Experiences of pregnant women regarding the use of traditional medicine (isihlambezo) at King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu-Natal

The prevalence of herbal medicine (isihlambezo) use is on the rise worldwide, especially amongst pregnant women. Most women believe that traditional medicine use has significance and advantages to them and their unborn babies during pregnancy. There are few scientific studies about its safety for pregnant women and their babes, regardless of possible teratogenic effects that may result in fatalities amongst pregnant women, who continue to consume isihlambezo. The study aimed to explore and describe experiences of pregnant women regarding the use of traditional herbal medicine (isihlambezo). Qualitative descriptive phenomenology research design was employed in this study. Twelve participants who were purposefully selected to collect data were interviewed until data saturation was reached using unstructured interviews as data collecting strategy. Data was analysed by using Colaizzi steps of phenomenological data analysis. Several themes and sub-themes emerged from the study which included myths about isihlambezo, traditional and cultural beliefs, indication and effects of isihlambezo. Most participants expressed strong beliefs regarding the use of traditional herbal medicine (isihlambezo). Therefore, it is evident that isihlambezo continues to gain momentum among pregnant women despite not being scientifically tested for its safety use during pregnancy . The study’s findings revealed that factors such as unemployment, poverty, lack of education and beliefs contribute to the high uptake of traditional herbal medicine (isihlambezo) among pregnant women. Hence, its consumption during pregnancy is on the rise despite its unknown safety. Maternal healthcare institutions should consider reviewing the safety use traditional herbal medicine (isihlambezo).