are no regulations that allow for the opening of such a school. Therefore, I need support from government bodies to make this happen.
Capital: What are your future plans?
Hakim Abebetch Shiferaw: I have plans to open the traditional school if the government recognizes us and also to start a traditional Ethiopian food and coffee ceremony services in my institute in Debreziet.