The first recorded epidemic that occurred in Ethiopia dates back to 849 following the expulsion of Abba Yohannes, the head of the Ethiopian church, from the land. The plague and famine that ensued was perceived as God’s punishment for Yohannes’ misdeeds.  In a terrified letter to Abba Yohannes, the Ethiopian emperor wrote that “great tribulations have come upon our land, and all our men are dying of the plague and all of our beasts and cattle have perished” (Pankhurst, 1990).The Biofarm Project, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Copyright: WHO/P. VirotIt is impossible to pinpoint the birth of medicine in Ethiopia, but certainly the evolution of curative practices closely follows the path of a disease. Traditional medical practitioners mostly implement herbs, spiritual healing, bone-setting and minor surgical procedures in treating disease. Ethiopian traditional medicine is vastly complex and diverse and varies greatly among different ethnic groups. Most traditional medical practices in Ethiopia rely on an explanation of disease that draws on both the “mystical” and “natural” causes of an illness and employ a holistic approach to treatment (Bishaw, 1991).Under the rule of Menelik (1865-1913) Western medicine became significantly more incorporated into the Ethiopian medical system. Numerous medical envoys from abroad, starting with the Italians and Russians, were influential in building hospitals, providing medical training and participating in vaccination campaigns. However, most medical establishments primarily served the urban elites and foreign missionaries and were concentrated in the major cities (Pankhurst, 1990).Despite Western medicine becoming more widespread in Ethiopia, Ethiopians tend to rely more on traditional medicine. Conventional medical services remain concentrated in urban areas and have failed to keep pace with the growing population, keeping health care access out of reach for most Ethiopians living in Ethiopia. Because traditional medicine is culturally entrenched, accessible, and affordable, up to 80% of the Ethiopian population relies on traditional remedies as a primary source of health care (Kassaye et al., 2006). Moreover, Western medicine has become more focused on preventative measures and people seeking curative practices still rely on indigenous medicine as the primary source for health care (Pankhurst, 1990). The influence of traditional medicine is also seen in Ethiopian migrant populations. In countries with substantial Ethiopian immigrant populations, traditional herbs, medical devices, and practitioners are readily available (Papadopoulos, 2002).Here are some Commonly Used Herbs and Spices in Ethiopia:Basil,Besobila (A) Common Uses:headache, insect repellent, malaria.Black Mustard,Senafech(A) Common Uses:stomach ache,bloating, amoebic dysentery and abortifacient,also used for wound dressing.Dingetegna (A) Common Uses:for stomach upset,Fever reduction.Fenugreek,Abish (A) Common Uses:stomachache, antispasmodic, powder used for wound dressing.Garlic,Nech Shenkurt(A) Common Uses:common cold, malaria, cough, pulmonary TB, hypertension, wounds, STDs, asthma, parasitic infections, toothache, diabeteS.Rue,Tenadam(A) Common Uses:common cold, stomachache, diarrhea, influenza.Turmeric,Ird(A)  Common Uses:used topically for “crying eyes” in children.