: Used to shield individuals, homes, or livestock from bad luck, theft, or witchcraft. It acts as a spiritual "fortress".
Muthi (or "muti") refers to traditional African medicine, deeply rooted in the belief that nature and the ancestral realm provide the means to heal, protect, and guide. In South Africa alone, it is a multi-billion rand industry serving millions of people. Types of Muthi by Function types of muthi
: In darker contexts, muthi can be used as a "poison" or weapon to harm enemies. The Practitioners : Used to shield individuals, homes, or livestock
: Bark (like Albizia adianthifolia ), roots, and leaves make up about 20,000 tons of material consumed annually. In South Africa alone, it is a multi-billion
: While traditional muthi is a respected cultural practice, it is distinct from "muti murder," which involves the illegal and violent harvesting of human body parts for profit—a practice condemned by both law and legitimate traditional healers.
Traditional medicine is typically categorised by the purpose it serves, ranging from physical health to spiritual intervention.