Traditional Knowledge and Practices of Medicinal Red Rock in Southern Morocco

Abstract

Research on geomaterials is an expansive and evolving field, revealing the potential of materials such as stones, clays, and minerals across various disciplines. These materials have been utilized in traditional medicine for millennia, serving as valuable therapeutic agents in both topical and internal applications. This study focuses on El Hammira, a medicinal red stone from Southern Morocco, known for its high iron oxide content and cultural significance in local health practices. Despite its widespread use, El Hammira remains under-explored in scientific literature. To address this gap, a structured survey was conducted to gather insights from users regarding the applications, perceived effectiveness, safety considerations, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. The results indicate that 98% of respondents report high satisfaction levels, highlighting El Hammira's recognition and perceived efficacy. Significant correlations were found between satisfaction and factors such as the line of therapy, education level, age, use of mixed substances, and likelihood of recommendation. These findings underscore the urgent need for further scientific research to validate the traditional claims associated with El Hammira.