Do you remember the days when you had a stomach ache or a sore throat and your granny would head out into the garden, returning with a handful of leaves to make you a tea that tasted foul but made you feel much better? In the whirl of modern life, many of us have lost touch with the natural medicine available all around us. We've forgotten about the extraordinary healing powers of plants – and the knowledge that was whispered down through generations has been dulled by the convenience of modern medicine.
Now, after having been used for centuries to treat a whole gamut of disease and ailments – and still being used in traditional medicine – our healing plants are drawing the attention of modern medicine. So gen up on our local medicinal plants and be proud –we live in a country where medicine actually does grow on trees!
Buchu
Formally known as
Agothosma betulina or
Barosma betulina, buchu is
generally known by its
San name, because these
savvy bush survivors
were the first to make use
of its antibiotic properties. A pretty, low lying
shrub with white or pink flowers,
buchu is widely used today for a number of complaints.
A word of caution: Never boil buchu, as this can make it toxic, and only use a teaspoon of leaves to make buchu tea. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, stay well away from buchu, as it can stimulate menstrual flow. And always take Buchu with meals, as it may irritate your digestive system otherwise.
Did you know? Buchu brandy, a rather potent brew made by steeping the leaves in brandy, is a common remedy for stomach problems.
Aloe Ferox
Commonly known as bitter aloe in
English, iKhala in Xhosa, iNhlaba in Zulu
or bitteraalwyn in Afrikaans, aloe ferox is
well known for its medicinal properties.
Luckily you don't have to climb a
mountain to find one of these prickly
plants these days, as aloe capsules, juice,
gels and creams are readily available at
most pharmacies. Aloe is good for treating
many ailments.
A word of caution: Severe burns require urgent medical attention, so cool the wound with clean cold water and head for help immediately.
African potato
Also known as inkomfe,
this humble plant
has a centuries old
reputation for
medicinal value,
though in recent
times it has become
somewhat infamous as an immune
booster for people living with HIV/Aids.
While its effectiveness as a remedy for
HIV/Aids remains controversial, the plant
has other medicinal properties and uses.
Photograph: David Briers
