kujitibu

How to say it

Meaning

To treat one’s own illness or injury without seeing a doctor, often with home remedies or medicine bought on one’s own. Health articles use it for self medication.

Good to know

Reflexive verb from kutibu, to treat, with ji meaning oneself: alijitibu kwa mitishamba, she treated herself with herbs. Doctors often warn against it: usijitibu bila ushauri, do not treat yourself without advice.

Examples

• Wagonjwa wengi hujaribu kujitibu kabla ya kwenda hospitali.Many patients try to treat themselves before going to hospital.
• Alijitibu mafua kwa tangawizi na limau.He treated his cold with ginger and lemon.
• Usijitibu kwa dawa bila ushauri wa daktari.Do not treat yourself with medicine without a doctor's advice.

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