Herbal Teas to Ayurveda: Natural Medicine Still Thrives in Mauritius

Walk into almost any Mauritian home and you are likely to find a bundle of dried herbs in the kitchen, a bottle of essential oil in the bathroom cabinet, or a grandmother's remedy for a fever or an upset stomach passed down through decades. Despite the country's well-developed modern healthcare system, natural and traditional medicine continues to hold a meaningful place in everyday life on the island. **A diverse tradition rooted in culture** Mauritius is a multi-ethnic society, and its approach to health reflects that diversity. Herbal teas (known locally as *tisanes*), medicinal plants, massage therapy, Ayurveda — the ancient Indian system of medicine — homeopathy, and aromatherapy all coexist alongside conventional Western medicine. Many of these practices have been handed down through Indo-Mauritian, Sino-Mauritian, Creole and other communities over generations. Ayurveda in particular has deep roots in the island's Indian-heritage community and is practised at dedicated clinics and wellness centres. Homeopathy, introduced through European and Indian influence, also has a following among Mauritians who prefer gentler, non-pharmaceutical approaches to common ailments. **What the research shows** A 2013 study on complementary and alternative medicine use among women in Mauritius offered a rare statistical snapshot of this landscape. Conducted with a representative sample of 384 women, the research identified 13 types of therapies being used to manage or treat 26 different health conditions. Herbal medicine (phytotherapy) came out on top, used by 30% of participants. It was followed by yoga at 13%, breathing exercises at 12%, and massage at 11%. Ayurvedic medicine accounted for 8% of recorded practices, while homeopathy stood at 5%. It is important to note what these figures do and do not tell us. The study focused specifically on women and was conducted over a decade ago — so it cannot be taken as a precise measure of current, population-wide usage. Nevertheless, it provides a clear indication that natural health practices were far from marginal even as modern medicine expanded its reach across the island. **Why natural medicine persists** Several factors help explain why traditional remedies remain popular in Mauritius. Cultural identity plays a strong role — many practices are tied to family and community heritage. Cost is another factor: herbal remedies and local plant-based treatments are often far more affordable than pharmaceutical alternatives. Some Mauritians also simply prefer a holistic or preventative approach to health, seeking to complement — rather than replace — conventional medical care. Mauritius has a tropical climate that supports the growth of a wide variety of medicinal plants. Lemongrass, turmeric, moringa, neem, and camphor are among the plants widely used in local folk medicine. **What this means** For residents and visitors alike, natural medicine in Mauritius is not a fringe phenomenon — it is woven into daily life. For health tourists and wellness travellers, the island offers genuine Ayurvedic and holistic wellness experiences at luxury resorts and independent practitioners. For policymakers and health professionals, understanding the prevalence of complementary medicine use matters for public health planning and patient communication. Source: ION News