One of the Ways Dibia Mborogwu (Indigenous Herbal Medicine Healers) Derive Knowledge
For a Dibia Mborogwu, nature is the first and greatest teacher. One of the most effective ways they gain knowledge is by patiently observing the world around them, watching how the natural world heals itself.
Take for instance a wounded animal in the wild. A dibia might observe how that animal instinctively finds a particular plant, chews on its leaves, or rolls in its sap, and slowly begins to heal. That single act becomes a message, a revelation. The dibia takes note: What plant did the animal choose? Did it chew or swallow it? Was the leaf dry or fresh? Was it used alone or with something else? Every observed detail is a critical clue in the sacred science of indigenous medicine.
To the dibia, every detail matters. They don't rush to conclusions. They study, they watch, they wait. They understand that healing involves "what" is used, as well as the "how," "when," and "why." They take a wholistic approach to derive context.
Now, it’s also true that some of their knowledge comes through dreams. Many dibia receive spiritual guidance when they sleep. In this dream space, the unconscious mind (which is the spiritual mind) becomes a gateway where their Agwu passes on teachings. But even then, those spiritual instructions usually point them back to nature.
So what can we learn from all this in today's modern world?
Do we listen enough?
Are we paying attention to the wisdom our environment is constantly offering? Or have we drowned out nature's voice with our fast-paced, artificial lives?
Do we care about preserving the environment?
Because once we lose our forests, rivers, and wildlife, we also lose the indigenous libraries of knowledge encoded within them.
Are we patient enough to study and act?
Because indigenous knowledge doesn't come from shortcuts. It comes from generations of careful observation, reflection, and experimentation.
If we want to reconnect with the roots of healing, if we want to evolve our indigenous ways of inquiry in today’s world, then we must learn to slow down, observe, and honor the intelligence of nature. That is how the ancient Dibia Mborogwu did it. That is how wisdom still speaks to those willing to listen.
