One of the uses that the villagers here have of the wild plants is for medical purposes. I’ve been shown plants that can help with anything from malaria to curses and bad spirits. Or, as these examples:
Nirjaba, that is given to chickens in their water if they get sick.
Kamsongo, a tree that sometimes grows roots on its trunk. These surface roots can be used to alleviate joint pains.
Pelgara, a bush with roots that can be used to treat trauma or insanity. I’m not sure, but I think it’s some kind of natural valium.
Younouyouga, the thyme-and-mint-smelling herb whose leaves can be dried, pulverized and inhaled through the nose as treatment of rheumatism.
There is so much knowledge here, so much knowledge that I’m sure we had in the Nordic countries at one point too. So many uses of the things all around us that we’ve completely forgotten. It is sad.
I hope development is more accepting to old knowledge here than it has been in the far north.
Katja Malmborg 