New insights into the indigenous knowledge of the uses of the common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr.) in Rwanda

Abstract

AbstractThe common stinging nettle (Urtica massaica Mildbr., ‘Igisura’) is one of the popular plants used for multiple purposes in Rwanda. This study aimed to get more insights into indigenous knowledge of the multiple uses of this plant in Rwanda. It was conducted in eleven administrative districts in September 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 124 respondents who were chosen using the snowball sampling technique from locations where the stinging nettle grows or has been domesticated. In addition to face-to-face interviews, personal observations, and group discussions were organized at visited sites. Data were analyzed using SPSS. The uses of the common stinging nettle plant can be grouped into five categories: 1. Human medicine, 2. Veterinary medicine, 3. Human nutrition, 4. Animal feeding, and 5. Others. The stinging nettle is used in the form of cooked leaves (47%), leaf powder (39%), boiled leaves (8%), decoction (4%), infusion (1%), and fibers (1%). Stomach ulcers (37%) and hypertension (15%) are the most predominant diseases treated by stinging nettle products. Nearly all respondents (98%) agreed that domesticating the stinging nettle was important and indicated that they would be ready to grow it if they were assured of the market. Nettle products are widely sought to improve the health and well-being of both humans and animals. Yet, they are still scarce on the market. Hence, there is a need to promote the domestication of stinging nettle to increase its production and availability.

Keywords

• Indigenous knowledge
• stinging nettle
• wild plants
• medicinal plants
• Rwanda
• Escudero-Gilete M. Luisa, Universidad de Sevilla, Nutrition and Bromatology, SPAIN