The Vanishing Herbs: Dr. Lydia Matoke on Indigenous Healing and Climate Threats

In this compelling first episode, we delve into the world of Dr. Lydia Matoke, a highly respected traditional healer whose connection to herbal medicine stems from a rich family lineage of healers, including a grandfather who was a surgeon.

She shares her unique journey, blending indigenous knowledge passed down from her grandfather with modern education in medicine.

Dr. Matoke recounts the establishment of traditional medicine within the government's framework, her leadership role in national associations and her efforts to foster collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

Through her Hope Natural Health Care Centre, she passes on practical knowledge on herbal medicine to a new generation.

Dr. Matoke raises a critical concern on the waning availability of herbal plants and shrubs due to modern farming practices, deforestation, and the shifting seasons which are direct impacts of climate change. To counter this, she explains how she contracts farmers nationwide to grow specific herbs without fertilizers and how she involves youth in collecting avocado seeds for income.

She strongly encourages herbalists to cultivate their own gardens for conservation and domestication.

Dr. Lydia Matoke challenges the government to partner with traditional healers in identifying and planting indigenous herbal trees for re-afforestation efforts, thereby creating jobs, mitigating climate change and adapting to the climate crisis.