Table 3

Occasionally used herbal medicines, indications, parts and additives during pregnancy, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, 2022 (n=300)

Local name/English nameScientific nameFrequencyReason of use with frequencyPart useAnother additive used with IHM
‘Kurkura’/Christ’s thorn jujubeZiziphus spina-christi22

  • Diarrhoea12

  • Diabetes7

  • Dementia3

LeavesMoringa water
‘Sinafch’/mustardBrassica nigra21

  • To increase appetite10

  • Lower depression/‘to be alert’11

PowderNo
‘Ye Kosso zaf fire’Hagenia abyssinica21Intestinal parasites21SeedNo
‘Gambello’Gardenia ternifolia20

  • Stomach ache11

  • Fever4

  • Hypotension4

Rue
‘Tikur azmud’/black cuminNigella sativa16

  • Headache=9

  • Common cold=5

  • Cough=4

SeedNo
‘Annan Kuti’/spearmintMentha spicata12

  • Lowering blood pressure5

  • Asthma3

Moringa
‘Dammakessie’Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst11

  • Common cold9

  • Inflammation of leg3

  • Diabetes3

LeavesGinger garlic
‘Eret’/aloeAloe sinana9Malaria9LeavesHoney or sugar