In dealing with this subject I have as far as possible compiled information received from a large number of individuals, chiefly Native chiefs, educated Natives, Missionaries, &c., and, as in soliciting information terms understood by such had to be used, I have continued to use the same terms, classifications and nomenclature of disease, etc.
“Icesina,” Fevers. Natural Diseases.
There is a wand-like snake called “In-Gum-babane,” which is supposed to eat up the man inside and thus cause death. The Kaffirs try to stop the entrance of the snake or to arrest its progress by using bitter and strong smelling herbs, which they administer internally, as well as by rubbing well all round the orifices of the body, mouth, nose, anus, etc.
A general method of treatment for these fevers as well as other constitutional diseases is [[53]]called “Uku Nyakamisa Imbiza” (to wet a pot).
This is carried out in the following way:—
Roots of several kinds of medicinal plants are collected, placed in a gourd, covered with water and allowed to soak. Of which infusion repeated doses are administered to the patient. The supply of the infusion is kept up by adding more water until the roots either shoot or putrify. The patient is then given a severe purge and emetic and is expected to be cured.
Measles. I-Masisi. Scarlatina. I-Rashalala, or more usually Ungana. These two diseases are considered as one, scarlatina being the more grave.
Treatment:—a Fresh goats dung, “Ingqata,” is taken and boiled in goats milk and this drunk hot in cupfulls. It helps to bring out the rash and cause profuse perspiration. The remaining dung is dried, powdered, mixed with fat and rubbed all over the body. b. Wormwood (Um-hlonyane) is also sometimes used for steaming the patient, and if the throat be bad, infusions are gargled, made from a mucilaginous wood the (Indlebe yemvu) Helichrysum appendiculatum (Less).
c. The leaves and shoots of (Um-pafa) wait-a-bit thorn tree, are boiled, the steam inhaled [[54]]and the concoction gargled.
d. The throat may be fomented and poulticed.