Healing plants in the spotlight for African Traditional Medicine Week
The significant contribution of traditional medicine as a major provider of healthcare services in Africa cannot be underestimated
This week, from 26 to 31 August, recognises African Traditional Medicine Week and acknowledges the work done by traditional healers for centuries.
This holistic medicinal practice incorporates natural herbs, ingredients and African spirituality to bring physical, mental and spiritual healing to individuals.
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Traditional African medicine is a holistic discipline involving the use of indigenous herbalism combined with aspects of African spirituality.
About 80% of Africa’s population relies on traditional medicine for their basic health needs.
In some cases traditional medicine is the only healthcare service available, accessible and affordable to many people on the continent.
Let’s take a look at some of the South African traditional indigenous plants and their incredible medicinal properties:
Aloe
Externally: Heals wounds, burns, sunburn, scrapes, and ulcers, treats eczema and fungal infections like ringworm and thrush.
Internally: Used for gastric ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome
African potato
Used as an immune stimulant, helps with diabetes, prostate problems, anti-cancer properties (like prostate cancer), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary tract disorders including bladder infections, tuberculosis and arthritis.
Buchu plant
Used for treatment of bladder infections, inflammation and gout. It also has a diuretic effect.
Sutherlandia (cancer bush)
An adaptogenic providing immune system support against chronic diseases or immune deficiency diseases. Aids in reducing wasting due to illnesses such as cancer, tuberculosis, and regulates and stabilises blood sugar levels. Also viral hepatitis, bronchitis, flu, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, peptic ulcers, liver conditions, urinary tract infections.
Topically to treat burns, wounds and inflammatory skin conditions.
Wild ginger
A variety of medicinal and traditional uses to the native South African people. Rhizomes and roots are chewed fresh to treat asthma, hysteria, colds, coughs and flu. It is used to treat malaria, and is chewed by women during painful menstruation.
Penny wort (gotu kola)
The leaves are used to treats wounds and fevers; also used to treat acne and allergies.
Hoodia plant
The stems are dried and used to suppress appetite; also used for indigestion and stomach ache.
Madagascar periwinkle
The roots are used to treat diabetes and rheumatism. Liquid from the leaf is used in chemotherapy to treat several types of cancer.
